News Stories

High input costs, too much government regulation and the ever-changing weather patterns were listed as major challenges by visitors to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau booth during the Southern Plains Farm Show, April 18-20, Oklahoma City. Other challenges noted on the informal survey included water, low farm income and lack of a new farm bill. “The government is regulating us to death,” said Bobby Lee, Newcastle, Okla.  “I am especially concerned about the EPA regulations.” Despite the concern about government regulations, 80 percent of the survey respondents indicated they are optimistic about the future of agriculture.   The wet April weather […]

Taking care of the land, water and other vital natural resources is more than just good business for farmers and ranchers; it’s what they believe in.  That’s why Sand Springs, Okla., rancher and leader of the state’s largest farm organization, says “Every day is Earth Day on the Oklahoma farm.” “Agricultural producers have a true connection to the environment,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  “It’s impossible to walk across this land everyday and not feel connected to the air, water and soil around you.” That “connection” is supported by facts. While agricultural productivity has increased dramatically […]

The new farm bill, immigration reform, estate taxes and federal budget cuts were key issues discussed this week by Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders during a five-day lobbying effort in the nation’s capitol. “It’s extremely important to discuss these issues not only with our own congressional delegation but other officials as well,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president.   “Even though we are in frequent contact with our delegation, they need our support as they work on these issues in Washington, D.C.” A new farm bill proposal from the American Farm Bureau focusing on a strong crop insurance program was recently sent to […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau is offering a new member benefit. Members are now eligible to receive a $100 discount on any all-steel storm shelter from Storm Safe Tornado Shelters, an Oklahoma company established in 1987. Their original steel -in-ground models are designed to provide maximum storm protection in the convenience of ones’ garage, porch or patio. Unlike costly outdoor shelters requiring days of construction and planning to accommodate the landscape, the Original Storm Safe installs in only hours and is immediately out of the weather. Storm Safe Shelters have been tested and approved at the Texas Tech University Wind Science and […]

The state’s largest farm organization wants Gov. Fallin to know they appreciate her strength and courage in signing HB 1999 into law. Oklahoma Farm Bureau, along with other agricultural organizations, has supported the legislation throughout the legislative session. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau would like to thank Gov. Fallin for listening to the people of Oklahoma and farmers and ranchers across the state on this issue,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president.  “We sincerely appreciate Gov. Fallin for standing with and supporting the agricultural industry in Oklahoma.  With the signing of this bill, there will now be a solution to the […]

Thousands of Oklahoma school children will now have adequate protein to supplement their diets after Oklahoma livestock producers donated more than 50 head of cattle and pigs to the Food for Kids program at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Earlier this year a plea was issued by the Food Bank for producers to donate animals. The call was heard loud and clear! “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our livestock producers, “said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “This is a great opportunity to help educate the public that the food is there […]

Legislation to allow for horse processing facilities in Oklahoma passed the Oklahoma Senate today following a lengthy battle between livestock producers and animal activists. HB 1999, sponsored by Sen. Eddie Fields and Rep. Skye McNiel, received 32 yes votes and only 14 no votes in the Senate chamber. “Oklahoma legislators have shown great courage and compassion for animals in passing this bill,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “We especially want to praise Reps. McNiel and John Enns, and Sens. Fields and Mark Allen, for their leadership.” The bill now goes to Gov. Fallin’s desk where she […]

During a March 13 press conference at the state Capitol, a coalition of Oklahoma agriculture and wildlife groups announced their strong support for horse processing legislation now working its way through the Oklahoma legislature. The coalition is organized and led by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm organization. “Oklahoma livestock and wildlife producers respect and care for animals,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “This legislation provides a humane solution to the challenge of abandoned, abused and otherwise neglected horses.” In a joint statement, the groups said they support HB 1999 by Rep. Skye McNiel and Sen. Eddie Fields […]

A bill to amend EPA regulations on above ground fuel and oil storage tanks was introduced March 8 by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-OK. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Mark Pryor, D-AR, Sen. Deb Fischer, R-NE, Sen. John Boozman, R-AK, Sen. Thad Cochran, R-MS, and Sen. Mike Johanns, R-NE. The major focus of the amendment to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule exempts farmers from EPA rules intended for oil and gas refineries. The exemption would apply to farmers who have total fuel storage capacity not exceeding 42,000 gallons with no individual […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau honored Billy Gibson, Ada, Feb. 18, for his more than 36 years of service as a volunteer leader for the farm organization. “Billy is a very special person who has dedicated many years to serving Oklahoma Farm Bureau, including two separate tenures on the OFB Board of Directors, representing District 8,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. Gibson was raised on a ranch near Ada in Pontotoc County.  He served his country as an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions over Vietnam and later serving in the Pentagon.   Upon retirement from the Air Force, the Oklahoma farm […]