OSU Agriculture Names 2025 Champions

Jun 26, 2025

Oklahoma State University will honor two individuals this fall who have demonstrated a commitment to agricultural sciences and natural resources.

Thomas and Rhonda Coon are the 2025 Champion for OSU Agriculture Award recipients. They will be recognized during the OSU Agriculture Honors ceremony on Oct. 3.

“Tom and Rhonda exemplify the core values and mission of OSU Agriculture,” said Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “Their dedication to advancing science-based research and improving the quality of life for Oklahomans reflects the rich tradition and enduring impact of our land-grant mission. We are proud to honor their achievements and celebrate their lasting contributions.”

Tom Coon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a Master of Science and doctorate in Ecology from the University of California, Davis.

He began his career as an assistant professor of fisheries and wildlife at the University of Missouri. He then worked as an assistant professor and associate professor of fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University before becoming a full professor.

Tom Coon also served as the director of Michigan State University Extension before assuming a leadership role as vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture in July 2014.

Source : okstate.edu

Video: A chain harrow is a game changer

Utilizing a rotational grazing method on our farmstead with our sheep helps to let the pasture/paddocks rest. We also just invested in a chain harrow to allow us to drag the paddocks our sheep just left to break up and spread their manure around, dethatch thicker grass areas, and to rough up bare dirt areas to all for a better seed to soil contact if we overseed that paddock. This was our first time really using the chain harrow besides initially testing it out. We are very impressed with the work it did and how and area that was majority dirt, could be roughed up before reseeding.

Did you know we also operate a small business on the homestead. We make homemade, handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, hair and beard products in addition to offering our pasture raised pork, lamb, and 100% raw honey. You can find out more about our products and ingredients by visiting our website at www.mimiandpoppysplace.com. There you can shop our products and sign up for our monthly newsletter that highlights a soap or ingredient, gives monthly updates about the homestead, and also lists the markets, festivals, and events we’ll be attending that month.