The Fisher family of Bristow, Oklahoma, received the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee District Nine Farm and Ranch Family Recognition during the organization’s annual meeting on Nov. 10 in Norman, Oklahoma.
Kenneth and Debby Fisher have a diversified farm in Creek County where they raise cattle, wheat, corn, soybeans as well as operating a feed mill on their farm. The feed mill provides custom mixes to area farmers and provides the Fishers with an opportunity to add value to the crops they raise.
The couple’s six children play a large role on the farm. Sons Luke and Andrew have agricultural enterprises of their own, including vegetable production and a hair sheep herd. Daughters Elisa and Emily return to the farm to help with various aspects of the operation, and younger daughters Anna and Madalyn help in the feed store and around the farm in addition to their own flock of 25 wool sheep.
With a family farm history dating back to 1905, the Fishers are proud to carry on the tradition of agriculture.
“Each generation does it in their own way,” Kenneth Fisher said of farming. “Times change, and we learn and improve each generation.”
While the Fishers are always ready for new opportunities, they know the keys to success are based on old-fashioned principles.
“We could do it without the rain, the sunshine and the ability to work together,” Andrew Fisher said. “All farmers that are successful know that they put in long hours and the work never ends – nor do we expect it to.”
“When you’ve planted a field of wheat or corn, it really has a good feeling that’s all done right and it’s planted well,” Kenneth Fisher said. “We love the rural living. Working with animals and crops is a joy to do every day.”
Kenneth Fisher serves as Creek County Farm Bureau treasurer, and the family is heavily involved in their local church. Son Luke is currently in Africa helping work on agriculture projects.
OKFB’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program honors a farm and ranch family in each of OKFB’s nine districts who uphold the best traditions of Oklahoma agriculture and rural Oklahoma as they raise food and fiber for our state and beyond.
“Our Women’s Leadership Committee is proud to honor these families who have dedicated themselves to growing food for our world,” said Kitty Beavers, OKFB WLC Chairman. “Farming and ranching is an important way of life for our state, and these families deserve recognition for contributing to rural Oklahoma as they instill in their children the values of hard work and dedication that is needed throughout our state.”
As part of their recognition, the family received a cash award along with a custom sign to hang at their farm gate.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is the organization’s largest gathering of farmers and ranchers every year. At the event, members vote on grassroots policy, elect leaders and award outstanding individuals. OKFB has a presence in all 77 Oklahoma counties and serves as the voice of agriculture and the rural way of life. To learn more, visit www.okfarmbureau.org.
