Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (OSU Agriculture) is gearing up for a dynamic fall semester, with positive enrollment projections, the addition of a key new faculty member, and ambitious plans for facility enhancements. Dr. Jayson Lusk, Vice President and Dean of OSU Agriculture and Regents Professor in Agricultural Economics, recently shared the excitement with Farm Director KC Sheperd during the OCA convention.
Summer has been a period of vibrant activity, with major youth programs drawing hundreds of students to campus. “We had our big three Field Day, where we had about 1500 students from across the country that come in and focus on livestock judging,” Dr. Lusk reported. This was quickly followed by the 4-H Roundup, which brought “several hundred students from all around Oklahoma” for various competitions and scholarship opportunities. These events serve as a critical transition point, signaling the shift towards “back to school priorities.”
Enrollment trends are strong, with the College of Agriculture anticipating an increase in its student body. Notably, a significant portion of incoming agricultural students are from out-of-state. Dr. Lusk explained that this is not due to turning away Oklahoma residents, but rather reflects OSU’s growing reputation. “We have become a place that’s very attractive because we’ve continued to focus on commercial agriculture, on a place that we can learn real-world, hands-on skills,” he stated. Recruitment strategies include engagement at livestock shows and targeting state FFA officers nationally. Initiatives like student farm activities are also crucial for attracting those without prior agricultural experience, providing “some experience and learn a little bit about agriculture, even if it’s a slightly unconventional way.” The presence of a “brand new building that’s nice and shiny” now on the main university tour is also proving to be a powerful draw for prospective students.
A significant new addition to the OSU Agriculture team is Todd Hubbs, who will fill a crucial role in grain market outlook, following the retirement of long-time legend Dr. Kim Anderson in July 2024. Dr. Lusk emphasized the importance of this hire, particularly for critical commodities like wheat and cattle. “We just made an offer, had an acceptance from a gentleman named Todd Hubbs,” Dr. Lusk announced, highlighting Hubbs’ extensive experience in market outlook at the USDA Economic Research Service and previous faculty positions at universities like Illinois. While acknowledging that “nobody can really replace Kim,” Dr. Lusk is confident that Hubbs brings “a lot of expertise in terms of just the quantitative side of market outlooks” and will be “a great addition to the team” in providing vital grain outlooks to producers. Hubbs’ primary focus will be on extension and research, actively engaging with producers at field days.
Looking ahead to the fall, OSU Agriculture will host a variety of field days across the state, focusing on commodities like cotton and peanuts, building on recent wheat-focused events. These field days, often in collaboration with local producers, showcase “examples of demonstrations using different management practices… different seed varieties,” aiming to “create knowledge and convey that knowledge to people who can really use it and put it into practice.” A full schedule of these events is available on the OSU Extension website.
Panhandle Crops Field Day
Aug. 21, 2025
- 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Oklahoma Panhandle Research & Extension Center near Goodwell. Register by Aug. 18.
- Topics will include irrigation, cotton, regenerative agriculture in semi-arid ecosystems, cover crops, forage systems, soil health, and corn and sorghum diseases and pests.
- Check in begins at 3 p.m. ODAFF Pesticide and Certified Crop Advisor CEUs will be offered.
Schedule for Panhandle Crops Field Day
Beyond the immediate academic year, Dr. Lusk shared his excitement for several major new initiatives. Fundraising continues for “new facilities to support our Wheat Improvement Team,” which is essential for advancing Oklahoma’s leading crop. Furthermore, significant planning is underway for a new Veterinary Teaching Hospital, a project recently bolstered by a historic $250 million state investment in June 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will replace an outdated one, drastically expanding capacity and capabilities for veterinary students and enhancing animal care across Oklahoma.
Finally, OSU Agriculture is developing a “new Beef Center of Excellence,” with a primary focus on “human capital and trying to attract talent and people that can affect what is the largest industry in our state” in terms of agriculture. Dr. Lusk concluded by expressing his enthusiasm for these efforts, which aim to “move the needle on in the coming year.” With a new semester on the horizon, OSU Agriculture is poised to continue its leadership in agricultural education, research, and outreach. Sources
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