News Stories

President Obama’s proposal to cut $700 million from the USDA budget has Oklahoma farmers concerned, as it threatens to drastically reduce funding for crop insurance and conservation programs. “We are deeply concerned about reducing funds for crop insurance as it is our primary risk management tool,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “Cutting funds to crop insurance threatens the very program that kept many of our producers in business during the recent historic drought. We support a strong crop insurance program focused on helping farmers manage risk.” The Farm Bureau leader emphasized agriculture’s support of reducing the federal deficit […]

State legislative leaders will address Oklahoma Farm Bureau county presidents Feb. 20-21, during the annual OFB Leadership Conference at the Marriott Hotel, 3233 Northwest Expressway, in Oklahoma City. “This is a great opportunity for our county leaders to meet with their legislators and discuss issues important to rural Oklahoma,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. The first day will feature a series of discussions on Oklahoma water laws, estate planning and employment laws. Also, Farm Bureau’s coveted Meritorious Service Awards will be presented during the evening’s conference banquet. Day two will kick off with a legislative panel featuring State Representatives Leslie […]

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has proclaimed the week of Feb. 20-24, “Farm Bureau Week” in Oklahoma. The week is part of a statewide observance during which county Farm Bureaus will make a concerted effort to enroll members, introduce the community to Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and explain the organization’s goals and objectives. “This is a special time to acknowledge Farm Bureau members and the work they do year-round in the communities across this great state,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “It is significant the governor recognizes Farm Bureau and agriculture’s importance to Oklahoma.” When making the proclamation, Fallin cited Farm […]

Following the recent resignation announcement of Oklahoma State University’s Vice President, Dean and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, farmers and ranchers are reflecting on the impressive OSU career of Robert Whitson. “We greatly appreciate his leadership and vision,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “I consider Bob a close friend and I will miss his wit and wisdom.” Since 2005, Whitson has served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and also vice president/director of the two state agencies administered through the division: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the […]

The Labor Department’s announcement to reconsider the ‘parental exemption’ regulations in its proposed child labor rule is good news for Oklahoma farm families, according to Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “I’m really thankful the DOL is taking into account our comments to take another look at their proposal,” Spradling said. The DOL received thousands of complaints from the agriculture industry after it announced plans last fall to propose strict, new child labor guidelines on the farm. The agency now says it will take more time to reconsider the parental exemption and hear comments from the public. “Farm Bureau members […]

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin endorsed the newly formed Oklahoma Livestock Relief Coalition during a press conference at the state capitol Jan. 23. The coalition provides a funding channel for people to support the efforts of livestock producers and law enforcement agencies who are often given the task of caring for abandoned and neglected livestock. “It’s a great example of the private sector coming together with law enforcement agencies to properly take care of animals,” Fallin said. Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese noted last summer’s drought created a difficult situation for livestock owners and the lingering effects still impact livestock producers. […]

The American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors have approved the organization’s priority issues for 2012, following a delegate session at the 93rd Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. A total of 370 Farm Bureau delegates from across the country and all sectors of the agriculture industry met earlier this week to discuss the 2012 farm bill and develop a priority agenda. The AFBF Board of Directors then approved the priority issues on Jan. 11. Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling said the new list of adopted policies addresses the concerns of farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma and beyond. “The basic […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau today announced the resignation of OFB Vice President of Public Policy Tyler Norvell, effective Jan. 6, 2012. Norvell is leaving OFB to serve as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Youth Expo, in Oklahoma City. The OYE Board of Directors named him to the new position on Dec. 19, 2011. “I will always cherish my time at Farm Bureau, especially the opportunity to represent OFB members at the Capitol and work daily with Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers to protect their way of life,” Norvell said. Norvell began his OFB career in 2006 as a legislative specialist. He also […]

Oklahoma farmers are applauding the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, which seeks to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate naturally occurring dust. The legislation’s passage came after more than a year of concern among farmers and ranchers. “We are extremely pleased that Congress supports our efforts in this common-sense approach to regulations,” Mike Spradling, president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, said. The entire Oklahoma delegation voted for the legislation. “The proposal to regulate farm dust is one of the most absurd ideas to come out of the EPA in a long time,” […]

In a state where horses outnumber people in many rural areas, farmers and ranchers are celebrating the passage of federal legislation that allows for the funding of horse processing facilities. “This eliminates a major hurdle for the resumption of domestic horse processing,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The legislation, H.R. 2112, is contained in the fiscal year 2012 agriculture appropriation bill. It does not include any language prohibiting funding for the inspection of horses at processing plants. “There never was a federal law banning processing, “Spradling said. “The government just prohibited funding USDA inspection.” During the […]