Tag - Oklahoma

State/Territory

Healthy foods and exercise equipment.

Land-grant university research and Extension strengthen nutrition, health and well-being

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in America. Research and Extension are fighting back. Over half of adults who participated in a Texas diabetes education program now choose healthier foods, monitor glucose levels during exercise, and control their diabetes to avoid interference with daily life. These changes could help participants save up to $94,021 in [...]

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Vegetables for sale at a farmers market stand.

Research and Extension ensure everyone has ample access to affordable, safe, nutritious food

Invasive pests damage crops, costing U.S. agriculture an estimated $30 billion every year. Pest management research and Extension stabilize the food supply chain. Researchers and Extension specialists in Oregon, developed cost-effective alternatives to glyphosate for herbicide-resistant Russian thistle control, protecting more than 30,000 acres of wheat and preventing over $1 million in yield losses so far.Oregon State University Extension Service. [...]

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A river bisects a field and forested riparian area

Research and Extension support resilient ecosystems

Recent studies and programs are conserving and protecting water used for drinking, fishing, irrigation and recreation.  Washington research helped establish 25 anaerobic digesters across the Pacific Northwest, turning dairy manure from more than 143,000 cows into biogas that provides more than 126 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year. Digesters decrease water quality risks associated with nutrient runoff from manure [...]

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A drone flies over a field.

Research and Extension make agricultural systems more efficient, profitable, competitive and resilient

Strategies and tools for managing crop pests and diseases have increased productivity and profitability. For example: Extension units across the nation offer plant and pest diagnostic clinics. In New Mexico, free diagnoses saved producers an estimated $36,000 in testing fees in 2025, while also supporting biosecurity and export compliance. In Indiana, lab results and recommendations saved clients $890,000 in reduced [...]

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a 4-H member participates in a mock voting exercise

Understanding government, building future leaders: Oklahoma 4-H Junior Governor Program

Understanding how state government functions is essential for young people to become informed and engaged citizens. To address this need, the Oklahoma 4-H Junior Governor Program was developed to introduce youths in grades 4–6 to the three branches of government and how they work together to serve the public. In partnership with the Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy and [...]

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a woman paying bills

Improving financial literacy and well-being in adults

Adults in the U.S. often struggle with financial well-being. They face challenges including insufficient savings, debt struggles and confusion around changing tax codes. The Land-grant University System helps adults improve their financial literacy and stability. Here are a few examples of that work: In-person and virtual finance education programs in South Dakota taught fiscal management practices and consumer economics that helped [...]

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4-H students in a capital building

Growing tomorrow’s citizens: Land-grant universities empower youth voices

Civic engagement is essential to youth development because it builds leadership, responsibility, critical thinking and a sense of belonging. Land-grant universities play a vital role by delivering research-based Extension and 4-H programs that provide hands-on civic education, leadership training and service-learning opportunities. These institutions connect youth with local leaders, real-world challenges and pathways to lifelong active citizenship. Here are a [...]

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Unity in Immunity Awareness OKC Bus Wrap Campaign sponsored by Langston University Extension

EXCITE community immunity: Langston University expands vaccine awareness through trusted outreach

Vaccination rates remain low across Oklahoma, particularly in communities experiencing higher poverty and chronic disease, increasing preventable health risks and widening health disparities. Fewer than half of Oklahomans are vaccinated against several common preventable illnesses, according to national public health data. To address this challenge, Langston University Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) partnered with the Extension Collaborative [...]

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Wellness on Wheels truck

Empowering community resilience

Community resilience support is a critical function of the land-grant system because it equips individuals, families and local organizations with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to adapt to economic, environmental and public health challenges. Through research-based education and Extension outreach, land-grant universities strengthen local capacity, promote equity and help communities not only recover from disruption but build long-term [...]

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a 4-H student operates a robot

Engaging students in STEM, robotics

Exposing youth to innovative technology builds digital literacy, problem-solving skills and career readiness, preparing the next generation to compete in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven workforce. Together, youth-focused technology education and land-grant leadership create a pipeline of skilled leaders who can drive economic growth and address complex local and global challenges. Here are a few examples of that work: South Dakota middle [...]

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UConn Extension experts at a well water testing booth

Well water testing improves public health 

Clean and safe water is essential to public health, agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Those with private wells are responsible for their own water safety. Without accessible testing, education and coordinated planning, contaminants can threaten drinking water, food safety and ecosystem health, particularly in rural communities.  Here are a few examples of that work: In Connecticut, 65% of participating households took [...]

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an Extension agent shows a member of the public how to read a nutrition label on a box of cereal

Improving food and nutrition knowledge and skills

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) helps adult and youth participants improve their nutrition and health. It promotes budget-friendly food choices by teaching skills in how to plan meals, shop wisely, and prepare affordable, nutritious foods. It empowers participants and builds self-confidence, leadership and lifelong healthy habits. By teaching food resource management and efficient use of available [...]

