The American Farm Bureau Federation has honored all seven members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation with its “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for their sustained and exemplary support of farmers and ranchers. Oklahoma Farm Bureau nominated the delegation for the award, which recognizes members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, for outstanding agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. “We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with these outstanding legislative leaders,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “They understand our needs and have a positive response to our issues.” Receiving the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award are U.S. […]

The majority of young farmers and ranchers participating in a survey of the farm economy said they are optimistic. The survey was conducted during the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference in Shawnee July 23-25. The survey indicated 88 percent feel good about the farm economy, but a less optimistic 66 percent believe this will be a good year for Oklahoma agriculture. Typical of the comments made was this statement by Will Cubbage of Bartlesville: “I am somewhat optimistic in the short run,” Cubbage said. “If farm prices improve the last half of the year, this will be […]

Richard Newberry has been named interim General Manager and Executive Vice President of Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. The appointment was made July 9 following the retirement of Darryl Sinclair. “Richard is an excellent leader and insurance professional,” said Monica Wilke, Executive Director/General Counsel for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. “His skills will help us continue moving our company forward.” Newberry brings a wealth of insurance experience to the position. He started his career with the company in 1993 as an adjuster in the Tulsa District Claims office. He has steadily been promoted to a number of important […]

More than $7,600 was raised for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation during the annual fund raising golf tournament at Hennessey’s Turkey Creek Golf Club. The event was coordinated by the OFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. “We are pleased by the good turnout,” said Marla Peek, director of the legal foundation. Approximately 28 teams competed for prizes and the opportunity to help production agriculture and rural Oklahoma. “The money raised will be used to fund legal issues involving protection of private property rights and other important issues,” Peek said. The winning team was composed of Kenny Heckart, John Dowell, […]

An informal survey of participants at the Oklahoma City Farm Show (April 15-17) and the Oklahoma FFA Convention (April 27-28) revealed most are concerned about too much government involvement in agriculture. The survey was conducted when participants visited the Farm Bureau booth during the events. The survey was composed of three questions: What are the critical farm issues today?; Are you doing anything different on your farm this spring?; and What is the biggest challenge for your business today? Almost half of all farm show participants surveyed said they are concerned about too much government control . “Everything from the […]

When Governor Brad Henry signed HB3202, known as the equine dentistry bill, into law April 16, he successfully ended a two-year struggle to help Oklahoma livestock producers continue to care for their horses and other livestock. “Protecting animal husbandry practices, including equine dentistry, has long been a Farm Bureau priority,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  “We want livestock producers to be able to humanely care for their animals.” The equine dentistry issue surfaced when the 2008 Oklahoma Legislature passed a bill making the practice of veterinary medicine without a license, a felony.   In 2009 the […]

Oklahoma livestock producers spend the better part of the day making sure their cattle, horses and other livestock are comfortable and well fed.  It’s good for the animals and it’s good for business.   In an effort to support livestock producers, the state legislature is protecting producers’ rights to humanely treat livestock with traditional animal husbandry practices.  HB 3202 allows horse owners to employ trained and certified equine dentists to properly care for their animals. Skilled equine dentists may require prescribed medication to treat livestock and therefore should be allowed to purchase drugs from a licensed veterinarian and administer the medication […]

Three legislators received Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service award Feb. 15 during the farm organization’s annual leadership conference in Oklahoma City. The Meritorious Service award is presented to legislators who have a strong voting record for Farm Bureau issues and show support for rural and agricultural issues.  The awards are based on a county Farm Bureau’s nomination and evaluation of the lawmaker’s adherence to the values and issues important to rural Oklahoma. Receiving the award were Senators Mike Schulz, Altus, and Sean Burrage, Claremore, and Representative Ann Coody, Lawton. Sen. Schulz authored the Livestock Preemption bill that authorizes the Oklahoma […]

A golden plow, world farm leader, state budget breakdown and legislative priorities are all on the agenda for Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s annual leadership conference Feb. 15-16, Marriott Hotel on Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City. American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman will present AFBF’s most prestigious legislative award, the Golden Plow Award, to U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, R-OK, during ceremonies following dinner Monday, Feb. 15.  Each year AFBF honors one member of the Senate and one member of the U.S. House with the Golden Plow award.  The award is based on the lawmaker’s strong voting record for agriculture and Farm Bureau issues.  […]

Crop insurance reform, correct use of H1N1 terminology and a change in Department of Transportation rules were among the slew of issues pushed by Oklahoma Farm Bureau delegates at the American Farm Bureau convention, Jan. 9-13 in Seattle, Wash. “It was a good convention and I believe all of our issues received great support from farmers and ranchers all over the country,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. On crop insurance, the AFBF voting delegates adopted a resolution stating farmers should be able to purchase double crop insurance for crops that were planted and harvested on the same acreage in the […]