Thoughts from Dr. Whitson

DASNR's New Institute for Agricultral Biosciences

Oklahoma State University’s Institute for Agricultural Biosciences groundbreaking ceremonies took place on May 1 in Ardmore. With a similar focus to enhance agriculture in the state of Oklahoma, OSU and the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation will collaborate on many projects at the Institute for Agricultural Biosciences located near the Noble Foundation.

The 33,000 square foot facility will enable OSU to more effectively assist producers through the development of new or improved crops and crop production systems that will in turn enhance livestock production; develop new, viable alternatives for rural economies with an emphasis on economic development and technology transfer; and advance Oklahoma’s research capacity in the fields of plant science, agricultural research and biomass development.

“In many ways, Oklahoma is the intersection between agriculture and energy, making our state particularly well-positioned to take a lead role in helping the United States become a viable biobased economy,” said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, of which the institute will be a part.

Whitson said the ability to enhance Oklahoma’s research capacity with the addition of the Institute for Agricultural Biosciences cannot be overstated.

“The best way to ensure Oklahoma’s needs are met by the coming biobased economy is to be a leader in terms of developing scientific advances and new technologies, which will doubtless affect quality of life in both rural and urban areas,” he said.

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Shaping Oklahoma’s renewable energy future

Traditional economies may suggest that bigger is better, but the Oklahoma State University Biofuels Team has received widespread recognition for cautioning that is not the case with all forms of renewable energy.

“The renewable energy landscape will be a mosaic of diverse elements, meeting specific needs at the local, state, regional and national levels. Our state and federally mandated land-grant mission makes the university well suited to help shape America’s energy future,” said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Division research into biomass fuel-source improvement in the early 1990s kicked off OSU’s longstanding involvement in biofuels development, years before President Bush brought biofuels into the national consciousness with his January 2006 State of the Union address.

“For most people, the conversation about biofuels is a rather recent topic,” Whitson said. “OSU has been working for years to develop the necessary tools and relevant expertise to help community leaders and residents make sound decisions about renewable energy development while balancing economic, social and environmental considerations.”

The OSU Biofuels Team is comprised of scientists and engineers within the division; the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; the University of Oklahoma; Mississippi State University and Brigham Young University.

“Our being honored as a Grand Challenge winner at this summer’s national Bio Energy Awareness Days event in Washington D.C. is another example of the university’s recognized leadership in biobased product development and technology transfer,” 

Whitson said.

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New Water Research and Extension Center to enhance sustainability of agriculture water supplies

The new DASNR Water Research and Extension Center will focus efforts for sustaining Oklahoma’s agriculture water supply, which is crucial to the state’s economy and the health and well-being of residents and the environment, said Robert E. Whitson, vice president, dean and director of the division.

“Decisions made by Oklahoma producers, agricultural processors and value-added industries about their water use and management have never been more key than today, with demand for water increasing from multiple users and interest groups,” he said.

Water issues in agriculture have been identified as high-priority areas of emphasis for all three aspects of the division, which is comprised of the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and two statewide agencies: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station system and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

“DASNR has more investment in water research, education and public service than any other entity in the state,” Whitson said. “Although many priority areas have been and are being addressed through a number of division programs, the center establishes a central clearing point from which we can more effectively direct our available resources.”

Division officials cite a number of key areas that illustrate the need to enhance the development, delivery and accessibility of science-based information related to water management issues. First, rising input costs for crop and animal production demonstrate the need for the implementation of water conservation measures.

“These include improved soil management practices, irrigation methods, efficiency of farm water storage and transport of water, as well as an overall economic assessment of agricultural enterprises to allow owners and operators to manage existing water supplies more prudently,” Whitson said.

Whitson said an emphasis of the center will be to facilitate the development of work groups, project teams and educational programs that meet and sustain Oklahoma’s agriculture water needs.

“Not only will the center provide an effective means to identify priority issues, it will enhance the development of grants, contracts and cooperative agreements with local communities, government agencies, private industry, and tribal nations; all of which are important to developing solutions to agricultural water issues in the state,” he said.

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