Dr. Brian Arnall, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist for precision nutrient management, is the recipient of the 2026 Southern Region Excellence in Extension Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Cooperative Extension and the Association of Public Land-grant Universities.

This award recognizes the impact and public value of his OSU Extension programming: Precision Nutrient Management to Advance Producer Profitability and Environmental Stewardship. Throughout his career, he has advanced science-based nutrient management by helping producers improve profitability while enhancing nutrient use efficiency and environmental stewardship through precision agriculture.

“From day one, my objective has been to help the Oklahoma producer, from rancher to row cropper, be sustainable, both economically and environmentally,” Arnall said. “I try to be very reactive in that I can respond to the immediate questions, at the same time being a bit proactive. The most important thing is to listen to the county educators and their producers and try to provide assistance to all.”

Arnall has served as the OSU Extension specialist for precision nutrient management since 2006, and he is also a professor in the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

These awards are given annually and recognize Cooperative Extension individuals and teams demonstrating outstanding community leadership, innovative programming, and measurable impact.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Arnall and this well-deserved national recognition,” said Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “For nearly two decades, Brian has worked alongside Oklahoma producers, helping them make more informed decisions that strengthen their operations and protect the resources they depend on. His commitment to serving farmers and ranchers through innovative, impactful Extension programming has made a difference not only across our state but also throughout the agricultural community.”