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Gail Ellis, OSU | Apr 16, 2021 When a deep freeze settled across Oklahoma in mid-February, the greenhouse sheltering Oklahoma State University’s wheat breeding program showed its age in the worst way. Constructed in the 1960s, the facility’s heating system failed, pipes froze, and 70% of the hybrid plants inside succumbed to crippling cold. The loss was catastrophic and exemplified a need to reinvest in the crumbling infrastructure of agricultural research. “My technicians were working hard to save the plants with space heaters, but the greenhouse still got down in the mid-20s," said�...

Special to The Banner The year 2020 has been one of uncertainty, and there is no doubt the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the food industry. From temporarily closing of manufacturing plants to food product shortages, changes have been seen on a global scale. However, the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center continued to support innovation and growth of food and agricultural businesses throughout Oklahoma in 2020, providing a total economic impact of more than $6 million. “This year has def...