The Spradling family of Sand Springs was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 9 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 83rd annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 9, in Oklahoma City.
Mike and Lotsee Spradling returned to Lotsee’s family ranch after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1968. In the 57 years they have been married, they have increased the ranch from, 1,200 acres to 2,000 acres. They now run one of the oldest herds of registered polled Hereford cattle in Oklahoma, while running The Nut Shop, a retail store selling pecans, almonds, pistachios, cashews and peanuts.
“My folks started acquiring the property in the late 20s and registered the brand the first time in 1932,” Lotsee said.
For the past 40 years, Mike led the pecan production part of their operation.
“One day I was there on the bottom and was dozing trees out and some of them were pretty good size and they didn’t move very easily,” Mike said. “I started paying attention to what kind of tree it was, and it was a pecan tree. I said right then I said to myself, if I can’t get you out, I’m going to make you produce.”
Mike and Lotsee raised their three children Aaron , Stacy and Lotsee on their Tulsa County ranch. Their oldest daughter, Aaron, operates Flying G Ranch Equestrian Center and her husband, Bo, manages the retail pecan and nut shop, both located on the ranch.
“It has been a privilege to grow up here,” Lotsee said. “It’s been a privilege to raise my children here. I’ve helped raise hundreds of children out here, and so did my folks, working. We’ve tried to instill to them respect for everything they have.”
The two have had several notable past involvements with multiple organizations. Those including president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, director of American Farm Bureau, president and director of Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, chair of Oklahoma Pecan Commission and council member of American Pecan Council. Mike now serves as vice president of the Tulsa State Fair Board.
“I’ve been very fortunate,” Mike said. “I only wanted three things in life – that was a good wife, good family and good environment for them to live in. If I don’t see the sunrise tomorrow, nobody shed a tear for me because I’ve had it all.”
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.
