Monday the Oklahoma Farm Bureau called on the Oklahoma federal delegation to reengage Congress in the farm bill legislation. With only a few weeks left on the legislative calendar before Congress adjourns for the August recess, Oklahoma farmers are pushing lawmakers to restart the farm bill debate. The U.S. House defeated the farm bill in June after a controversial debate over the nutrition program section of the bill.  Without a new bill, the law requires farm programs to revert to the 1949 law, which is more expensive and less applicable to today’s modern agriculture. “It is imperative that Congress rejoins […]

The state’s leading farm group voiced strong disappointment in the negative vote on the farm bill today in the U. S. House of Representatives. “We are extremely disappointed in the vote against the farm bill,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  “Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers need a farm bill now to help them plan for their next crop.  No business can successfully operate without a plan and this negative vote will indefinitely delay business decisions.” Spradling noted the farm bill is for everyone, not just farmers, and this rejection impacts all Americans. “Farmers provide food and fiber […]

The state’s largest farm organization thanked Gov. Mary Fallin for signing a bill reorganizing the state’s water resources board at a ceremonial bill signing June 11. Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling praised the governor for signing SB 965. “Gov. Fallin understands the importance of water for life and economic development all across our state,” Spradling said. “The regional representation provided by SB 965 will ensure all Oklahomans have the opportunity for their voices to be heard on water issues.” SB 965 changes representation on the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to regional-based representation. The nine seats on the board will […]

In the waning hours of the 2013 legislative session, lawmakers passed legislation that will change how members are selected for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.  SB 965 provides more regional representation on the board. SB 965 transitions representation on the nine-member OWRB – from one representative from each congressional district and four at-large positions, to one representative from nine geographic areas. The three Panhandle counties get one seat, as does Oklahoma County and Tulsa County, as those areas are the biggest water users in the state. The transition begins in 2014 and adds the requirement that one of the board […]

Legislation involving water, animal welfare, agritourism and property rights were all successfully passed with the support of the state’s largest farm organization. “We are extremely pleased with lawmakers passing measures on these critical issues for rural Oklahoma,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Leading the way early in the session was the issue of horse processing. Legislators passed HB 1999, which amends the Oklahoma Meat Inspection Act by allowing horses, mules or other equine to be transported, manufactured, processed, packed, sold or prepared in Oklahoma as long as the meat will be sold on the international market. […]

This week, both the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees passed their versions of the new farm bill that protects agricultural producers and consumers. “From the beginning of this farm bill discussion, we have stated our desire for an adequate income safety net with a strong crop insurance program,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  “Crop insurance is extremely important for us, especially when you consider our variable weather conditions.  We applaud the Senate and House Ag Committees for their swift and responsive actions this week.” The Sand Springs rancher gave special praise to Rep. Frank Lucas […]