State and federal legislative leaders will address Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders Feb. 18-19, during the annual OFB Leadership Conference at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, One Park Ave, Oklahoma City. “This is a great opportunity for our county leaders to meet with their legislators and discuss issues important to rural Oklahoma,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. Lawton businessman Bill Burgess will address the group Monday afternoon with a presentation on leadership in today’s society.  Burgess is vice chairman of the Oklahoma Business Roundtable and his family owns a successful law firm and the Lawton Constitution newspaper.  Burgess is a member of […]

The second annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Harvest Watch blog season is set to start Feb. 11.The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Harvest Watch blog website will feature regular updates from six farm families as they experience the everyday joys and disappointments of planting and harvesting a crop and feeding and caring for livestock. Updates will continue through the fall and conclude with harvest. The six farm families, each represent a different region of Oklahoma, include Zach and Amy Harris, Hobart; Brandon and Carrie Webb, Canton; Matt and Lisa Graves, Gate;  Kenneth and Debbie Fisher, Bristow; Brent and Myndi Bolen, Idabel; and Greg […]

Oklahoma high school FFA and 4-H members are encouraged to produce creative videos promoting farmers’ care for animals, consumers and the environment in a contest sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. “The goal of the contest is to inform and educate the public with a positive message about farmers’ deep passion and commitment to their animals, the environment, crops and consumers,” said Mason Bolay, Tahlequah, YF&R chairman. The contest, “Oklahoma Farmers Care: Doing What’s Right for our Animals, our Environment and our Consumers,” is open to any high school FFA or 4-H member. Entries can be […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling, Sand Springs, was re-elected Jan. 15 to serve a two-year term on the American Farm Bureau board of directors.  The election occurred during the 94th annual American Farm Bureau convention in Nashville, Tenn. “I am extremely proud to represent Oklahoma on the AFBF board,” Spradling said.  “I will continue to push for critical issues impacting Oklahoma agriculture, including a new farm bill, immigration reform and reducing government regulations.” Representing the southern region, Spradling joins 16 other state Farm Bureau presidents on the AFBF board.  The Oklahoma leader was first elected to the national board […]

Passage of a new five-year farm bill tops the list of priority issues for the American Farm Bureau, announced following the conclusion of the organization’s 94th annual convention in Nashville, Tenn.  The priority issues are determined by the AFBF board of directors, including Sand Springs, Okla., farmer Mike Spradling, who was re-elected to his fourth, two-year term. “These are critical issues that need our immediate attention,” Spradling said.  “We will use all available resources to work on these issues.” The national farm group said its 2013 strategic action agenda will include: Work for passage of a new farm bill that […]

Gov. Mary Fallin appointed two Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders to her Water Policy for 2060 Advisory Council. Tom Buchanan of Altus and Bob Drake of Davis were selected to fill new positions on the advisory board. “We are happy to see rural Oklahoma and rural water interests so well represented on the governor’s advisory council,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “Tom and Bob represent Oklahoma agriculture in the many rolls they fill in their communities and in our state, and we know they will continue to speak for rural Oklahoma on the governor’s water policy council.” Buchanan represents […]

The state’s leading farm organization supports Congress’ vote extending the farm bill. “Extending the current farm bill is good for agriculture and for consumers,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. While pleased with Congress’ New Years Day vote, the Sand Springs, Okla., farm leader voiced support for continued efforts on a new, five-year farm bill. “We would prefer a new farm bill, one that provides a strong safety net for farm income using a combination of crop insurance, a revenue assurance program and price protection,” Spradling said. Spradling praised the entire Oklahoma delegation, both House and Senate, for their […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau announced today Chris Kidd has been named Vice President of Organization and Membership. In his new role, Kidd will oversee membership, member benefits, commodities and the YF&R and Farm Bureau Women’s Committees. “Knowing Chris’s diverse professional experience, I am confident in his ability to lead our membership programs and develop key leaders within Farm Bureau,” said OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke.  “Chris embodies who we are as an organization, and I am excited to have him playing a key role as we continue our efforts in promoting and protecting Oklahoma agriculture.” Kidd joined Farm Bureau in 2009 […]

Pottawatomie County farmer John Grundmann was elected to represent District 8 on the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors during the 71st OFB Annual Meeting in Oklahoma City, Nov. 10. In addition to farming and ranching, Grundmann owns and operates Valley View Pecan Company with his wife, Janice, and son, Josh.  The commercial and custom pecan shelling operation is located in Shawnee.   Grundmann has been involved in Oklahoma Farm Bureau since 1977 and said he is eager to serve Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers. “I really appreciate the grassroots process of Farm Bureau, and I look forward to working with […]

Organizers of the Beef for Backpacks program are asking livestock producers to consider the benefits of donating cattle as they prepare their year-end statements. The Beef for Backpacks program is a collaboration among the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma State University Food and Agricultural Products Center, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Ralphs Meat Company in Perkins and Chickasha Meats. Each week, volunteers at the Regional Food Bank stuff backpacks with nutritious food and snacks that are handed out to school children to supplement their weekend diets. Beef sticks supplied by program partners […]