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 has been involved in agriculture all his life. He continues today to operate a commercial Hereford cow-calf herd started by his parents. In addition, he also grows wheat and grass hay.
Farm Bureau has been part of Kouplen’s life for more than three decades. He served as the Okmulgee County Farm Bureau president prior to his election as OFB president.
He has traveled extensively, both domestically and world-wide, promoting Oklahoma agriculture products on various trade missions.
Kouplen has served on the boards of the East Central Electric Cooperative, Beggs School District, Okmulgee County Fair Board and served as Chairman for the Oklahoma Beef Council. He also is a past member of the local FSA Committee and the Okmulgee County Rural Water District #6. Kouplen is currently a member of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and the American Hereford Association.
