In his proclamation for Farm Bureau Week, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry said the state depends on organizations like Farm Bureau to play a key role in developing rural areas.
Throughout the week of Feb. 19, county Farm Bureau’s will be hosting events focusing on rural development activities.
“This is critical for economic development in rural Oklahoma,” Henry said. “We stress economic development, but Farm Bureau practices it everyday and we’re very thankful for them.”
Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen, Beggs, said Farm Bureau Week gives the state’s largest farm organization, with more than 166,000 members, an opportunity to tell the farm story.
“This is the one week of the year we can showcase in every county what our farm and ranch families are doing to improve rural Oklahoma,” Kouplen said.
“We’re one big agriculture family, and we are all working for the benefit of rural Oklahoma,” Kouplen said. “This gives them the chance to show the pride they have in our organization and in our state.”
Examples of how some of the county Farm Bureaus contribute to rural Oklahoma include: building livestock barns at the county fairgrounds; donating scholarship funds for local youths; cleaning up roadside trash; building and repairing community parks and playgrounds; and supporting value-added rural businesses; and fighting for increased funding for rural roads and bridges.
During Farm Bureau Week, county Farm Bureaus will be hosting open houses, luncheons and receptions. The public is invited to participate in these events and learn more about Farm Bureau.
