Oklahoma's diverse natural resources, agricultural regions, commodities, communities, families, businesses, and industries face evolving challenges

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Oklahoma State University $12,441,420 under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program (CFDA 10.511) on October 1, 2025, for a five-year period ending September 30, 2030.

OSU Extension will deliver educational and service programs addressing Oklahoma's agricultural, health, economic development, and community sustainability challenges. The programs target health outcomes including nutrition security, physical activity, chronic disease prevention, and mental health resilience; agricultural production and food safety; family financial management and employment readiness; youth competencies in science and life skills; and environmental stewardship and land resource management. OSU Extension will expand audience reach and integrate educational programs for children, youth, and families while collaborating with community partners through policy, system, and environmental approaches to improve local conditions. Work is performed in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

This is a formula grant under the Smith-Lever Extension Funding program, which funds cooperative agricultural extension activities at 1862 land-grant institutions to develop practical applications of research knowledge and deliver instruction and practice-based education to support agricultural sustainability and community vitality.

These include agricultural production, environmental sustainability, community development, market dynamics, scientific discovery, economic fluctuations, and technological innovation. OSU extension aims to enhance the quality of life for all oklahomans by addressing needs in 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. To achieve this, OSU extension will expand its audience and deliver a broad range of educational and service programs that support the vitality and sustainability of oklahoma's families, businesses, and communities. Rapid changes in both rural and urban areas require statewide program adaptation. Human health, a major economic and social concern, is shaped by individual choices and environmental factors-where people live, learn, work, and age. Persistent issues such as poverty, food insecurity, limited physical activity, poor mental health, and barriers to healthcare access contribute to high rates of chronic diseases (obesity, heart disease, diabetes) and substance misuse. OSU extension will integrate educational programs for children, youth, and families to build life and resilience skills, while collaborating with community partners to improve local conditions through policy, system, and environmental (PSE) approaches. Anticipated outcomes include improved food and nutrition security, increased physical activity, greater financial stability, stronger family resilience, and enhanced community well-being. Education will support personal financial management, employment readiness, and interpersonal skill development, helping individuals improve their wellbeing and contribute to community growth. Oklahoma ranks 6TH nationally in number of farms and 8TH in farm acreage. Its vast forage areas, winter wheat grazing capacity, and high plains sub-climate support a robust cattle industry, ranking 5TH nationally in cattle and calves. However, agriculture and natural resources face challenges from extreme weather such as droughts and floods, and broader issues like ecosystem degradation, land use changes, habitat fragmentation, and water availability. OSU extension will promote sustainable crop and livestock systems that conserve natural resources, protect the environment, and remain productive and profitable. Educational programs will support land managers and homeowners in preserving natural resources and environmental stewardship. The oklahoma 4-H youth development program empowers youth with leadership, citizenship, and life skills through experiential learning rooted in the four pillars of positive youth development: belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity. 4-H fosters life skills, leadership, volunteerism, and workforce development through formal and informal community-focused programs. OSU extension will expand 4-H to reach more youth, helping them become positive contributors to society.