Fifteen of the state’s top agricultural advocates – including Gov. Mary Fallin – will receive the Oklahoma Farm Bureau 2013 Champion Award during the OKFB Leadership Conference, Feb. 17-18, at the Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors is recognizing the state leaders and legislators for going above and beyond to protect and improve agriculture and rural Oklahoma during the 2013 legislative session. “As the state’s largest agricultural organization, we are committed to preserving the livelihood and legacy of our fellow farmers and ranchers,” OKFB President Tom Buchanan said. “It is an […]
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Proposed food safety rules miss the mark
The first major reform of food safety laws in seven decades, the Food Safety Modernization Act, was enacted in January 2011 with the intent of making food safer and reducing foodborne illness. However, the Food and Drug Administration’s plans to put FSMA rules in place are too broad to do the job well, according to farmers. Among Farm Bureau’s top concerns with the proposed regulations is FDA’s apparent unwillingness to focus on commodities that are associated with foodborne illness. “We urge FDA to reconsider standards that take into account the relative risks and comparative benefits associated with individual commodities. FDA […]
Applications for Conservation Stewardship program due Jan. 17
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for federal fiscal year 2014. Starting today through Jan. 17, 2014, producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS. “Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners are going the extra mile to conserve our nation’s resources,” NRCS Chief Jason Weller said. “Through their conservation actions, they are ensuring that their operations are more productive and sustainable over the long run.” The CSP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps established conservation […]
Cost of classic Thanksgiving dinner down for 2013
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 28th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.04, a 44-cent price decrease from last year’s average of $49.48. “The cost of this year’s meal, at less than $5 per serving, remains an excellent value for consumers,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas. “America’s farm and ranch families are honored to produce the food from our nation’s land for family Thanksgiving celebrations,” he said. “During this holiday season, many farmers and […]
Buchanan named new Oklahoma Farm Bureau president
Voting delegates at the 72nd Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting elected Jackson County Farm Bureau member Tom Buchanan to serve as president of the organization, Nov. 16, in Norman. Buchanan has represented District 2 on the OKFB Board of Directors for six years. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau is the voice for rural Oklahoma and agriculture, and that’s my passion,” Buchanan said. “Through my service at the county level and then as a state director, I feel I have a background with the federation and with the insurance company, and I’m looking forward to serving our members.” Buchanan raises a commercial beef […]
Temples receive YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award
Raymond and Mary Temple are the recipients of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Lifetime Legacy Award. The announcement was made Nov. 15, at OKFB’s 72nd Annual Convention in Norman. The YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award serves as a living memorial for members by recognizing their life achievements. It is intended to honor an individual or a couple who have spent their lives enriching and inspiring rural Oklahomans’ quality of life. Raymond grew up on a farm in Colorado, and Mary was raised on a cotton farm in Washita County. Together they have built a cow-calf herd and raise stocker […]
Garvin County Farm Bureau receives top county award
Oklahoma Farm Bureau has named Garvin County as the John I. Taylor Award winner for 2012. The announcement was made Nov. 10, in Oklahoma City at the OFB 71st Annual Convention. The John I. Taylor Award is named after OFB’s first president and serves as the organization’s highest county honor. County winners are required to earn the Four-Star Presidential Award and excel in at least six different program areas. Garvin County is active in all 11 program areas, including membership, program planning, policy development, policy execution, information and public relations, safety, service to members, local affairs, policy education, women’s activities […]
Givens inducted into OKFB Eagle Club
Kerry Givens of Comanche County was recognized an inductee in the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Eagle Club during the OKFB 72nd Annual Convention, Nov. 15, in Norman. The distinction was created to recognize the member who recruits the most new members in a year, as membership is a key aspect of the organization. Givens recruited 17 new members in 2013. He received a traveling Golden Eagle trophy and a personalized OKFB jacket. View and download a high-resolution photo of Givens receiving recognition on OKFB’s Flickr account.
Sloan honored with OKFB Distinguished Service Award
Charles Sloan, of Vian, was recognized as the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau Award winner at the OKFB 72nd Annual Meeting, Nov. 15, in Norman. The Distinguished Service Award honors OKFB members who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and the Farm Bureau organization. Sloan has been serving agriculture for nearly four decades and recently retired as the OKFB state director from District 6, a position he held for 16 years. Sloan has also served as president of Sequoyah County Farm Bureau for 25 years. Sloan and his wife Mary are contract farmers in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, […]
Payne County couple wins YF&R Excellence in Agriculture award
Brent and Jenny Haken were announced the winners of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award, Nov. 15, at OKFB’s 72nd Annual Convention in Norman. The award recognizes successful young adults ages 35 years or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupations are not farming or owning an agricultural business. Winners are chosen based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other community organizations. The couple received a four-wheeler ATV, courtesy of Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma and Chisholm Trail Farm Credit, a $250 gift certificate and an […]
