Oklahoma has diverse natural resources, agricultural production regions and commodities, communities, families, businesses, and industries

Stakeholder needs arise from issues and challenges with respect to agricultural production, the environment and natural resources, communities and markets, scientific discovery, economic downturn, and technology development. OSU extension's goal is to provide educational opportunities to help improve the quality of life for all oklahomans. Through our programs, oces will address identified needs related to health, family resiliency, food and fiber production, nutrition, food safety and security, economic development, recreation, land and resource use, human capital, and youth competencies in science, life skills and critical thinking. Achieving this goal will require expanding the diversity of the audiences we serve and the delivery of a wide variety of educational and service programs that improve the vitality and sustainability of oklahoma's families, businesses, and rural and urban communities. Rapidly changing communities, both rural and urban, plus rich ethnic, cultural and social diversity within the state mean programs must be adapted statewide. Human health issues are major economic and social concerns as oklahoma often ranks high in risk factors such as child and adult obesity and diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. OSU extension will strive to teach children, youth, and families the life skills necessary to be successful and resilient. We will help oklahomans increase their personal wellbeing and contribute to their community's growth and development through education to improve personal financial management and planning, increase readiness for employment opportunities, improve interpersonal skills, and increase community action. Through educational programs, we will help oklahomans maintain or improve their health through increased food security, safe and healthy food choices, and increased physical activity. Oklahoma ranks 6TH nationally in the number of farms and 8TH in farm acreage. Vast forage production areas, the ability to graze winter wheat, and the high plains sub climate have made cattle production an enormous industry, ranking 5TH nationally in cattle and calves. Huge weather fluctuations from recurring statewide drought to periodic flooding present challenges and significantly impact agriculture and natural resources. Natural resource management is affected by ecosystem degradation and loss of services, land use changes and habitat fragmentation, water availability, and climate change. Considerable untapped opportunity exists for the improved use of natural resources for recreation and the development of BIO-based industries. OSU extension will strive to build more sustainable crop and livestock systems that preserve natural resources and protect the environment while remaining productive, profitable, and meeting consumer demands. Through educational programming, we will help land managers and homeowners preserve natural resources and protect the environment. The oklahoma 4-H youth development program provides youth opportunities to acquire leadership, citizenship, and life skills. These programs are based on the four concepts of positive youth development: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. 4-H will provide formal and non-formal community-focused experiential learning, develop life skills, foster leadership, citizenship, volunteerism and work force development. OSU extension will make a positive difference in the lives of more oklahoma youth with emphasis on 4-H programs to attract more minority and urban youth. Focusing on positive youth development will help each child become positive contributors to society.