An informal survey of participants at the Oklahoma City Farm Show (April 15-17) and the Oklahoma FFA Convention (April 27-28) revealed most are concerned about too much government involvement in agriculture. The survey was conducted when participants visited the Farm Bureau booth during the events. The survey was composed of three questions: What are the critical farm issues today?; Are you doing anything different on your farm this spring?; and What is the biggest challenge for your business today? Almost half of all farm show participants surveyed said they are concerned about too much government control . “Everything from the […]

When Governor Brad Henry signed HB3202, known as the equine dentistry bill, into law April 16, he successfully ended a two-year struggle to help Oklahoma livestock producers continue to care for their horses and other livestock. “Protecting animal husbandry practices, including equine dentistry, has long been a Farm Bureau priority,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  “We want livestock producers to be able to humanely care for their animals.” The equine dentistry issue surfaced when the 2008 Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill making the practice of veterinary medicine without a license, a felony.   In 2009 the […]

Oklahoma livestock producers spend the better part of the day making sure their cattle, horses and other livestock are comfortable and well fed.  It’s good for the animals and it’s good for business.   In an effort to support livestock producers, the state legislature is protecting producers’ rights to humanely treat livestock with traditional animal husbandry practices.  HB 3202 allows horse owners to employ trained and certified equine dentists to properly care for their animals. Skilled equine dentists may require prescribed medication to treat livestock and therefore should be allowed to purchase drugs from a licensed veterinarian and administer the medication […]

Three legislators received Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service award Feb. 15 during the farm organization’s annual leadership conference in Oklahoma City. The Meritorious Service award is presented to legislators who have a strong voting record for Farm Bureau issues and show support for rural and agricultural issues.  The awards are based on a county Farm Bureau’s nomination and evaluation of the lawmaker’s adherence to the values and issues important to rural Oklahoma. Receiving the award were Senators Mike Schulz, Altus, and Sean Burrage, Claremore, and Representative Ann Coody, Lawton. Sen. Schulz authored the Livestock Preemption bill that authorizes the Oklahoma […]

A golden plow, world farm leader, state budget breakdown and legislative priorities are all on the agenda for Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s annual leadership conference Feb. 15-16, Marriott Hotel on Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City. American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman will present AFBF’s most prestigious legislative award, the Golden Plow Award, to U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, R-OK, during ceremonies following dinner Monday, Feb. 15.  Each year AFBF honors one member of the Senate and one member of the U.S. House with the Golden Plow award.  The award is based on the lawmaker’s strong voting record for agriculture and Farm Bureau issues.  […]

Crop insurance reform, correct use of H1N1 terminology and a change in Department of Transportation rules were among the slew of issues pushed by Oklahoma Farm Bureau delegates at the American Farm Bureau convention, Jan. 9-13 in Seattle, Wash. “It was a good convention and I believe all of our issues received great support from farmers and ranchers all over the country,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. On crop insurance, the AFBF voting delegates adopted a resolution stating farmers should be able to purchase double crop insurance for crops that were planted and harvested on the same acreage in the […]

The American Farm Bureau Federation has honored U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) with its Golden Plow award, the highest honor the organization bestows on members of Congress. “I believe that American farmers are the backbone of our nation – a diverse domestic supply of food and fiber is the foundation of our security, our social values and our economy,” Sen. Inhofe said. “I am deeply honored to receive the American Farm Bureau Golden Plow award, and will continue to do all I can to fight for the American farmer in Washington.”   “Senator Inhofe is a steadfast supporter of agriculture,” […]

Muskogee County’s Jon and Natalie Leeds were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau YF&R Achievement Award winner Nov. 6th at the 68th annual convention in Oklahoma City. The YF&R Achievement Award honors the state’s top young farmer or farm family for their achievements in the farming business and their leadership in the agricultural community. A panel of judges selected the Webbers Falls couple for the award. They received an expense-paid trip to the 2010 American Farm Bureau convention in Seattle, Wash., to represent Oklahoma in the national contest where they will compete for Dodge pickups and Arctic Cat four-wheelers. As the Oklahoma […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau honored two leaders during its 68th annual meeting in Oklahoma City with Distinguished Service Awards. The pair of awards is designed to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and to Oklahoma Farm Bureau, according to Monica Wilke, executive director. Oklahoma FFA Executive Secretary Kent Boggs and former OFB Executive Director Matt Wilson were honored Nov. 6 during a special awards program in the Cox Convention Center. Boggs was presented with the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Agriculture Award while Wilson received the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau Award. Boggs has served agriculture for more […]

Noble County’s Mason Bolay was recognized with Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award Nov. 6 at the 68th annual convention in Oklahoma City. The award recognizes successful young people 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupations are not farming or owning an agricultural business. The award is based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other community organizations. Bolay received a four-wheeler ATV courtesy of Farm Credit plus a trip to the AFBF convention in Seattle, Wash., to represent Oklahoma in the January national contest. Bolay, who is […]