Gov. Kevin Stitt this week issued a fourth amendment to Executive Order 2020-07 requiring the closure of all non-essential businesses located in Oklahoma counties that contain COVID-19 cases. The governor is adhering to federal guidelines for essential businesses, which designate food and agriculture as one of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors during emergency situations. Gov. Stitt also provided an expanded list of businesses considered essential for the food and agriculture industry which includes: Farm supply and hardware stores Groves, greenhouses, nurseries and vineyards Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Food manufacturing Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing Manufacturing of fiber and forestry […]
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YF&R scholarship application deadline extended
The deadline for students to apply to receive one of nine $1,000 college scholarships from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee has been extended to April 30, 2020. Nine $1,000 scholarships, one from each OKFB district, will be awarded to high school seniors pursuing a career in agriculture at an Oklahoma institution of high learning as a full-time student. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2020. Download the application in OKFB’s online Application Center.
Legislative update: Farm Bureau’s voice remains constant in unpredictable times
Even in uncertain times, Oklahoma Farm Bureau will remain the steady and unwavering voice for farmers, ranchers and rural Oklahomans. Many businesses and organizations – even the state Legislature and Congress – are tampering down operations, but we know and understand that work on the farm never stops. That’s why Farm Bureau leaders and staff will continue to vigilantly monitor the issues that impact OKFB members. Facing increasing concerns over public health, the Oklahoma House of Representatives on March 16 took unprecedented action to authorize the Republican and Democratic caucuses to designate a single proxy representative to vote on behalf […]
OSU DASNR: Coronavirus concerns high in rural areas
The following is a release provided by the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. By Brian Brus, OSU DASNR Health officials are warning rural communities to be just as cautious as more densely populated areas in their response to the spread of COVID-19. A lower rate of person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus might result in a delay of infection, but it’s still highly likely to occur regardless. “With this virus, research has shown that you might still be an asymptomatic carrier and not show any signs of sickness,” said Megan Monteith, Oklahoma State University Extension […]
Food security is our security
Just a few weeks ago, the thought of a grocery store with empty shelves was a foreign concept to consumers around the United States. It is an idea we associate with developing nations or an Orwellian dystopia. But here we are. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, people have flocked to grocery stores and other food retailers to stock up on the items they see as essential to riding out the Coronavirus pandemic. And while grocery stores, at times, may appear to have been ransacked, the shelves are re-stocked, and consumers can be assured that their favorite items – […]
2020 OKFB Congressional Action Tour cancelled
Out of an abundance of caution, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau board of directors has decided to cancel the 2020 OKFB Congressional Action Tour trip to Washington, D.C., along with the planned add-on trip to New York City. Due to the ongoing health situation surrounding the Coronavirus and COVID-19, especially in the cities of Washington, D.C., and New York City, the trip will not be held during its planned dates, March 26-29, 2020. The possibility of a fall trip will be considered along with the option of waiting until 2021 to reschedule the congressional action tour. For questions surrounding your travel […]
ACTION ALERT: Urge your representative to vote NO on countywide property taxes
Oklahoma Farm Bureau is encouraging members to contact their state representative and urge a no vote on HB 2776 by Rep. Lonnie Sims. The legislation would allow the governing body of a county – or county commissioners – to create a hazard mitigation district funded by a new property tax, upon approval of voters in the county. The district would include all territory within the county. Unincorporated land is not exempted, which would subject farmers, ranchers and landowners to an additional property tax burden. Authorized uses for the funds generated by the new tax include, but are not limited to: […]
OKFB now accepting applications for youth leadership conference
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee is now accepting applications for its Oklahoma Youth Leading Agriculture program held May 26-29, 2020 in Oklahoma City. OYLA is a unique three-day summer leadership conference designed for high school students completing their junior year in 2020. The conference will include special leadership classes, exciting speakers, team building and visits to agriculture-related industries. Selected students should be among the top, well rounded students in their class, and should have an interest in furthering their education at the post-secondary level. OYLA participants will stay in Oklahoma City with conference activities located at the OKFB […]
Legislative update: Property tax changes, beginning farmers assistance and rural health care access
The 2020 legislative session quickly hit high gear and is now running at a rapid pace. As February comes to a close, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is engaged in a large number of critical pieces of legislation. Below is a snapshot of a few the bills that are beginning to advance through the process. HB 1992 would create the Oklahoma Public Safety Protection District Act, which allows municipalities to propose a new form of property tax to fund police, fire and emergency medical services. OKFB successfully worked with other stakeholders to include an amendment that increases the vote threshold for approval […]
How the 2020 Census will impact rural Oklahoma
In only a few weeks, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin sending invitations for households to participate in its 2020 Census count of every person living in the United States. The census is a critical opportunity for rural Oklahomans to step up and be counted to ensure the future growth and prosperity of rural communities. The census is your opportunity to stand with rural Oklahoma. Responding to the census fulfills your civic duty because the count is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. But completing the 2020 Census also is your chance to take pride in the rural way of life. […]
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