WILBURTON, Oklahoma – Eastern Oklahoma State College is proud to share a series of transformative updates to its college farm that will enhance educational opportunities, strengthen partnerships and bolster its agricultural operations. These advancements, driven by the college’s mission to “Cultivate Growth. Create Futures. Change Lives,” will provide students with real-world experience while contributing to the success of local producers.

Thanks to a generous donation, facilitated by Earl Shero’s efforts in securing alumni support, EOSC has purchased a new tractor that will serve both farm operations and educational purposes. In addition, the college is working to secure a lease agreement for an additional tractor, ensuring access to a new model each year. EOSC is also exploring opportunities to expand its equipment resources, with Dr. Randy Harp, EOSC vice president of academic affairs, development and interim dean of agriculture, currently in negotiations with Case IH, Mahindra and John Deere for additional tractors. These efforts will further enhance student training and improve operational efficiency on the farm.

The farm has also received funding to replace several miles of fencing, in partnership with Latimer County Commissioner Jeremy Bullard. This essential upgrade enhances safety and ensures the farm continues to serve as a premier facility for agricultural education.

EOSC Farm Committee members Joe McAlester and Regent Latt Jeffrey are spearheading a collaboration with National Livestock Credit Corporation on a profitable stocker calf operation, which will be integrated into the college’s innovative stocker management degree program. This partnership offers students hands-on experience in stocker management, risk management strategies, animal health and nutrition.

“We are working with leading nutritional consultants to optimize diets and rates of gain, ensuring our cattle are healthy and thriving,” Harp said.

Harp is also leading collaborations with nutrition and pharmaceutical companies to bring cutting-edge trials to the college farm. These initiatives will provide students and area producers with practical data to advance agricultural practices.

Under the direction of Andrew Anderson, EOSC agriculture instructor, and supported by former American Angus Association President John Pfeiffer’s expertise in purebred cattle, EOSC is promoting purebred Angus bulls bred to thrive in Oklahoma’s environment. Discussions are underway for a potential buyback program, enabling producers to sell calves sired by Eastern bulls for inclusion in the college’s stocker program. Plans are also in the works for a future production sale.

In addition, remodeling projects for the Goddard Livestock Show Arena and beef barn are beginning. These upgrades will revitalize these landmark facilities, which are vital to EOSC’s livestock operations and community engagement.

The improvements are overseen by EOSC’s Farm Committee, which includes Regents Jeffrey, Leland Walker, and Jerry Hamilton, as well as Anderson, Harp, McAlester, and Pfeiffer.

“We are thrilled with the progress being made on the farm,” Jeffrey said. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to providing students with unparalleled education while supporting the agricultural community we serve.”