Promoting Adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Technologies to Improve Productivity and Profitability for Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers

Commodities

Practices

The Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Langston University has consistently supported agricultural producers across Oklahoma through crop and livestock production programs, including the promotion of sustainable farming practices. This Professional Development Program (PDP) will focus in sustainable agriculture efforts among Oklahoma growers by strengthening economic viability and promoting optimal management of natural resources. The objectives of this program are to train agricultural professionals including personnel from federal and state agencies, mentor farmers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)-in multiple aspects of sustainable agriculture. Skills and technical information related to sustainable production systems will be disseminated through a variety of educational outlets. Training will focus on key areas such as local food production, best management practices for specialty crops, sustainable goat production and pasture management, plasticulture, integration of cropping systems with pollinators, integrated pest management (IPM), and weather-resilient agricultural practices. Educational activities will be delivered through national and regional trainings, workshops, experiential learning opportunities, demonstrations, field tours, research presentations, small-group in-service trainings and online instruction. Program documentation will be conducted on an ongoing basis, and evaluations will assess changes in trainee knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Outcomes and impacts will be systematically tracked and reported to ensure program effectiveness and continuous improvement.

Field crops, vegetables, specialty crops, and livestock are the major agricultural commodities in Oklahoma. Farmers and ranchers face many production-related challenges in agriculture. There is a gap between on-station research technologies and growers' knowledge. One way to address this gap is to disseminate on-station-developed technologies that enable growers to improve productivity and profitability while maintaining soil and environmental health.

The Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Science (SL-SAAS) has continually supported Oklahoma growers through several training and outreach programs. In this project, SL-SAAS aims to train Oklahoma growers in sustainable agricultural technologies across multiple areas, including field crops, specialty crops, goat farming, urban agriculture, and beekeeping.

Through input from advisory teams, outreach and training topic objectives will be selected. The OkSARE Model State Program for 2026 will focus on agricultural enterprise development among crops, livestock, and goat producers. In addition, the program will also emphasize sustainable agriculture efforts within the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache, and Pawnee (KCAP) tribal communities. These objectives encourage the integration of sustainable and regenerative practices into Oklahoma agricultural operations.

Best Management Practices in Specialty Crop Production
One hundred growers will be trained in the latest best management practices for specialty vegetable and fruit production systems. Training will emphasize efficient use of resources, including irrigation, improved and adaptable cultivars, optimal nutrient management, plasticulture, and integrated pest management. In addition, growers will be trained on the importance of cover crops and methods for integrating cover crops to improve soil health.

Preservation of Local Seeds and Local Food Production
Certain tribes have preserved their own seeds for many generations. KCAP communities place high importance on locally saved blue corn. Trainings will be provided on production and management practices, including land preparation, planting and seedling establishment, insect pest and disease management, harvesting, postharvest handling, and seed preservation. One hundred ten individuals will receive guidance in the production, management, and preservation of blue corn.

Sustainable Goat Production
One hundred twenty-five educators and agricultural professionals will receive training in breed selection for meat production, feeding and nutrition, health management, pasture management, and housing infrastructure management.

Grantsmanship
Forty individuals will receive detailed information and access to support networks regarding grant opportunities available through Southern SARE and other appropriate granting agencies.

Beekeeping and Urban Horticulture
Eighty-five professionals will receive training in beekeeping, including hive installation, colony management, pest control, and honey extraction. In addition, trainings will be provided on modern controlled-environment horticulture technologies such as hydroponics and aquaponics, along with economic analysis of these systems.