Voting delegates to the 69th annual meeting of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau said they want the federal government to continue direct assistance payments in the next farm bill. The meeting was held Nov. 19-21 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
“Our top priority is the continuation of direct payments and revenue assurance programs,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “The payments provide producers flexibility to grow various crops while providing income support.”
The resolution stated: “We support a program or policy tool, like direct payments, that continues to provide a fixed share of the federal budget allocation for agriculture, is a green box policy, and is considered as part of a revenue assurance program.”
There is concern direct payments may be eliminated since the administration is considering reducing the agriculture department’s budget.
Delegates also passed resolutions strengthening private property rights in regard to high power transmission lines crossing an individual’s property, mineral rights on oil and gas leases and no trespassing laws.
The Farm Bureau leaders also voted to support a resolution holding the Environmental Protection Agency accountable for efforts to overregulate agriculture and other businesses.
A resolution supporting consolidation of all agriculture groups’ efforts to promote animal agriculture received strong support from the delegates.
“This was a great example of grassroots policy development,” Spradling said. “The fingerprints of our members are all over the policy book, starting with county meetings and ending at the annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January.”
During leadership elections, Rodd Moesel, a family nursery owner from Yukon, was elected to serve as the District 3 representative on the OFB Board of Directors. Directors re-elected to the board were Charles Sloan, Vian, District 6; and Phyllis Holcomb, Kellyville, District 9.
Adam and Nicole Martens, Fairview, were chosen to lead OFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee in 2011 while Kitty Beavers, Duncan, was elected as the new chairperson of the OFB Women’s Committee.
T.J. and Diane Beach, Elmer, were named the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year. LaSheil Knowles, Keota, won the YF&R Achievement Award. Jeff and Sarah Weeks, Shawnee, received the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award, and Marty Williams, Red Rock, won the YF&R Discussion Meet.
