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Division of
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

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Ag Research Extension Ferguson College of Agriculture
Ag Research Extension Ferguson College of Agriculture
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Oklahoma State University has a tradition of animal excellence and a future of innovation to nourish the world and enhance human and animal health. The Animal Excellence initiative elevates animal agriculture at OSU through exemplary teaching, groundbreaking research and Extension capabilities by developing a Beef Center of Excellence and updating animal teaching farm equipment and facilities.

Why OSU?

OSU's unique assets support beef cattle education, research and Extension.

  1. Research & Innovation

  2. Education & Training

  3. Extension Services

  4. Collaboration & Partnerships

  5. Facilities & Technology

No. 2National Ranking for Number of Beef Cows

Beef Cattle in Oklahoma

$3.2BAnnual Economic Impact

Beef Cattle in Oklahoma

Beef Center of Excellence

OSU aims to establish a cross-disciplined research program in beef cattle to bring together people all along the beef supply chain through the creation of the Beef Center of Excellence (BCE). The BCE will empower research and Extension to increase profitability of beef cattle production for present and future generations. Oklahoma stands out because of the state’s unique location in the beef cattle supply chain. A larger share of the nation’s cattle travel through the state as stocker cattle to capitalize on dual-purpose wheat as a cattle forage system. OSU Agriculture offers many assets to support the land-grant mission while having the capability to bring focus to research needs throughout the supply chain.
The BCE will provide a cohesive collection of resources that can be deployed to fund impactful and cutting-edge research and outreach. The goal is to establish a BCE advisory board, executive director position and a collection of endowed chairs to add capacity and personnel in multi-disciplinary areas focused on artificial intelligence, beef cattle economics, and rangeland ecology and management.

Animal Teaching & Research Units

OSU is one of the only remaining universities to still have operating units for all food animal species and is nationally known for the superior quality of livestock, teaching and research within proximity to main campus. From all 50 states and more than 100 countries around the world, our students make the cowboy family a vibrant and inclusive culture. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1, we will help you prepare for the future by providing the academic support you need.

Future Leaders & Top Innovators

Jayson Lusk

"OSU Agriculture wants to be the preferred industry partner and the top recruiter of talent in animal agriculture. We are proud of our history and are strategically positioning ourselves to be future leaders and top innovators."

- Jayson Lusk, Vice President & Dean
OSU Agriculture

Funding Needs & OpportunitiesBeef Center of Excellence

Executive Director Position $5,000,000

Funding will allow for the hiring of the executive director position to aid in creating the overall vision of the BCE. This individual will grow and integrate what is already being accomplished at OSU and lead the BCE to being adaptable to current and future issues of the industry.

Endowed Chair Positions $1,000,000

OSU is committed to investing its resources through establishing chairs to bring new faculty members (three positions) to the university. Chairs may be housed within the agricultural economics, animal and food sciences, and natural resources ecology and management departments, with the goal of the chairs to focus on researching artificial intelligence, beef cattle economics, and range land ecology and management.

Advisory Board Membership $50,000

Members will serve a five-year commitment and advise projects led by BCE-affiliated faculty to guide the upcoming year and learn from faculty and students about previously funded research and outreach projects.

Animal Teaching & Research UnitsAnimal Unit Endowment Fund $15,000,000

OSU Agriculture is currently developing a master plan for the animal teaching and research units, assessing each unit and the critical infrastructure needs. Annually, the units employ more than 70 student workers in addition to supporting thousands of students attending classes and labs. The Animal Unit Endowment Fund will provide unrestricted perpetual support to maintain and enhance the student experience and research capabilities of every animal teaching and research unit.


For More Information

Megan Smith

Contact Megan Smith, director of development for OSU Foundation, at mesmith@osugiving.com or 405.747.1977. 

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