News Stories

Private property rights received a strong boost when the Oklahoma State Supreme Court reversed a lower court decision and ruled municipalities cannot annex land without having a reasonable purpose. The July 6 decision involved the case of local landowners versus the city of Seminole. Seminole wanted to “strip” annex an area 3 feet wide and 10 miles long to access property near I-40. The annexation would have increased the city’s municipal tax base without providing additional services within the strip area. “We are pleased with the court’s decision because it demands municipalities look at the tangible value of property before […]

In an effort to increase risk protection for Oklahoma cattle producers, Oklahoma Farm Bureau has joined with U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, the State Department of Agriculture and the State Cattlemen’s Association to ask the USDA to expand the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). “We would like to see fed cattle added to LRP coverage,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen, “because many of our producers feed cattle and they need the financial protection.” Fed cattle are defined as steers and heifers usually weighing 800 to 1,300 pounds. The current LRP program is for only steers […]

The controversial tort reform legislation passed during the closing hours of the 2004 Oklahoma legislative session fell short of satisfying many in the business community but it contained a nugget of gold for rural Oklahoma landowners. The legislation included a landowner liability measure, protecting landowners who allow recreational activities on their land. “Passing the landowner liability section of the bill accomplished a major, long term policy goal for us,” said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau resident. “Landowner liability reform is essential for rural economic development,” Kouplen said. Previously, landowners were at risk of losing their assets if someone hunting, fishing […]

Improved trade relations between Cuba and U.S. farmers moved one step closer following a recent four-day trade mission to Cuba by a group of Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders. The delegation, led by OFB President Steve Kouplen, Beggs, traveled to Cuba April 23-26. The trade mission was organized by U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma. “We believe the best way to expand trade with Cuba is to engage them in free and open trade and cultural exchange by lifting travel restrictions related to the sale of agriculture products,” Kouplen said. The United States is one of the few countries in the world […]

With the full understanding that National Earth Day April 22 is an opportunity to focus on the environment, Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers will go quietly about their day, implementing proven environmentally friendly practices. “Everyday is Earth Day on my ranch,” said Steve Kouplen, Beggs, Oklahoma Farm Bureau President. “I have to protect the environment or I won’t be in business. That’s why I consider every day Earth Day.” The Farm Bureau president notes agriculture is an environmental leader, continuously adopting new procedures that preserve the land while producing safe and affordable food and fiber. “Farmers and ranchers use conservation tillage […]

Traditional farming methods are falling short of feeding China’s 1.4 billion people and they are asking American farmers experienced with biotechnology to help close the gap. During a recent two-week tour of farms and businesses in China and Japan, Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen, Beggs, discussed export opportunities as well as the environmental and production benefits of biotechnology. “We told them biotechnology is a safe, effective method to satisfy their need for more food and fiber,” Kouplen said. The Oklahoma rancher said the biotechnology message found fertile ground, but implementing the technology will be difficult. “The average farmer in […]

During testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works March 24, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Vice President Bob Drake expressed the urgent need for increased supplies of domestic natural gas. The Davis rancher told the committee natural gas is an important energy source for agriculture and associated manufacturing industries. “Natural gas is the primary ingredient in virtually all commercial nitrogen fertilizers, accounting for 90 percent of the farmers’ total cost of anhydrous ammonia,” Drake said. “Unfortunately, high natural gas prices are threatening our nation’s fertilizer industry and could further exacerbate America’s dependence on foreign energy sources. Drake said […]

In order to draw attention to the efficiency and productivity involved in farming and ranching, Oklahoma producers will celebrate National Agriculture Day March 20 during National Agriculture Week. “Every American should understand where food comes from, how it’s produced and why agriculture is essential to our economy,” said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “National Agriculture Day allows us to highlight the importance of agriculture on a nationwide scale.” From oxen and horses drawing equipment through a field to tractors with on-board computers and the power of up to 300 horses, American farmers have increased their production capacity to keep […]

Several Oklahoma youth recently competed for $9,600 in savings bonds and scholarships during the Ninth Annual Young Farmers and Ranchers Speech Contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The contest was held March 15 at the OSU-OKC campus in Oklahoma City. The YF&R Speech Contest was broken up into three age divisions: Junior, nine-12 years old; Intermediate, 13-15 years old; and Senior, 16-18 years old. The youth gave speeches in three division categories, including Agricultural Production, Agriculture Policy and Environment & Natural Resources. Speeches for the Junior Division were three to five minutes in length; five to seven minutes for […]

NOTE: This event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m. at Crest Foods, 2200 W. 15th, Edmond, OK. Three lucky shoppers at Crest Foods in Edmond will receive free groceries Thursday, Feb. 5 as part of national Food Check-Out Day. The grocery give-away is being sponsored by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. “We want to celebrate our farmers’ and ranchers’ skill in producing a safe, high quality, affordable food product,” said Clara Wichert, Fairview, committee chairperson. At approximately 10 a.m. three shoppers will be randomly chosen for the free groceries as they enter the check-out area. Non-food items, […]