A group of business, civic and community leaders last month released a proposal to fix Oklahoma’s continual budget problems called Step Up Oklahoma, which includes a number of revenue measures and government reforms. The plan was touted by Gov. Mary Fallin in her eighth and final State of the State address on Monday, and has been supported by various individuals and organizations across the state. Oklahoma Farm Bureau is committed to policy that advances not only rural Oklahoma, but also the entire state. Below, find OKFB policy on the specific tenants of the Step Up Oklahoma plan being considered by […]

County Farm Bureau leaders from across the state are invited to attend the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Leadership Conference held March 5 and 6 in Oklahoma City. Held annually, the conference is an opportunity for county leaders to discuss current issues affecting agriculture and rural Oklahoma, learn more about their role as county board members, and interact with state lawmakers and elected officials. The two-day event will be held at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. While members are not required to register, hotel rooms must be reserved by Feb. 14. Rooms are $143 per night and may be […]

As the 2018 legislative session begins next week, property taxes and rural healthcare are among the leading issues for Oklahoma Farm Bureau as it represents its members at the state Capitol. Keep ad valorem taxes low Farm Bureau members oppose any and all increases in ad valorem–or property–taxes. Property taxes are used to fund county roads and bridges, libraries, career and technology education, county government and public schools. OKFB expects to see legislation progress to grant municipalities access to those funds. Many cities and towns have seen a decline in sales tax revenue over the past several years, leading to […]

President Donald Trump unveiled a major initiative Monday designed to strengthen a rural economy that has lagged urban areas in recovery from the Great Recession of 2007-2008. Trump signed two executive orders that fund and streamline the expansion of rural broadband access after an address to 7,400 farmers and ranchers gathered at American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention. In addition to economic development, Trump touched on issues of particular importance to agriculturists such as regulations, labor and trade. He praised farmers for their enduring values. “We are witnessing a new era of patriotism, prosperity and pride—and at the forefront […]

The American Farm Bureau Federation presented its highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, to Sen. James Inhofe during AFBF’s 2018 Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show. AFBF established the Distinguished Service Award in 1928 to honor individuals who have devoted their careers to serving the national interest of American agriculture.  Sen. Inhofe is a longtime friend of America’s farm and ranch families and an eight-time recipient of AFBF’s Friend of Farm Bureau award. His commitment to protecting landowners’ property rights, preserving our natural resources, and reining in federal regulatory overreach has brought relief to farmers and ranchers across our nation. […]

Please note: the registration deadline for OKFB’s 2018 Campaign Management Seminar has been extended to Tuesday, January 23 at 5 p.m. Oklahoma Farm Bureau will host a campaign management seminar Jan. 26-27 at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau home office in Oklahoma City. The two-day seminar will provide helpful information for candidates seeking political office in upcoming elections. The seminar is open to candidates seeking office, their spouses and campaign managers.  The seminar will feature a variety of topics presented by political experts who have a wide array of experience and knowledge working on campaigns and with elected officials. Topics to […]

Taxes and rural healthcare were at the top of the list as Oklahoma Farm Bureau members finalized the organization’s 2018 policy during its 2017 annual meeting Nov. 10-12 in Norman, Oklahoma. OKFB’s grassroots policy begins at the county level before being refined by a state resolutions committee and finalized by the full delegate body at state convention. OKFB staff uses the policy to advocate for its farm and ranch members at the state Capitol. Tax policy  As the state of Oklahoma continues to grapple with budget shortfalls, state lawmakers have attempted to raise revenue by implementing various tax increases. Members […]