In a lawsuit filed April 25 in Federal District Court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Arkansas River Shiner Coalition challenges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) designation of critical habitat for the small two inch minnow. “We believe the Fish and Wildlife Service has violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to conduct a proper economic analysis,” said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president and coalition member. “The Service is basically saying there is no economic impact from designating critical habitat for the shiner. We believe quite the opposite is true.” About 98 percent of the total “critical habitat” […]
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders to lobby Congress
About 80 state agricultural leaders will travel to the nation’s capital April 14-18 to discuss agricultural issues with lawmakers as a part of the annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Congressional Action Tour. The leaders will discuss agricultural issues – particularly the farm bill – with members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation. "This year’s trip comes at an opportune time," said Jeramy Rich, OFB public policy director, "since conferees are meeting to discuss the Senate and House farm bill versions. The vote could come at about any time, maybe even when our group is there." Both the Senate and House have passed […]
Oklahoma Farm Bureau is major buyer at Oklahoma Youth Expo sale
Oklahoma Farm Bureau once again was a major buyer at the 2002 Oklahoma Youth Expo premium sale March 18 in Oklahoma City. The premium sale is the culmination of the world’s largest junior livestock show, awarding youthful exhibitors of the top animals premium money for their efforts with their livestock. Prior to the sale’s first animal being auctioned, OFB President Steve Kouplen accepted the 2001 Volume Buyer Trophy from Gov. and Mrs. Frank Keating. The trophy recognized OFB for purchasing the most prize-winning animals at the 2001 auction. "We welcome the opportunity to support our young people by purchasing their […]
Legislative Update with John Collison
In this edition of Legislative Update, I want to talk about the one major issue that still plagues our state and the major agricultural states to our west. It is the continuance of a drought that is now growing into its third year. This drought has now locked itself into western Oklahoma, with a growing cost near $1.5 billion dollars in agricultural economic loss. Please read that again. Oklahoma agriculture has lost $1.5 billion dollars in the last three years due to the lack of rain and water planning. In looking at the U.S. Geological Survey history of 2013 […]
