Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Rodd Moesel today released the following statement applauding Gov. Kevin Stitt’s announcement of a return-to-work initiative to help address labor shortages in Oklahoma. “As Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses continue to struggle to find a reliable workforce, we appreciate Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan to help put Oklahomans back to work. Dependable workers are critical to our agriculture producers as farmers and ranchers grow and raise food, fiber and fuel for our state, our country and our world. “As we’ve seen all too often throughout the pandemic, uncertainty in the agricultural workforce jeopardizes the availability and accessibility […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members heard Rep. Markwayne Mullin’s views on issues facing farmers and ranchers in our nation’s capital during an online meeting on Wednesday, May 12. As a rancher himself, Mullin represents Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District, which is comprised of portions of eastern Oklahoma. Rep. Mullin highlighted four topics farmers, ranchers and rural Oklahomans are concerned about during the call. 1. Investigating issues in the cattle market  While discussing the state of the current cattle market, Mullin said he is concerned by meat packers’ influence on the market. “While we don’t want hamburgers to be $25, we have to […]

The state Legislature now has less than two weeks until it is constitutionally required to adjourn this year’s session. The next two weeks are expected to be light in policy bills as the focus shifts to the last major task of passing the budget. House and Senate leadership, along with Gov. Kevin Stitt, announced on May 13 an $8.3 billion budget agreement had been reached. In the final weeks of the session, Gov. Stitt signed into law several bills Farm Bureau has monitored throughout the session. Last week, he approved both the House and Senate redistricting bills, giving final approval […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members are encouraged to attend a congressional meeting featuring Rep. Frank Lucas on Thursday, May 27 at 6 p.m. at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Pioneer Cellular Event Center in Weatherford. While the ongoing impacts of the pandemic prevent members from traveling to Washington D.C., to visit Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, the meeting with Rep. Lucas will provide members the opportunity to discuss the leading issues in our nation’s capital affecting farmers, ranchers and rural Oklahomans. A farmer and rancher from Cheyenne, Rep. Lucas represents the Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District, the state’s largest congressional district, covering the north-western […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau is encouraging members to contact their state senators to urge a YES vote on Senate Bill 422 by Sen. Frank Simpson. After hearing multiple concerns from members about new difficulties securing the agricultural sales tax exemption permit, OKFB leaders and staff have been working with state legislators, the Oklahoma Tax Commission and other agricultural stakeholders to find solutions that ensure farmers and ranchers continue to have access to this critical exemption. SB 422 by Sen. Frank Simpson gives flexibility to farmers and ranchers who are applying for or renewing an agricultural sales tax exemption permit by providing […]

Some of the leading issues facing farmers and ranchers in the nation’s capital including tax increases, climate policy, trade policy and the McGirt ruling were highlighted during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s recent online meeting with Rep. Tom Cole held Thursday, April 29. Representing Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District across parts of southwest Oklahoma, Rep. Cole shared his perspective on current and upcoming policy discussions that could impact the state’s agricultural producers. Tax increases on farmers and ranchers  Many Farm Bureau members are concerned by a number of proposals that could result in significant tax increases for farmers and ranchers. The proposed tax […]

With most major legislative deadlines now in the rearview mirror, much of the state Legislature’s attention now turns to state budget negotiations and final amendments on remaining bills. Finalizing legislative redistricting is also at the top of the list for state legislators before sine die at the end of the month. After months of work to create the maps, the new districts now must be passed through the state Legislature like a normal piece of legislation. Last week, the bills carrying the proposed legislative district maps were approved by the Senate and House redistricting committees and are now ready for […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members are encouraged to participate in an upcoming series of online meetings with Oklahoma’s congressional delegation to learn more about the leading issues facing agriculture and rural Oklahoma in the nation’s capital. The online meetings will serve as an opportunity to engage with Oklahoma’s members of Congress while the ongoing impacts of the pandemic prevent Farm Bureau members from traveling to Washington, D.C. Below, find details for joining the online meetings. Additional meetings and details will be announced as they become available. Rep. Kevin Hern Friday, June 11 • 1:30 p.m. Join by phone Call ONE of […]