The American Farm Bureau Federation has honored U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) with its Golden Plow award, the highest honor the organization bestows on members of Congress. “I believe that American farmers are the backbone of our nation – a diverse domestic supply of food and fiber is the foundation of our security, our social values and our economy,” Sen. Inhofe said. “I am deeply honored to receive the American Farm Bureau Golden Plow award, and will continue to do all I can to fight for the American farmer in Washington.”   “Senator Inhofe is a steadfast supporter of agriculture,” […]

Voting delegates at the 68th annual meeting of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau voiced strong support for a statewide water plan, a farm tire recycling program and equine dentistry.  The meeting was held at the Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Nov. 6-8. “This was a great example of grassroots policy development,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president.  “The fingerprints of our members are all over the policy book, starting with county meetings and ending here at the state convention.” Delegates passed a resolution stating “Equine dentists, chiropractors and farriers are trained professionals who provide essential services to the horse industry.  They should […]

Muskogee County’s Jon and Natalie Leeds were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau YF&R Achievement Award winner Nov. 6th at the 68th annual convention in Oklahoma City. The YF&R Achievement Award honors the state’s top young farmer or farm family for their achievements in the farming business and their leadership in the agricultural community. A panel of judges selected the Webbers Falls couple for the award. They received an expense-paid trip to the 2010 American Farm Bureau convention in Seattle, Wash., to represent Oklahoma in the national contest where they will compete for Dodge pickups and Arctic Cat four-wheelers. As the Oklahoma […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau honored two leaders during its 68th annual meeting in Oklahoma City with Distinguished Service Awards. The pair of awards is designed to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and to Oklahoma Farm Bureau, according to Monica Wilke, executive director. Oklahoma FFA Executive Secretary Kent Boggs and former OFB Executive Director Matt Wilson were honored Nov. 6 during a special awards program in the Cox Convention Center. Boggs was presented with the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Agriculture Award while Wilson received the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau Award. Boggs has served agriculture for more […]

Noble County’s Mason Bolay was recognized with Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award Nov. 6 at the 68th annual convention in Oklahoma City. The award recognizes successful young people 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupations are not farming or owning an agricultural business. The award is based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other community organizations. Bolay received a four-wheeler ATV courtesy of Farm Credit plus a trip to the AFBF convention in Seattle, Wash., to represent Oklahoma in the January national contest. Bolay, who is […]

Garfield County’s Joe and Mary Jo Peeper were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year Nov. 6 at the 68th annual state convention in Oklahoma City. A panel of judges selected the Enid family from 13 entries in the annual contest, which honors the farm family who best represents farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture. The Peepers received use of a new Dodge pickup for a year, an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation meeting in Seattle, Wash., and other gifts in recognition of their accomplishments. “The strong spirit of family is alive […]

Tulsa County farmer-rancher Mike Spradling was re-elected president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Nov. 7 at the organization’s 68th annual meeting at Oklahoma City’s Cox Convention Center. Spradling won his second two-year term as the president of the state’s largest general farm organization. He was first elected to the office in November 2007. The farmer-rancher along with his wife, Lotsee, own and operate the Flying G Ranch near Sand Springs. Cattle and pecans are the primary agricultural enterprises. They also have an equestrian complex for training, riding lessons, boarding and trail rides. Spradling has been active in Farm Bureau for more […]

Farm Bureau women caucusing at the 68th annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention in Oklahoma City re-elected three members of the state Women’s Committee. Lowayne Piercey of Washita County, Nadine Butler of Atoka County and Roberta Hughes of Seminole County won new three-year terms on the state committee during district caucuses Nov. 6. Mrs. Piercey, who lives in Dill City, represents Farm Bureau Women’s Committee members in district two, which encompasses Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills, Tillman and Washita counties in southwestern Oklahoma. She first won the district two position in 2006. Mrs. Butler, who lives in Atoka, […]

Farm Bureau leaders from across Oklahoma literally threw their hats in the ring to show support for a national campaign fighting federal climate change legislation.  During an Oct. 20 gathering in Oklahoma City, they signed “well-worn” caps with a sticker on the bill stating “Don’t Cap Our Future” referring to the damage expected if Congress passed the legislation. “We’re concerned the legislation would dramatically increase our fertilizer and other energy costs,” said Mike Spradling, OFB President.  “The legislation could lead to higher food costs and increase fuel taxes for all Americans without significantly improving our environment.” The legislation, called cap-and-trade, […]

Considering water as a valuable, natural resource should remain as a major priority for the state’s largest farm organization in 2010.  This was one of 625 resolutions proposed during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s statewide resolutions committee meeting Oct. 20-21 in Oklahoma City.  The resolutions will be voted on during the annual OFB convention Nov. 6-8 in Oklahoma City. The committee will submit a resolution to the convention’s voting delegates to make protecting agriculture’s sales tax exemption a priority issue in 2010. There also were resolutions proposed on international food safety standards, opposing federal climate change legislation and asking the news media […]