Donations from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission from the Oklahoma Genetics Inc. are leading a fundraising initiative for an Agronomy Discovery Center, according to the press release.

Jason Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU’s agricultural programs, said the work done at the station is important for producers and consumers.

“We are doing state-of-the-art research, but we are doing it in antiquated facilities,” Lusk said. “The Agronomy Discovery Center will provide the infrastructure we need to compete in the modern era and achieve our mission of feeding the world.”

The station’s main greenhouse was built in the 1960s. During a freeze in 2021, its heating system failed, allowing water pipes to freeze and killing most of the plants in the house. At the time, university researchers said the loss would set back wheat variety development for several years.

Wheat is the biggest crop in the state. OSU develops roughly 70% of wheat acres planted in Oklahoma, a quarter of named wheat varieties grown in Texas and a few dozen commercial wheat types. Lusk said the university is thankful for contributions from the agricultural organizations.

The plans to update the station call for a new headhouse and 12 research greenhouses. Priorities also include a multi-use Research and Education Center and laboratories.

The university has approved early funding for the center but said more private dollars are needed for the project. Architectural plans are in the works.