A measure supporting more research on effectively using the state’s water supply was among more than 50 resolutions passed by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau state resolutions committee Oct. 22-23, in Norman. The resolutions meeting is just one part of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development process, where members from each county help determine priority issues for upcoming legislative sessions.
“As primary water consumers, Oklahoma farmers and ranchers are eager to find practical ways to transfer surface water from excess supply areas to water deficient areas of the state,” said Jimmy Wayne Kinder, Oklahoma Farm Bureau resolutions committee chairman. “We’re proposing more studies be done to identify the economic and physical feasibility of moving surface water around the state.”
The committee also passed a resolution supporting a strong crop insurance program in the next farm bill.
“As legislators move forward with a new farm bill, it is crucial to include a crop insurance program that offers producers a safety net and allows them to adequately plan for each planting season,” Kinder said.
The group also voted to support a “Right to Farm and Ranch” act in the state of Oklahoma. Other proposed resolutions include supporting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for production agriculture and research, requiring oil and gas companies to give timely notification before beginning to drill and supporting the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s efforts to make Eastern Red Cedar eradication a priority.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau membership will meet during the 72ndOKFB Annual Meeting, Nov. 15-17, in Norman to vote on the resolutions committee’s proposals.
