Improved trade relations between Cuba and U.S. farmers moved one step closer following a recent four-day trade mission to Cuba by a group of Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders. The delegation, led by OFB President Steve Kouplen, Beggs, traveled to Cuba April 23-26. The trade mission was organized by U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma. “We believe the best way to expand trade with Cuba is to engage them in free and open trade and cultural exchange by lifting travel restrictions related to the sale of agriculture products,” Kouplen said. The United States is one of the few countries in the world […]

With the full understanding that National Earth Day April 22 is an opportunity to focus on the environment, Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers will go quietly about their day, implementing proven environmentally friendly practices. “Everyday is Earth Day on my ranch,” said Steve Kouplen, Beggs, Oklahoma Farm Bureau President. “I have to protect the environment or I won’t be in business. That’s why I consider every day Earth Day.” The Farm Bureau president notes agriculture is an environmental leader, continuously adopting new procedures that preserve the land while producing safe and affordable food and fiber. “Farmers and ranchers use conservation tillage […]

Traditional farming methods are falling short of feeding China’s 1.4 billion people and they are asking American farmers experienced with biotechnology to help close the gap. During a recent two-week tour of farms and businesses in China and Japan, Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen, Beggs, discussed export opportunities as well as the environmental and production benefits of biotechnology. “We told them biotechnology is a safe, effective method to satisfy their need for more food and fiber,” Kouplen said. The Oklahoma rancher said the biotechnology message found fertile ground, but implementing the technology will be difficult. “The average farmer in […]

During testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works March 24, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Vice President Bob Drake expressed the urgent need for increased supplies of domestic natural gas. The Davis rancher told the committee natural gas is an important energy source for agriculture and associated manufacturing industries. “Natural gas is the primary ingredient in virtually all commercial nitrogen fertilizers, accounting for 90 percent of the farmers’ total cost of anhydrous ammonia,” Drake said. “Unfortunately, high natural gas prices are threatening our nation’s fertilizer industry and could further exacerbate America’s dependence on foreign energy sources. Drake said […]

Several Oklahoma youth recently competed for $9,600 in savings bonds and scholarships during the Ninth Annual Young Farmers and Ranchers Speech Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The contest was held March 15 at the OSU-OKC campus in Oklahoma City. The YF&R Speech Contest was broken up into three age divisions: Junior, nine-12 years old; Intermediate, 13-15 years old; and Senior, 16-18 years old. The youth gave speeches in three division categories, including Agricultural Production, Agriculture Policy and Environment & Natural Resources. Speeches for the Junior Division were three to five minutes in length; five to seven minutes for […]

In order to draw attention to the efficiency and productivity involved in farming and ranching, Oklahoma producers will celebrate National Agriculture Day March 20 during National Agriculture Week. “Every American should understand where food comes from, how it’s produced and why agriculture is essential to our economy,” said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “National Agriculture Day allows us to highlight the importance of agriculture on a nationwide scale.” From oxen and horses drawing equipment through a field to tractors with on-board computers and the power of up to 300 horses, American farmers have increased their production capacity to keep […]

NOTE: This event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. at Crest Foods, 2200 W. 15th, Edmond, OK. Three lucky shoppers at Crest Foods in Edmond will receive free groceries Thursday, Feb. 5 as part of national Food Check-Out Day. The grocery give-away is being sponsored by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “We want to celebrate our farmers’ and ranchers’ skill in producing a safe, high quality, affordable food product,” said Clara Wichert, Fairview, committee chairperson. At approximately 10 a.m. three shoppers will be randomly chosen for the free groceries as they enter the check-out area. Non-food items, […]

The Ronald McDonald Houses in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, as well as food banks and homeless shelters throughout the state, will receive free groceries Feb. 5 courtesy of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “We’re celebrating National Food Check-Out Day, the day Americans have earned enough income to pay their food bill for the year,” said Clara Wichert, Fairview, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee chairperson. In addition to the food donations, volunteer farm leaders also will sponsor grocery give-aways at various locations throughout the state. According to the latest statistics compiled by the U.S. Agriculture Department, American families and individuals […]

Voting delegates at the recent American Farm Bureau convention reconfirmed their support for Country of Origin Labeling but struck down a policy banning packers from owning livestock. Oklahoma Farm Bureau had supported the ban but the organization’s president said they were able to add language protecting the producer. “We convinced the delegates to adopt language on captive supply, which will attempt to make sure the packers cannot regularly alter the market with their captive supplies of cattle,” Steve Kouplen, OFB president said. “The emphasis is now on making sure the livestock producer is protected.” The Farm Bureau delegates passed a […]

Note: Steve Kouplen is president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the state’s largest and most influential farm organization. He is an Okmulgee County cattle producer with bachelor and master degrees from Oklahoma State University and past chairman of the Oklahoma Beef Industry Council. Statement by Steve Kouplen, President Oklahoma Farm Bureau The overall safety of our food supply is not in question. Overall, beef remains a safe choice for consumption. Oklahomans and Americans should continue eating beef. I know it will be on my table during the holidays. Despite the isolated detection of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) in Washington State, Dec. […]