The Naylor family of Balko was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 1 farm and ranch family of the year at the organizations 83rd annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 9, in Oklahoma City.
Braden and Maria Naylor strive to raise quality beef as they own a primarily angus seedstock operation along with their commercial and stocker cattle. The Naylors aim to raise cattle that continue to have a successful performance in the environment of Beaver County.
Starting in the early 1990s through the early 2000s, the family raised Maine-Anjou cattle and club calves.
The Naylors saw an opportunity in 2012 to raise, develop and market angus bulls that are efficient, easy fleshing and moderate framed to fit the short grass, limited rainfall panhandle.
Braden relates his time showing steers to the beginning of his interest in genetics.
“I’ve always had an interest in genetics,” Braden said. “We’re always striving for the next calf-crop to be better than the year before. Come calving time, it’s like Christmas day, every day.”
Along with their cattle operation, Braden continues his family’s legacy growing wheat, grain sorghum and hay, which the Naylor family has done since 1942. Braden follows his father’s practices by finding conservative ways to grow their crops with the harsh panhandle climates.
“My dad started no-tilling 20 years ago,” Braden said. “Where we live, we have limited moisture. Every year we are looking for better ways to be conservative.”
The Naylors raise their three boys, Alex, Eli and Boston, on their farm in Balko. Eli is involved with FFA and shows angus heifers while helping with the cattle and crops. Boston’s favorite activities on the farm are feeding and checking on the cows.
“We have really enjoyed being a farm family because of the rural community and small schools,” Maria said.
The Naylor family continues to be heavily involved in their community. They are members of the Balko Baptist Church where Braden serves as a Deacon and Maria is a Sunday school teacher.
Maria is a first-grade teacher at Balko School where both Eli and Boston attend. Eli is active in the Balko FFA chapter as well as plays football, basketball, baseball and track. Braden is a member of the Balko Lions Club, president of Blue Mount Cemetery, officer of the Beaver County Junior Livestock Association and board member of Beaver County Farm Bureau.
“It’s really nice to live in a rural community where common sense prevails,” Braden said. “We pray and do the pledge before every ball game. Everybody is there to support each other’s kids. Our kids are almost raised by committee because everyone helps each other.”
The Naylors are proud to continue the family legacy raising cattle and growing crops on their farm in Balko.
“In agriculture, every day is a new day,” Braden said. “It is also challenging, and it is a calling. I think most people in agriculture would agree that it is a calling. At the end of the day, being stewards of what the good lord gave us is a responsibility that most people in agriculture take seriously.”
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.
