Applauded by farmers and ranchers, the Environmental Protection Agency announced in late June its decision to rescind the Waters of the U.S. rule. The agency also said it will look carefully at the definition of waters of the United States and propose a new rule. Farmers and ranchers support clean water and work hard to protect natural resources. But the WOTUS rule had more to do with land than water. It was a land grab, pure and simple, that: Created a huge regulatory burden for farmers, ranchers and others who depend on their ability to work the land; Increased costs […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau has announced the details for its upcoming August Area Meetings, which serve as the kickoff for the organization’s grassroots policy development process. “August is one of the most exciting times of the year because it signals the beginning of another year of fighting for agriculture and rural Oklahoma,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president. “I look forward to hearing from our members as they cultivate ideas to lead agriculture into the future.”  All OKFB members are encouraged to attend their area meeting, which provides an opportunity to discuss organizational policy with fellow members and OKFB leaders. Members also […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement to repeal the Waters of the U.S. rule.  June 27, 2017—“After years of battling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the U.S. rule, Oklahoma farmers and ranchers today applaud the agency’s decision to rescind the rule.  “Clean water is crucial to farmers and ranchers because our very livelihoods depend on it. The WOTUS rule had nothing to do with clean water, but instead was an enormous land grab that created great confusion for farmers and ranchers.  “Where the previous EPA blatantly ignored […]

More than 80 members of the Oklahoma Legislature have been named members of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau 100 Percent Club for a 100-percent voting record with the organization during the 2017 legislative session. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau is thankful to have excellent representation as we continue to fight for our members at the state Capitol,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president. “We applaud these lawmakers for their efforts to protect agriculture and rural Oklahoma.” Legislators were scored on three measures including SB 147, SB 326 and SB 593. Authored by Senate Pro Tem Mike Schulz and Rep. Casey Murdock, SB 147 allows […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan issued the following statement following the U.S. Senate’s 87-11 vote to confirm former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. April 24, 2017–“Oklahoma Farm Bureau today congratulates Sonny Perdue on his vital new role as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Now more than ever, farmers and ranchers need a powerful voice for agriculture in Washington, D.C. As a farmer and agribusinessman, Perdue understands firsthand the needs and challenges facing agriculture and rural America. We have faith Perdue will work hard on behalf of farmers, ranchers and consumers across the country. “We also commend Sen. […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau this week presented numerous legislators with its annual 100 Percent Club award for support of farmers, ranchers and rural Oklahoma during the 2016 legislative session. “This honor is presented to those legislators who stand with Farm Bureau in its core mission of improving the lives of rural Oklahoma,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president. “We’re grateful to these state lawmakers for their leadership and service at the state Capitol.” The award was presented to 53 current House members and 37 current Senate members for a 100 percent voting record with Farm Bureau-supported legislation. Legislators were scored on four […]

 Oklahoma Farm Bureau today applauds Sen. Jim Inhofe’s work to provide relief to farmers and ranchers affected by the devastating wildfires in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Inhofe, President Donald Trump this week directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to authorize emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acres affected by the wildfire. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau has stood by the farmers, ranchers, and rural residents impacted by the devastating wildfires in Oklahoma. I am proud to say that President Trump is standing by them too, with his decision to allow grazing on CRP lands during this […]

Farm Bureau leaders from across the state gathered to discuss policy for agriculture and rural Oklahoma during the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legislative Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City March 6-7. The two-day conference gave Farm Bureau members an opportunity to learn about statewide policy issues and visit with state leaders and legislators. Nine individuals named OKFB Champions were honored during a reception with Farm Bureau members and more than 40 other state leaders and legislators. OKFB Champion Award recipients included former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, Senate Pro Tem Mike Schulz, House Speaker Charles McCall, House Speaker Pro Tem Harold Wright, […]

President Donald Trump today issued an executive order calling on the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to overhaul the Obama administration’s overreaching Waters of the U.S. rule. OKFB President Tom Buchanan issued the following statement praising President Trump’s actions.  Feb. 28, 2017–“Oklahoma Farm Bureau is delighted today by President Trump’s executive order to overhaul the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule, which is a perfect example of regulatory overreach by a rogue federal agency. “The WOTUS rule, which defined the waters protected under the Clean Water Act, would have vastly expanded EPA jurisdiction by giving […]