The leader of the state’s largest farm organization believes passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) will cause great financial hardship for rural Oklahoma. “We are disappointed in the House passage of HR 2454 and urge the Senate to vote ‘no’ on the bill,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “We are strongly opposed to the legislation because of its long-reaching impact on electricity generation.” Spradling said Oklahoma could be hit hard by the legislation because of the proliferation of coal-fired electrical generation plants in the state. “The rural electric cooperatives estimate this […]

The leader of the state’s largest farm organization believes farmers and ranchers harvested an overflowing bushel basket of victories from the 2009 Oklahoma legislative session. “This has been a great session for our farm and ranch families,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. The biggest highlight was passage of HB 2151, the livestock preemption bill. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture set the standard for care and handling of livestock in Oklahoma. It does not affect municipal zoning laws as some opponents had earlier feared. “This legislation has been a priority for our members and we want to […]

When Governor Brad Henry signed the livestock preemption bill (HB 2151) into law May 12, he protected animal agriculture and gained the praise of the state’s largest farm organization. “We are extremely pleased Governor Henry is supporting the animal agriculture industry by signing HB 2151,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. The bill directs the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and Forestry to be responsible for enforcing a uniform standard for the care and handling of livestock. It does not affect municipal zoning laws as some opponents had earlier feared. “This legislation has been a priority for our farmers and […]

Neither an economic slowdown nor damp weather could prevent 116 golfers from supporting the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation May 8 during the Foundation’s annual golf tournament. The event, held at Cimarron Trails Golf Course, Perkins, raised more than $11,000 for the Foundation. “We are extremely pleased and appreciate the support of all those participating in our tournament,” said Marla Peek, OFB Legal Foundation director. The money will used to fund projects protecting private property rights and production agriculture. “The Foundation strives to serve farmers and ranchers by engaging in public interest litigation and researching legal issues affecting family farmers […]

During a late March lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders spent much of their time "educating" public officials and staff on agricultural issues. The effort was necessary as the new administration is populated with key staff members possessing little agricultural knowledge. "We’re a small minority but we produce 100 percent of the food and fiber necessary to run this country and we think that’s pretty important," said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. He noted Oklahoma is fortunate to have a congressional delegation that understands rural and agricultural issues, but that is not the case for many […]

The state’s largest farm organization is throwing its support behind legislation that will protect animal agriculture in Oklahoma. Representative Don Armes and Senator Mike Schulz have authored companion bills referred to as livestock preemption legislation. The bills, HB 2151 and SB 452, are aimed at avoiding a ballot initiative such as what happened last November in California with Proposition 2. That legislation outlaws the confinement of certain production livestock. The proposition was strongly supported by animal rights activists. “It (HB 2151) is focused on setting a standard for the care and handling of livestock in Oklahoma,” said Rep. Armes. Oklahoma […]

Governor Brad Henry has signed a proclamation designating Feb. 16-20 as “Farm Bureau Week” in Oklahoma. The week is part of a statewide observance during which county Farm Bureaus will make a concerted effort to enroll members, introduce the community to Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and explain the organization’s goals and objectives. “This is a special week to acknowledge Farm Bureau members and the work they do year-round in the communities across this great state,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. “It is significant the governor recognizes Farm Bureau and agriculture’s importance to Oklahoma.” Farm Bureau is a grass roots organization […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders will have a chance to listen to the state’s top legislative officials Feb. 16-17 during the annual Farm Bureau Legislative and Leadership Conference. The conference will be held at the Marriott Hotel on Northwest Expressway in Oklahoma City. “This is a great opportunity for our farmers and ranchers to meet and discuss issues with elected officials,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. Scheduled to address the group are Lt. Governor Jari Askins, Congressman Tom Cole, Speaker of the Oklahoma House Chris Benge, and Senate President Pro-Temp Glen Coffee. Much of the discussion will focus on the farm […]

Oklahoma farmers and ranchers will focus their legislative efforts this year on protecting private property rights, but Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s top lobbyist says that will not be their only priority. “We’re going to work extremely hard to keep a lid on property taxes and protect our sales tax exemption,” Lori Peterson, OFB’s vice president of public policy, said. With the economic slowdown, lawmakers will be looking for ways to increase state revenue and Peterson does not want them to look at agriculture. “Agricultural leaders were successful last year in keeping the sales tax exemption intact as legislators scrutinized all tax […]

To get a glimpse of the future of Oklahoma agriculture, all you have to do is venture into the Cimarron Hotel and Suites in Stillwater, Jan. 23-25. That’s where the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers winter conference is scheduled to kick off with over 100 of the state’s best young producers in attendance. “This is a great opportunity for young farmers and ranchers from throughout the state to learn from each other as well as some of the state’s top agricultural scientists,” said Sheila Taylor, coordinator of the weekend event. Sheila and her husband Tim farm north of […]