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soybeans

Using genetics for crop disease resistance

Pests of major crops, including wheat, soybean, potatoes, tomatoes and wine grapes, cost American producers billions in yield losses each year and raise prices for consumers. Pathogens are steadily overcoming current genetic sources of resistance, making continuing efforts to identify and incorporate new genetics critical to reduce losses to farmers and protect markets and food security. Here are a few [...]

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screwworm fly

The U.S. prepares for a potential screwworm outbreak

As a New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak spreads from Central America to Mexico, states in the Southwest are ramping up efforts to raise awareness among livestock producers of the current status, management methods and the impacts this devastating pest may have on livestock in the event of a U.S. outbreak.  Numerous presentations have been offered in-person and online in Oklahoma [...]

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a person wearing PPE examines goats in a barn

Safeguarding farms through improved biosecurity

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has been stepping up producer education in biosecurity and agroterrorism, and pest and disease surveillance and control, to safeguard the state’s agriculture and economy. Representatives from more than 100 counties and different agricultural sectors have participated in new agro- and bioterrorism training to increase awareness and expertise related to emerging risks in [...]

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cattle in a field

Tech solutions for livestock management

Livestock producers face challenges such a shrinking labor force, limited veterinary access and rising costs. Artificial intelligence, precision agriculture technologies and genome sequencing have shown promise in improving livestock management, but up-front costs have generally restricted adoption to large-scale dairies. Small farms need economically feasible, effective tools tailored to their specific operations. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers [...]

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A smiling woman in a green shirt and maroon cap crouches in a sunny field, harvesting a head of deep red leaf lettuce. She is working in a well-tended garden plot with irrigation lines, representing local agricultural impact and food production

Strengthening the agricultural workforce for the future

The workforce is changing. Across industries and states, trained workers are in demand to support local food systems, meet community needs, ensure safety and increase productivity. Land-grant universities are rising to the challenge of meeting these needs through partnerships, trainings, certifications and hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen the agricultural workforce. Here are a few examples of that work: Health and safety [...]

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a diseased plant

Improving crop profitability through disease management

Land-grant university research and Extension programs help producers manage costly plant diseases through early detection, risk assessment and science-based tools. By integrating applied research, diagnostics and education, growers protect yields, reduce unnecessary pesticide use, improve return on investment and strengthen long-term agricultural resilience across variable production systems. Here are a few examples of that work: South Dakota State Extension plant pathology [...]

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Worker cuts down fallen tree with chainsaw in suburban neighborhood after storm

Disaster response and recovery: partnering in times of local community need

As threats from wildfire and extreme weather increase, producers and communities need information to help prepare and resources to support recovery once impacted. Land-grant universities are responding with tools, resources, communications and staffing support that will strengthen resilience and long-term recovery. Here are a few examples of that work: In response to impacts from Hurricane Helene, Extension in Georgia mobilized to [...]

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Mario Soto and Aurelie Poncet with a plant and a light-emitting device.

Building resilient agriculture through pest management

Land-grant university pest management programs strengthen agricultural resilience by delivering research-based education that helps farmers manage pests more effectively and safely. These programs improve pest control decisions, reduce unnecessary pesticide use and minimize health and environmental risks—supporting healthier ecosystems and long-term productivity. Here are a few examples of that work: Louisiana State University’s AgCenter’s Field Crop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program [...]

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a raingarden

Building resilient communities through low-impact development practices

Traditional infrastructure in Oklahoma communities does not fully address the challenges flooding, erosion and declining water quality bring, especially in rural and residential areas where design and maintenance resources are limited. Landscape design plays a critical role in establishing water-resilient communities.   The Designing with Water initiative, led by Oklahoma State University Extension’s Landscape Architecture program, promotes sustainable landscape practices through education, [...]

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a family preparing a meal

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program strengthens families with hands-on education

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) strengthens families by providing hands-on nutrition education to those with limited resources. Through practical lessons in healthy eating, meal planning, food budgeting and physical activity, EFNEP helps families develop lifelong skills that improve their overall well-being. As families adopt healthier lifestyles, they reduce their risk of chronic diseases and food insecurity. [...]

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a person looks at information on their phone and laptop

Extension builds financial resilience for community prosperity

Extension professionals at land-grant universities across the United States are helping communities build financial resilience by providing access to education and resources that foster financial literacy and money management. Here are a few examples of that work: Twenty-one percent of Oklahoma children live below the poverty level. An Extension program called Reality Check helped youths learn money management practices and job [...]

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a family preparing a meal

Extension programs help families grow stronger as they navigate life’s challenges

Parenting isn’t easy — and neither are a myriad of other experiences that can arise in family life. To help people navigate situations like adjusting to co-parenting after a divorce, family disagreements and end-of-life planning, Extension professionals at land-grant universities lead research-backed initiatives that strengthen families and offer support for those going through difficult circumstances. Here are a few examples [...]

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cows

Land-grant university research, outreach support beef production

The United States is the world’s top producer of beef, contributing to about 20% of the world’s production. In 2023, the U.S. beef industry had an estimated value of $102 billion. Land-grant universities are supporting the beef industry through research, Extension and education, ensuring producers remain economically viable and are able to safely meet changing market demands. Here are a [...]

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