The Arnold and Roselle Herrmann family of Chandler received the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee’s District Nine Farm and Ranch Family Recognition during the organization’s 77th annual meeting on Saturday, Nov. 17 in Norman.
Arnold and Roselle have spent a lifetime in the area where both their families have farmed for generations. And now they have had the opportunity to raise their families around agriculture in Lincoln County, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“I was born two miles from here, and I was raised a mile and a quarter from here,” Roselle said, sitting in the family’s farmhouse living room. “Arnold was born a quarter of a mile back north of here.
“All of our land is within a three-mile radius, and it’s all home land – from our families.”
The Herrmanns spent 34 years in the dairy business milking registered Holstein cattle.
“We milked up to 100 to 125 head of cattle,” Arnold said. “I tell people when I make speeches or anything, ‘About all I have I owe to udders.’”
After selling the dairy herd in 2000, the family increased their number of beef cattle, and today Arnold and Roselle run around 150 cows on bermudagrass pasture and wheat in partnership with their son, Arnold Jr., and son-in-law, Kenneth.
In fact, having family so close is a highlight of the couple’s time in agriculture.
“We’ve got wonderful grandkids and kids,” Roselle said. “They’re close to us, and we’re so happy – feel so blessed – that they are.”
Arnold spent 55 years on the Lincoln County Farm Bureau board, and Roselle serves as vice-chair of the Lincoln County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee. Arnold serves on the local cemetery board and the couple has supported county fairs and youth in 4-H and FFA.
The Herrmanns are proud of their legacy in agriculture they have carved out in Lincoln County.
“It’s just the accomplishment of doing something close to the earth that we feel like is beneficial to us and to other people,” Roselle said. “And we really like it because it keeps our family together. That’s the thing probably we’re the most proud of.”
OKFB’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program honors a farm and ranch family in each of OKFB’s nine districts who upholds the best traditions of Oklahoma agriculture and rural Oklahoma as they raise food and fiber for our state and beyond.
“Our farm and ranch families play a vital role in growing food, caring for the land and making our rural communities vibrant,” said Kitty Beavers, 2018 OKFB WLC Chairman. “Our Women’s Leadership Committee is proud to recognize these families’ hard work and dedication to agriculture and Oklahoma. Each of these families is a tremendous asset to Oklahoma as they continue some of the best traditions our state knows.”
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 yearly gathering of farmers and ranchers. 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.
Download a high-resolution photo of the Herrmann Family.
Suggested caption:
The Arnold and Roselle Herrmann family of Chandler was named the 2018 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee’s Farm & Ranch Family Recognition recipients for District 9 at the organization’s awards banquet on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the 2018 OKFB annual meeting in Norman.
