Eminent domain, protection of private property rights and skyrocketing energy prices top the list of issues farmers and ranchers will discuss during the 64th annual convention of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Nov. 12-14 at Oklahoma City’s Cox Convention Center.
“Taking care of the business of the state’s largest voluntary farm organization and setting policy to help mold the future of the state and nation is the primary focus of our convention,” said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president.
This year’s theme, “We Belong To The Land,” sets the tone for the three-day event.
Several top-notch speakers and some of the state’s leading federal lawmakers will be on hand to address the expected crowd of more than 1,000 members and guests.
U. S. Senator Jim Inhofe speaks during the convention’s opening session Nov. 12. That session also features a unique look at the 2007 farm bill by Congressman Frank Lucas and Kansas State University’s Agriculture Policy Analyst, Barry Flinchbaugh. Lucas will focus on the politics of the new farm bill while Flinchbaugh will address the policy implications of a totally new farm bill.
Two breakout sessions follow. One will provide a look at renewable fuels while the second presents a forecast by market analyst Sue Martin for 2006 livestock and grain markets.
The annual banquet Saturday features the Grand Ole Opry’s John Conlee, whose top releases include the classics, “Rose Colored Glasses” and “Back Side of Thirty.”
The farm group will name their top young farmer and rancher achievement award, farm family of the year and other state and county awards during the convention.
OFB Expo, the official trade show of the convention, will host more than 25 vendors from across the state promoting agricultural businesses and associations, plus some retail merchants.
The Nov. 13 morning general session is reserved for the vespers and memorial service. That afternoon’s session will feature the presidential election and announcement of district election results before voting delegates begin work on resolutions.
The convention’s final day, Nov. 14, begins with the insurance policyholders annual meeting. U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Dale Hall speaks to the members before delegates finish the resolutions session.
