Agronomy Discovery Center

Oklahoma State University is doubling down on its efforts to nourish and feed the world by modernizing and improving its Agronomy Research Station, home to one of the world’s top wheat breeding programs. The research station includes 28 buildings used for classroom instruction, greenhouse trials, research, Extension efforts and support services.

Innovative Research

OSU Agriculture has multiple teams that utilize the Agronomy Research Station, and they research the ever-changing environment in Oklahoma. Discoveries made at the research station significantly impact the state's $42 billion agricultural industry and influence food security worldwide with wheat supplying 20% of calories consumed by humans.

Wheat Improvement Team

The OSU Wheat Improvement Team and its scientists engineer new varieties that account for more than 70% of all wheat acres planted in Oklahoma and around 10% across the country. Since 2000, the group has commercialized 39 varieties, contributing to the United States' standing as one of the top producers and exporters of the food crop globally.

Recognized as one of the world's top breeding programs, the Wheat Improvement Team is one of the last remaining public breeding programs in the country. OSU's researchers work closely with farm groups to offer neutral and unbiased support to improve farm profitability.

71%

of named wheat acreage in Oklahoma is developed at OSU

25%

of named wheat varieties grown in Texas originated at OSU

wheat varieties commercialized by OSU since 2000

1.25 M

head of cattle graze on an estimated 58% of winter wheat

Outdated Obstacles

Much like the clientele it serves, OSU Agriculture has stretched resources over the last several decades and maintained facilities to the best of its ability. But many spaces were constructed in the 1940s and create unnecessary obstacles, limitations and threats to research. Maintenance costs are too prohibitive, and the scientific innovation exceeds the capabilities of the facilities.

Modern Movement

A modernized research station will remedy the major challenges OSU Agriculture's researchers face and simultaneously create exciting opportunities for program growth and the breadth of its impact. Specifically, OSU scientists are especially eager to move into new areas of plant phenotyping and its effect on milling, baking, human health, etc. New laboratories, classrooms and capabilities will also aid OSU as it recruits and retains the next generation of innovative wheat breeders.

Better Wheat for Tomorrow

"When products of the wheat breeding program — 1-2 new varieties per year — stand a better chance against nature than the facilities used to create them, then we know it's time to upgrade. Investments like this do not merely produce a wheat for today; they ensure a better breed of Oklahoma wheat for tomorrow."

- Brett Carver
OSU Regents Professor & Wheat Genetics Chair

Headhouse & Greenhouses

Updated and new facilities will bring a vitality and competitive edge to teaching, research and Extension initiatives at the university. Early focus will prioritize creating a new headhouse and research greenhouses, which will become the birthplace of all of OSU's new wheat lines.

Classroom and Lab Building

Plans also include a dynamic and multipurpose classroom and lab building that can accommodate industry audiences. The building will house the Wheat Quality Laboratory; Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory; and the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory.

Growing Momentum

Learn about the importance of OSU wheat and the need for improved facilities.

Facilities for the Future

See what the Agronomy Discovery Center could look like once completed.

Front entry rendering of what the Agronomy Discovery Center could look like.

Rendering of the interior of an Agronomy Discovery Center greenhouse could look like.

Rendering of the exterior of the Agronomy Discovery Center headhouse.

Rendering of a side of the Agronomy Discovery Center next to a field.

Rendering of the new greenhouses at night.

Rendering of what the wheat quality lab could look like.

Rendering of what the interior of the grow room could look like.

Needs and Opportunities

The university has approved early funding for the Agronomy Discovery Center and will rely on private gifts to support this transformation. Architectural planning is underway, and donors who document their commitments early will have the first right of refusal for naming opportunities. Gifts may be made at four different levels: Triumph, Chisholm, Duster or Gallagher.

Agricultural commodity donations are an additional way to invest and qualify for the campaign. Individuals may contact the OSU Foundation and consult their tax advisors to understand potential benefits.

Donor levels for the Agronomy Discovery Center fundraising initiative - Triumph: $1 million, Chisholm: $500,000-$999,999, Duster: $250,000-$499,999 and Gallagher: $50,000-$249,999.

Teresa Gustafson

Contact Teresa Gustafson at tgustafson@osugiving.com or (405) 384-5601

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Innovative Research

Wheat Improvement Team

By the NumbersOSU Wheat

Outdated Obstacles

Modern Movement

Better Wheat for Tomorrow