History

In 1984, 273 acres were purchased 10 miles east of Atoka for the purpose of building a research and Extension center, jointly funded and operated by both Oklahoma State University and the USDA-Agricultural Research Service. The Lane Agricultural Center consisted of the Wes Watkins Agricultural Research and Extension Center operated by OSU and the South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory operated by the USDA. 

The purpose of the joint venture was to advance the study and promotion of alternative cropping systems in southeastern Oklahoma and adjoining regions and states. Researchers investigated horticultural crops as possible replacements for lower-profit agronomic crops. For over two decades, most research efforts focused on vegetable crops.

In 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture transferred Wes Watkins Research Laboratory to OSU with the agreement the university focus their research on agricultural and natural resources research for the next 25 years. 

Past Research 

While operated in partnership with the USDA, most  research efforts were focused on vegetable crops alternative cropping systems that were sustainable with low environmental impact and organic cropping systems. For many years, the primary research emphasis was on cucurbit crops, primarily watermelon but also including cantaloupes, cucumbers and squash. Other crops included tomatoes, southern peas, sweet corn, green beans, peppers, onions, herbs and forage crops grown in rotation with vegetables.

With the departure of the USDA, the station has increased the diversity of focus to support a wider range of OSU Ag Research faculty and Extension specialists from the Stillwater campus.

Current Research 

Currently, research focuses on crops that can be marketed with the Farm-to-School program, crops that can be used for biological fuels and biological disease control programs, crops with nutraceutical values and cover crops that can be used for soil improvement.

Work at the facility includes research on insecticides in grain and forage sorghum, cattle supplement and forage management, row crop weed science, food crop production, organic farming, soil fertility and honeybee care and pollinator management, as well as work in the Integrated Pest Management Program, such as sugarcane aphids, pests in bermudagrass, IPM techniques for vegetable production and leafy greens and control of cutworms in corn.