Public invited to May 2 Tipton Valley Research Center dedication and field tour

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is issuing an open invitation to agricultural producers and the public to take part in a May 2 field tour and dedication ceremony at the Tipton Valley Research Center.

Established in 1938, disaster struck on Nov. 7, 2011, when a multiple-vortex EF-4 tornado destroyed all standing structures at the site, located four miles south of Tipton on Highway 5.

“A new facility with integrated office, laboratory and shop space has been constructed that will provide considerable enhancements well into the future,” said Randy Boman, research director and OSU Cooperative Extension cotton program leader of DASNR’s Southwest Research and Extension Center in Altus.

Participants will get a firsthand look at the new facilities and learn about the latest science-proven insights relative to wheat, grain sorghum and cotton practices, concerns and issues. The event will kick off at 8:30 a.m. and finish early in the afternoon. There is no cost to attend and a steak lunch is being provided free of charge.

Although there is no cost to attend, participants are asked to RSVP to the Tillman County Extension Office at 580-335-2515 to help ensure sufficient numbers of meals, refreshments and educational materials are on hand.

“The topics are extremely timely, especially given ongoing drought conditions in the region, plus participants will have an opportunity to interact with other producers who are in situations similar to their own and speak with a number of elected leaders, university administrators, DASNR scientists and OSU Cooperative Extension specialists and educators,” Boman said.

Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese will be among those attending and will provide a state-of-the-state update. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies dedicating the new facility will take place immediately after lunch.

“This is a great opportunity for area producers to get the latest information about key agricultural research being done right here in our own backyard,” said Aaron Henson, Tillman County Extension director and agricultural educator. “One of the great benefits provided by DASNR’s state agencies – the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service – is the ability to conduct cutting-edge research under local conditions and then turn that research into best management recommendations applicable to a specific region.”

The Tipton Valley Research Center has always provided regional benefits since its inception. Gary Strickland, Jackson County Extension director and agricultural educator, literally grew up at the station. His father was Bert Strickland, station field foreman from 1968-1979.

“The late Joe Brown of RFD-TV 3 would come over from Wichita Falls, Texas, for field tours and then he would share the information with both Oklahoma and Texas viewers,” Strickland said. “Oklahoma and Texas producers in the region should attend the May 2 event. As always, the impact of the work done at the station crosses the border and affects a great many agricultural producers, their families and the communities in which they live.”

Anyone seeking additional information about the May 2 event should contact the Tillman County Extension Office at 580-335-2515.