More than 1,000 Oklahoma agricultural leaders are expected to fill the Cox Convention Center Nov. 11-13, in downtown Oklahoma City for the annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention. “This is our most important meeting of the year,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “This is when our leaders decide policy for the organization to follow in the coming year.” The convention kicks off Friday, Nov. 11, with contests for the young farmers and ranchers followed by the opening session. Featured speakers in the opening session include Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb and KWTV Meteorologist Gary England. Also, awards for Journalist of the […]

John Wiscaver has been named Vice President of Public Affairs for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. Wiscaver joins Farm Bureau after working in Oklahoma government affairs and media relations for State Farm insurance since 2000. As part of his work, Wiscaver oversaw State Farm’s media and external catastrophe response operations for the Midwest region and coordinated several major events including Hurricane Katrina, numerous severe storms in Oklahoma and the recent Joplin, Mo. tornado. “With over twenty years of experience in the insurance industry, John brings a new, fresh perspective, unique talents and a proven track record to move our […]

Agriculture losses from the historic drought gripping Oklahoma are estimated at more than $2 billion and climbing. That figure was announced by Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Drought Recovery Summit Aug. 30. The figure includes losses for both livestock and grain producers. Reese said the number could grow substantially as the drought intensifies. “The one billion dollars worth of cow crop that will not be harvested next year because we have sold those cows is significant,” said Reese. Reese added his loss estimate did not include the higher cost of feed stocks as a result of […]

In an effort to help Oklahoma farmers and ranchers deal with the on-going drought, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is hosting an informal summit Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the OFB cafeteria, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City. The one day meeting will feature grassland and economic experts from the Noble Foundation, Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese, Climatologist Gary McManus, Andrea Breautigam, executive director of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program, FSA Director Francie Tolle and OSU Sociologist Dr. Duane Gill. “We want to bring together some of the state’s top experts to help our producers manage this natural disaster,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “We […]

Oklahoma farmers and ranchers faced with public opinion battles over food and fiber production are hoping a new nonprofit foundation will create a better understanding of agriculture. The Oklahoma Farm Foundation will be launched Aug. 1 with the primary purpose of enhancing awareness and understanding of the importance of agriculture. “We must educate people in urban cities and rural communities who want a plentiful supply of affordably priced food,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, and member of the foundation’s board of directors. “We continually find ourselves defending agriculture production methods. Why should farmers and ranchers have […]

The state’s largest farm organization supports Gov. Mary Fallin’s executive order allowing truck drivers to haul larger loads of hay. “This will make it possible for livestock producers to get hay to hungry livestock quicker,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The drought has destroyed local hay fields, forcing producers to seek hay supplies from areas less affected by the drought. Current rules require hay loads not to exceed 11 feet in width. The executive order increases the limit to 12 feet. A standard large round hay bale is six feet wide. The rule effectively doubles the […]

More than 100 rural women leaders from across Oklahoma participated in the annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau summer conference in Bartlesville, July 8-10. “This was a great opportunity for women to learn how they can be leaders in their community,” said Kitty Beaver, OFB Women’s Committee chairperson. Guest speaker LeAnne Taylor, KOTV Channel 6, Tulsa, spoke to the group about her career, her struggle with cancer and her passion for preventing the disease. Breakout sessions on wildfire prevention and animal and agriculture advocacy provided participants with helpful information they can use to improve the lives in rural communities. The conference was […]

Oklahoma Fifth District Congressman James Lankford’s bill allowing broader weight restrictions on farm trucks is receiving strong support from Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Lankford introduced the Farmers’ Freedom Act July 7, to allow farmers to haul commodities across state boundaries without violating weight limits. Current law forces farm trucks to be covered under more restrictive federal regulations when loads exceed 26,000 pounds. This is especially burdensome when the trucks cross borders, even though the truck may be considered legal within each state. “We have many producers who live near state borders and transport grain and livestock to the nearest market, which […]

Farm Bureau members wanting to learn about new technology are invited to attend the Production Advantage workshop, July 28-29, OFB office, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City. “We want to show how new technology can be used to improve production,” said Burton Harmon, OFB field services representative and workshop coordinator. The two-day seminar includes social media training, demonstrations of Green Seeker technology and ranch management software, marketing training and use of the Internet for soil surveys. “The Production Advantage Seminar will give producers who attend a production advantage because they will learn about new technology and resources that can move them […]

At a capitol press conference on May 11, Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other organizations such as the State Chamber thanked state house members who voted 80-15 to pass HB 1381. The bill, which previously passed the State Senate on a 39-9 vote, now heads to Governor Fallin for her approval. “Having a well-funded health care system in Oklahoma is important to improving the economic climate in Oklahoma,” said State Chamber CEO Fred Morgan. “It is important to employers, employees and all health care consumers that we do everything we can to reduce or eliminate cost-shifting which occurs when government programs […]