Oklahoma Farm Bureau recently named Dustin Mielke and Hannah Nemecek as senior directors of communications. “As the voice of Oklahoma agriculture, communicating with members and the public is critical to the success of Farm Bureau,” said Monica Wilke, OKFB executive director. “Dustin and Hannah have done a tremendous job, and will continue to do so as they work to enhance our various communications efforts.” Mielke was promoted to senior director of corporate communications. In his new role, Mielke will drive communications to OKFB members regarding organizational services and programs. He also will continue in his visual communications role. A member […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau has named Mark Yates vice president of field services and membership recruitment. In his new role, Yates will work alongside field services directors and county Farm Bureaus to develop and enhance member engagement and involvement. “I am confident in Mark’s ability to lead field representatives as they fulfill the vital role of communicating with county Farm Bureau leaders and members,” said Monica Wilke, Oklahoma Farm Bureau executive director. “In his new position, Mark will help guarantee a bright future for our organization by working side-by-side with county Farm Bureaus to strengthen and broaden their membership.” Yates began […]

Every year, Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation partner with FFA chapters and Oklahoma Food Banks to help fight childhood hunger in Oklahoma. Through the Oklahoma FFA’s Hunger Challenge program, FFA members across the state are encouraged to donate livestock to provide protein sticks for the Oklahoma Food Bank’s Food for Kids backpack program. A total of 226 FFA chapters donated to the Hunger Challenge this year, providing 1,015,764 protein sticks for the backpack program. Donations were raised at the 2016 Tulsa State Fair and Oklahoma Youth Expo in March. “Agriculture is the state’s second-leading industry, […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau was proud to support Oklahoma’s agricultural youth as a title sponsor of the Oklahoma FFA Association‘s 91st State FFA Convention and Career Show May 2 through May 3 in downtown Oklahoma City.  With more than 10,000 FFA members, advisers and guests in attendance, the two-day convention featured member and chapter award presentations, leadership and career development workshops, a career show and more. “Investing in our state’s young people is one of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s most important endeavors,” said Monica Wilke, OKFB executive director. “As a former member, I’ve both experienced and witnessed the positive impact FFA has […]

The Blaine County Farm Bureau recently awarded three $2,000 scholarships to local high school seniors who plan to pursue a higher education degree in agriculture after graduation. After reviewing several outstanding applications, the Blaine County Farm Bureau board awarded the three $2,000 scholarships to Koby Smith of Okeene, Dalton Cash of Fay, and Garrett Parker of Watonga. For the past three years, Blaine County Farm Bureau in Watonga has awarded scholarships each year to two qualified students. With a number of commendable applications for this year’s scholarship, the board made the decision to award one additional scholarship this year with […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau purchased premiums on livestock as the organization supported Oklahoma’s agriculture youth during the 2017 Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions Friday, March 17 in Oklahoma City. Before the start of the 2017 sale, OKFB received the 2016 OYE volume buyer award for purchasing the most premiums at the 2016 sale with 34 animals. This year, OKFB partnered with fellow agricultural and rural organizations and individuals in purchasing the premiums for 27 animals. “We are proud to be supporters of such a great opportunity for Oklahoma’s rural youth,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president. “We understand the skills learned […]