As Oklahoma’s largest user of water, farmers and ranchers are strongly encouraged to participate in a series of regional water meetings beginning Aug. 7, the president of the state’s largest farm organization said today. “We need to make sure agriculture is well represented in any discussion about water,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “This is important because we’re talking about the future management of Oklahoma’s water resources.” Approximately 60 Farm Bureau leaders have been selected to participate in the meetings, but Spradling said anyone can attend and discuss their vision of a future water plan. “It’s a simple […]

The momentum is building for changes in the Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) weight regulations to allow farmers and ranchers to haul their own commodities across state lines. U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma introduced legislation July 16 that is similar to legislation introduced in the U.S. House by Oklahoma Representatives Dan Boren and Mary Fallin. Inhofe’s legislation requires more uniform truck weight regulations nationwide. The issue has been designated a major legislative priority by the American Farm Bureau and was first surfaced by Oklahoma Farm Bureau more than a year ago. “Concentration within the agriculture industry has reduced the number […]

Agricultural producers should be allowed to transport their commodities to market across state lines without being subject to Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) weight regulations for long-haul truckers. That’s what Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling told a congressional subcommittee July 9 in Washington, D.C. Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Spradling said the nature of farming and ranching has changed and producers need the ability to transport goods long distance. “Concentration within the agriculture industry has reduced the number of grain elevators, cotton gins and livestock markets forcing producers to drive longer distances, often across state lines, […]

Oklahoma agricultural producers are concerned proposed climate change legislation now being debated in the U.S. Senate could increase their cost of production. The Climate Security Act, authored by Senators Joe Lieberman, D-CT, and John Warner, R-VA, would impose significant increases in production costs through higher fertilizer and energy prices. “We believe this legislation unfairly penalizes farmers by forcing them to comply with climate change regulations and makes it more difficult for them to compete in the global market,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. At the heart of the issue is the question of carbon sequestration. There […]

Oklahoma’s trespassing law became a notch stronger when Governor Brad Henry signed into law two bills in late April increasing the penalty for trespassing. The trespassing bills were among several receiving the governor’s signature recently that are supported by the state’s farmers and ranchers. The first bill signed April 22, SB 1735, increases the fine for a second trespassing conviction from its current $250 to $1,000 plus makes the trespasser responsible for any property damage. This bill will be enforced under the wildlife code section of the law. A companion bill, SB 2111, signed April 25, expanded the coverage to […]

It’s beginning to look like Oklahoma farmers will have a new farm bill soon, even if it is too late for spring planting. That conclusion follows a just completed five-day lobbying trip to the nation’s capitol by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Approximately 75 farm leaders made the trip March 30 – April 3. “I am amazed by the complexities of lawmaking in Washington, D.C.,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “When we arrived it appeared the new farm bill was going nowhere, just like it had the past several months. But by the third day things started […]

Beggs rancher Steve Kouplen was honored earlier this year by the American Farm Bureau Federation for his eight years of service on that organization’s Board of Directors. The award was presented during AFBF’s annual convention in New Orleans, LA. Kouplen was elected president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau in 1999 and stepped down last November after serving the maximum allowed time by the OFB bylaws. During that period he served also on the board of directors for Farm Bureau Life, FBL and Farm Bureau Bank. Oklahoma Farm Bureau prospered under Kouplen’s leadership, adding more than 40,000 members. The Okmulgee County rancher […]

State Senator Ron Justice and Representative Gus Blackwell received Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service Award Feb. 19. The state’s largest farm organization bestowed the award based on a lawmaker’s consistent support for rural issues. “These guys have a passion for helping rural Oklahoma,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. Legislation (SB709) authored by Sen. Justice defining animal manure as non-hazardous received the national Distinguished Award for Legislation of the year from the Agricultural and Rural Development Summit participants in January. The bill was passed and signed by the governor last year. Sen. Justice’s district includes parts of Canadian, Caddo, Blaine and […]

The average cost of food in America remains affordable overall. According to the most recent information from the Agriculture Department’s (USDA’s) Economic Research Service, American families and individuals spend, on average, less than 10 percent of their disposable personal income for food. Applying that statistic to the calendar year means the average household will have earned enough disposable income — that portion of income available for spending or saving — to pay for its annual food supply in about 37 days or five weeks, according to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. In recognition of this, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is celebrating Feb. […]