Oklahoma farmers and ranchers put their money where their mouth is when the state’s largest farm group recently wrote out checks to political candidates totaling more than $80,000.
The Oklahoma AgFund, controlled by farm and ranch families belonging to Farm Bureau, mailed the checks to candidates vying for the state senate, house or other statewide office.
“We need to help candidates that are friends of agriculture and rural Oklahoma,” said Steve Kouplen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “One of the best ways to help rural-friendly candidates is with our check books.”
The OKAgFund was established in 2003 to support candidates who understand the unique needs of rural Oklahoma. Each County Farm Bureau elects a leader to represent them in district meetings discussing candidate support. A statewide OKAgFund committee is chosen by Farm Bureau members and makes the final decision on candidates to support.
“I encourage rural residents to vote during the July 25 primary election and elect a friend of agriculture,” Kouplen said.
