*For Immediate Release*
Exploring Opportunities
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 09-09-05
by Laura Dahl
Robert Whitson, Oklahoma State University’s Vice President,
Dean and Director of Agriculture, made a return visit to Texas
County this week to thoroughly explore the area’s agricultural
industry. The visit was coordinated by Roy Ehly, who chairs
the Texas County Ag Supporters Committee, and the ambitious
agenda kept Dr. Whitson and his wife, Linda, busy for three
days.
His stay in Texas County included a number
of service club meetings, facility tours, receptions, and
meetings with agriculture industry leaders to discuss current
issues. On Thursday afternoon, Dr. Whitson participated in
a round table discussion with what he called a “blue-ribbon panel” of
experts. Representatives from a variety of local agricultural
concerns including wheat, beef, pork, sunflower, cotton,
grapes and honey bees as well as agricultural leadership
and rural housing presented short, topical issues for discussion.
Following the round table, Whitson said he had learned a lot,
and plans to explore ways in which OSU might provide research
data for alternative crops in the area. He also expressed the
need for help from local producers, who can help anticipate
needs and determine what research is necessary.
For well over 60 years, OSU’s Oklahoma
Panhandle Research and Extension Center (OPREC), has provided
expertise and research data to the local agricultural industry.
The director of OPREC is a part-time faculty member at OPSU.
Whitson said he is interested in exploring ways OSU might
provide research and extension and partner with OPSU to enhance
the existing strong alliance.
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