News Stories

Ericka McPherson has been named General Counsel for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. She most recently served as Assistant General Counsel. McPherson will continue her work in the General Counsel’s office on legal, regulatory and legislative matters impacting OFB and affiliated companies.   McPherson began her career at OFB in 2005 as an attorney with the Legal Foundation. She has worked on both state and national Farm Bureau issues as OFB’s Director of National Affairs. McPherson graduated from St. Louis University and then attended Oklahoma City University, where she received her Juris Doctorate. Ericka and her husband, Cody, have […]

Gary Buckner has been named vice president of claims for Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. Buckner has an extensive background in the claims industry, starting his career in 1996 as an adjuster for OFBMIC’s McAlester District Claims Office. He has served the company as an adjuster, district claims manager and was promoted to Associate Claims Manager where he has served since 2005. Buckner has also been the Associate Claims Manager in the Casualty area since January 2010. He holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) certificate and is a graduate of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah where he earned a […]

The Oklahoma congressional delegation has signed a letter protesting the EPA’s proposed regulations on dust particulate matter. The EPA is proposing dust particles be regulated under the Clean Air Act. The proposal would severely restrict any activity that adds dust to the air.   “Farming activities kick up dust. It is impossible to stop it,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “Simply driving on a dirt road could potentially violate the EPA’s regulations. If the regulations are approved, this would establish the most stringent and unparalleled regulations of dust in our nation’s history.”   The letter urges EPA Secretary […]

Richard Newberry has been named General Manager and Executive Vice President of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. “Richard is an excellent leader and insurance professional,” said Monica Wilke, Executive Director/General Counsel for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. “His skills will help us continue moving our company forward.” Newberry brings a wealth of insurance experience to the position. He started his career with the company in 1993 as an adjuster in the Tulsa District Claims office. He has steadily been promoted to a number of important managerial positions including Central District Claims Manager, Associate Claims Manager and in 2005 […]

The American Farm Bureau Federation has honored all seven members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation with its “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for their sustained and exemplary support of farmers and ranchers. Oklahoma Farm Bureau nominated the delegation for the award, which recognizes members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, for outstanding agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. “We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with these outstanding legislative leaders,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “They understand our needs and have a positive response to our issues.” Receiving the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award are U.S. […]

The majority of young farmers and ranchers participating in a survey of the farm economy said they are optimistic. The survey was conducted during the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference in Shawnee July 23-25. The survey indicated 88 percent feel good about the farm economy, but a less optimistic 66 percent believe this will be a good year for Oklahoma agriculture. Typical of the comments made was this statement by Will Cubbage of Bartlesville: “I am somewhat optimistic in the short run,” Cubbage said. “If farm prices improve the last half of the year, this will be […]

Richard Newberry has been named interim General Manager and Executive Vice President of Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. The appointment was made July 9 following the retirement of Darryl Sinclair. “Richard is an excellent leader and insurance professional,” said Monica Wilke, Executive Director/General Counsel for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. “His skills will help us continue moving our company forward.” Newberry brings a wealth of insurance experience to the position. He started his career with the company in 1993 as an adjuster in the Tulsa District Claims office. He has steadily been promoted to a number of important […]

More than $7,600 was raised for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation during the annual fund raising golf tournament at Hennessey’s Turkey Creek Golf Club. The event was coordinated by the OFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. “We are pleased by the good turnout,” said Marla Peek, director of the legal foundation. Approximately 28 teams competed for prizes and the opportunity to help production agriculture and rural Oklahoma. “The money raised will be used to fund legal issues involving protection of private property rights and other important issues,” Peek said. The winning team was composed of Kenny Heckart, John Dowell, […]

An informal survey of participants at the Oklahoma City Farm Show (April 15-17) and the Oklahoma FFA Convention (April 27-28) revealed most are concerned about too much government involvement in agriculture. The survey was conducted when participants visited the Farm Bureau booth during the events. The survey was composed of three questions: What are the critical farm issues today?; Are you doing anything different on your farm this spring?; and What is the biggest challenge for your business today? Almost half of all farm show participants surveyed said they are concerned about too much government control . “Everything from the […]

When Governor Brad Henry signed HB3202, known as the equine dentistry bill, into law April 16, he successfully ended a two-year struggle to help Oklahoma livestock producers continue to care for their horses and other livestock. “Protecting animal husbandry practices, including equine dentistry, has long been a Farm Bureau priority,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  “We want livestock producers to be able to humanely care for their animals.” The equine dentistry issue surfaced when the 2008 Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill making the practice of veterinary medicine without a license, a felony.   In 2009 the […]