News Stories

The state’s leading farm organization supports Congress’ vote extending the farm bill. “Extending the current farm bill is good for agriculture and for consumers,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. While pleased with Congress’ New Years Day vote, the Sand Springs, Okla., farm leader voiced support for continued efforts on a new, five-year farm bill. “We would prefer a new farm bill, one that provides a strong safety net for farm income using a combination of crop insurance, a revenue assurance program and price protection,” Spradling said. Spradling praised the entire Oklahoma delegation, both House and Senate, for their […]

Pottawatomie County farmer John Grundmann was elected to represent District 8 on the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors during the 71st OFB Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City, Nov. 10. In addition to farming and ranching, Grundmann owns and operates Valley View Pecan Company with his wife, Janice, and son, Josh.  The commercial and custom pecan shelling operation is located in Shawnee.   Grundmann has been involved in Oklahoma Farm Bureau since 1977 and said he is eager to serve Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers. “I really appreciate the grassroots process of Farm Bureau, and I look forward to working with […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau announced today Chris Kidd has been named Vice President of Organization and Membership. In his new role, Kidd will oversee membership, member benefits, commodities and the YF&R and Farm Bureau Women’s Committees. “Knowing Chris’s diverse professional experience, I am confident in his ability to lead our membership programs and develop key leaders within Farm Bureau,” said OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke.  “Chris embodies who we are as an organization, and I am excited to have him playing a key role as we continue our efforts in promoting and protecting Oklahoma agriculture.” Kidd joined Farm Bureau in 2009 […]

Organizers of the Beef for Backpacks program are asking livestock producers to consider the benefits of donating cattle as they prepare their year-end statements. The Beef for Backpacks program is a collaboration among the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma State University Food and Agricultural Products Center, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Ralphs Meat Company in Perkins and Chickasha Meats. Each week, volunteers at the Regional Food Bank stuff backpacks with nutritious food and snacks that are handed out to school children to supplement their weekend diets. Beef sticks supplied by program partners […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau announced today the hiring of John Collison as the new vice president of public policy and media relations for Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “John comes to us with a wealth of political and agricultural policy knowledge and experience that is acknowledged at both the state and federal level,” said Monica Wilke, OFB Executive Director. “He has a vision for our legislative voice that will inspire and excite our members as we move into the future.” Collison is the former state director for U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, where he spent the last thirteen years covering the state of Oklahoma […]

Farm Bureau members and staff from around the state donated enough food and money for more than 3,000 meals as part of Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin’s annual food drive.  This year’s food drive collected enough for a record 2.6 million meals. “It’s our way of giving back to our community,” said Mike Spradling, OFB President.  “It only makes sense that those who grow the food should help feed those who need it the most.  This demonstrates once again the great generosity of our farmers and ranchers.” According to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, over 675,000 Oklahomans are at risk […]

Voting delegates at the 71st annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau convention reaffirmed their position on protecting private property rights for the state’s landowners.  The annual meeting was held at the Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Nov. 9-11. “Protecting private property rights has always been a priority issue for us,” said Mike Spradling, OFB President.  “Property rights are the foundation for keeping Oklahoma agriculture strong.” Delegates also voted to support voluntary regional planning groups that are non-regulatory in regards to the statewide water plan. “We are going to continue to work with legislators on this in 2013 as we recognize water is […]

Passage of State Question 766 is vital to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, who could end up paying new property and business taxes if the voters were to reject it. “Our state’s farmers have been hit hard in recent years with drought and the economic downturn,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling.  “The prospect of numerous new property taxes would make it difficult to recover from these difficult times.” SQ 766 exempts all intangible personal property from ad valorem taxation. The ballot measure was necessary following a 2009 state Supreme Court decision which opened the door to widespread taxation of […]

Southwestern Oklahoma farmer Jimmy Wayne Kinder has been appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin to serve a five-year term on the Environmental Quality Board of Directors.  Kinder currently serves on the OFB Board of Directors representing Farm Bureau members in OFB District 4 comprised of nine counties in southern Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Legislature established the Environmental Quality Board comprised of Oklahoma citizens to provide guidance to the Department of Environmental Quality.   Board members have a variety of backgrounds in manufacturing, hazardous waste management, solid waste management, petroleum industry, agriculture, recreation, conservation, rural water systems, and statewide environmental groups.  Responsibilities of the […]

With the theme “Projecting forward…with excellence,” the 71st annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau convention will be Nov. 9-11 at the Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City. “This is our most important meeting of the year,” said OFB President Mike Spradling.  “It’s a great time for our leaders to discuss current issues and decide policy for the organization to follow in the coming year.” The convention kicks off Friday, Nov. 9, with contests for the young farmers and ranchers followed by the opening session.  Featured speakers in the opening session include U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Glenn Coffee representing the Oklahoma Secretary of […]