The Calvert family of Norman was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 8 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 83rd annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 9, in Oklahoma City.
Jake and Samantha Calvert are the fourth generation of Calverts on their 80 acres in Norman. They currently run 100 head of cattle, which they market direct to consumers in Norman, Moore and south Oklahoma City. Along with the cattle, they also raise quarter horses to use as ranch horses. Samantha also has a flock of 40 hens.
“He will tell you that his pride and joy and things he looks forward to doing and dealing with is the cattle,” Samantha said. “I’m the horses. I don’t go out there every day and do what I probably should with them, but that is my thing.”
The Calverts raised their three sons Jacob, Marshall and Paton on their Norman ranch. Each son has a crucial role in the operation. Jacob, an aircraft mechanic, helps as needed with maintenance and processing. Marshall, a welder, helps with maintenance, processing and the horses. Paton helps with the processing and is the colt starter and farrier.
“The opportunity to raise kids out here ensures that there’s another generation of self-sufficient individuals,” Jake said.
Jake and Samantha understand the importance of staying involved within their community. Jake serves as the president of Cleveland County Farm Bureau and is a part of the Cleveland County Fair Board and Cleveland County Cattleman’s Association Board. Samantha serves on the Cleveland County 4-H Foundation Board.
The Calverts donate beef to feed others at several events including Norman FFA, Cleveland County Oklahoma Home and Community Education, Cleveland County 4-H as well as Veterans Celebration at Tiffany’s Restaurant in Noble.
“I live under no illusion that this is going to last indefinitely,” Jake said. “There will come a point when they throw me in a wood box and try to find somebody say good words about me. I hope then that I have kept the family land together long enough that it is worth something that my kids can go and build something bigger and better.”
OKFB’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program celebrates nine farm and ranch families from around the state who carry on the best traditions of Oklahoma agriculture and our rural communities.
“Our state’s family farmers and ranchers do so much for our state from feeding and clothing Oklahomans to taking care of our natural resources,” said Mignon Bolay, OKFB WLC chair. “Our Women’s Leadership Committee is proud to recognize these nine farm and ranch families and share their stories of agricultural excellence and rural community involvement.”
As part of their recognition, the family received a cash award and a custom sign to hang at their farm gate. The family was also recognized at the 2024 OKFB convention with a video sharing their agricultural operation and heritage.
