Seven Farm Bureau members represented Oklahoma at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Issue Advisory Committee meetings February 17-18 in Arlington, VA. The IAC meetings bring together Farm Bureau members from across the country to discuss pertinent issues facing agriculture including energy, environmental regulations, ag labor, organic and direct marketing, technology, animal care, farm policy, water, budget and economy, federal land, food safety and market structures. Karen Dodson of Caddo County served on the budget and economy committee. Top areas of discussion in her committee were income taxes, interest rates and the upcoming farm bill. “These committees – other than the […]

As we move into the third week of the 2022 legislative session, both chambers have been busy considering legislation through committee work. The first deadline of the session is approaching on March 3rd, giving the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate only two more weeks to pass new legislation out of its assigned committee. Following the March 3rd deadline, both chambers will move into a three-week period of floor work. This year’s session is one that will be marked with a significant budget surplus, which has already led to extensive discussion about what to do with the extra funds. While […]

The first Monday of each February marks the beginning of a new legislative session in the state of Oklahoma each year. Gov. Kevin Stitt kicked off the 2022 session with his State of the State address Monday, Feb. 7, including statements and positions on several priority issues for Oklahoma Farm Bureau members. Gov. Stitt – entering his fourth year as governor – thanked the people of Oklahoma for the opportunity to lead the state and expressed his determination to help Oklahoma thrive. “I challenge each of us to be bold,” Stitt said. “Let’s capitalize on the opportunity we have and […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau has decided to cancel the 2022 Congressional Action Tour, which was scheduled for March 28-31 in Washington, D.C. Many of the planned stops in the nation’s capital are currently closed due to the ongoing pandemic.  Members who were planning on attending the trip would not be able to visit congressional offices or government agencies to discuss issues facing agriculture and rural Oklahoma. Farm Bureau members are encouraged to visit with their congressional leaders during town hall meetings or by reaching out via phone or email. OKFB plans to offer a Congressional fly-in visit in 2023, with dates […]

The Biden administration recently met with farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders to discuss the administration’s new plan for a fairer, more competitive meat and poultry supply chain. The action plan has received mixed reviews from agriculture groups across the nation. As an organization heavy with cattle producers, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is appreciative of the Biden administration’s attention and recognition of the issues at hand but cannot support the plan in its entirety. Independent Processing The action plan focuses heavily on the meat and poultry industry’s market concentration. Four major companies hold a monopoly on the meat-packing industry – a challenge […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau is set to co-host the 2022 Candidate School alongside the Oklahoma State Chamber and the Oklahoma Association of Realtors. The event is for anyone interested in running for a state house or senate seat. Participants will learn about the nuts and bolts of campaigning before the 2022 election cycle. The Candidate School will be offered as a two-part event. Spouses are invited to attend the second session on Feb. 16 at no additional cost. Session One – Friday, January 14 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Attire: business casual Session Two – […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau hosted the first-ever Evening of Impact fundraising dinner benefitting the OKFB Ag PAC political action committee Friday, Dec. 3, at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help the OKFB Ag PAC support political candidates in state and federal elections who value the rural way of life and support the interests of farmers and ranchers. “It’s critical that we get good people (in Washington, D.C.) who understand agriculture, our industry and business, and how we approach production and what is necessary to get it all to come together and be a success,” said Keef […]

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation has joined forces with agriculture groups and business organizations from around the country to submit a group amicus curiae – or “friend of the court” – brief supporting the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Pork Producers Council’s Supreme Court petition to hear their appeal relating to California’s Proposition 12. Proposition 12 sets housing requirements for farm animals raised for food products sold in California. Agriculture groups across the nation argue that the requirements are more costly, less efficient, not scientifically based and do not consider best animal husbandry practices. The ballot initiative was […]