Oklahoma Farm Bureau members elected new leaders, conducted organizational business and heard from speakers during the organization’s 2020 online business meeting held Thursday, Nov. 5.
Held in place of the organization’s typical in-person convention, the meeting was streamed online and at nine in-district gatherings held across the state.
New state directors were elected by Farm Bureau members in districts one, four and seven during in-person caucus meetings held at 5:30 p.m. Leon Richards of Texas County, Kerry Givens of Comanche County and Stacy Simunek of Kay County were chosen by members to represent districts one, four and seven, respectively, on the OKFB board of directors.
Farm Bureau members across the state tuned in to the streamed session at 6:30 p.m., which featured remarks from Gov. Kevin Stitt, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and OKFB President Rodd Moesel in addition to various organizational reports.
In his welcoming address, Stitt thanked Farm Bureau members for their dedication to feeding the world despite the myriad of challenges they have faced over the past several years.
“I know a virtual meeting is probably not what any of us had in mind, but if anyone is equipped to make the most of the circumstances this year, I know it is our Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” Stitt said. “Agriculture producers – especially here in our home state – are known for their resiliency and ability to take the cards they are dealt and still make something grow.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall provided members with an overview of the national organization’s efforts for farmers and ranchers over the past year, including work on tax reform, regulatory reform, trade issues and more. He also encouraged them in light of a difficult 2020 for the agriculture community.
“Our nation seems to be very divided, but I believe that we still are united in the vision and hope of America: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Duvall said. “I believe the unity that we have in Farm Bureau – knowing that we are stronger together – sets a great example for America. Farm Bureau members represent the best of our nation.”
In his address to members, OKFB President Rodd Moesel offered an update on various organizational programs.
“I want to thank you for your continued support and dedication to our organization,” Moesel said. “Your ideas and your input is what makes Farm Bureau work. Together, let’s press on for agriculture and continue to rise to the occasion to make Oklahoma’s future brighter.”
Members also heard various reports from across the organization including the OKFB Foundation for Agriculture, Women’s Leadership Committee, Young Farmers & Ranchers and OKFB Insurance.
Other leaders elected
Mignon Bolay of Noble County was re-elected chair of the OKFB Women’s Leadership Committee during the group’s online business meeting held Thursday, Nov. 5 at 12 p.m. During the in-person caucus meetings, Farm Bureau women also elected Robin Bryant of Dewey County to represent district one on the OKFB WLC, while Sandra Berry of Stephens County and Terry Pederson of Alfalfa County were re-elected to serve three-year terms for districts four and seven, respectively.
Comanche County’s Cody and Kara Goodknight were elected to serve as chairs of the OKFB Young Farmers and Ranchers committee by delegates to the group’s in-person caucus held Saturday, Oct. 24 in Oklahoma City. Other members elected to serve on the OKFB YF&R committee include Chism and Heather Sander of Dewey County, district one; Dustin Ratliff of Noble County, district seven; John and Myiul Morris of Cotton County, at-large; and River Mitchell of Comanche County, at-large.
OKFB’s awards recognizing excellence in Farm Bureau members and county Farm Bureaus will be featured throughout the month of November on the organization’s website and social media pages.
For more information about OKFB’s online business meeting, visit okfarmbureau.org/meeting2020.
