The Coblentz family of Chouteau was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 6 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 83rd annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 9, in Oklahoma City.
Charles and Ellen Coblentz have been operating their diversified dairy farm for 51 years. The family also grows soybeans, corn, wheat, alfalfa and wheat pasture for grazing. In addition, they run Coblentz Fertilizer to help local farmers and ranchers with their input needs while also lowering their own operating costs.
“We started dairying in 1972 here and we have a diversified operation,” Charles said. “We went through dairy to beef cattle farming, raising our own feed and then in 1990, we also started marking a chemical seeding fertilizer for other farmers.”
The Coblentzes raised their four children Priscilla, Charles, Adam and Anthony on their Mayes County farm.
“This is definitely a family farm,” Ellen said. “I have been at it for nearly 50 years. Our children went to college and came home and wanted to work in it too, all but our daughter who we miss very much. Everyone has a place.”
Together, Charles, Adam and Anthony take care of the cattle, planting crops, running the hay crew and other farm tasks.
While Charles heads the dairy farm, Ellen, along with feeding calves and managing the farm bookwork, supervises the chemical seeding fertilizer business, Coblentz Fertilizer.
“The fertilizer chemical seed is a very large operation,” Ellen said. “I want every one of my customers to know that they’re getting the best price they can get anywhere. I strive to keep my customers happy because I want to have their respect and know that I’ve tried to treat them just like I would treat myself.”
Charles and Ellen are highly involved with local and national organizations. Both have been Farm Bureau members for over 50 years. Charles has served on multiple boards throughout the community and serves on the Dairy Farmers of America council, representing dairymen from Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri for over seven years.
Their son, Charles, serves as the president of Mayes County Farm Bureau and is the vice president of the Chouteau-Maize School Board. His wife, Gretchen, is the vice chair of the Mayes County Women’s Leadership Committee.
The Coblentz’s main goal is to raise everything on their farm that every animal on the farm needs to eat.
“You don’t quit,” Charles said. “You just get up seven days a week and you just stay focused. I never thought I wouldn’t do this.”
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.
