Voting delegates at the 73rd Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Convention selected two issues as top priorities for the next year. The right-to-farm legislation and working against federal overregulation, such as the EPA’s proposed changes to Waters of the U.S., will both be a focus of the organization’s policy.
“The issue of right-to-farm is very important to modern-day production agriculture not only in Oklahoma but also across the nation,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president. “We are working to protect one of the primary economic drivers in the state of Oklahoma so our industry can continue to function as new technologies develop.”
The delegate body also addressed agricultural issues such as wind and water, along with private property rights, which is a cornerstone of OKFB policy.
“Protecting the private property rights of farmers and ranchers is continually a top priority for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and its members,” said Buchanan.
One new state board member was elected and two state board members were re-elected to serve three-year terms on the board of directors. Alfalfa County Farm Bureau member Keith Kisling, Burlington, was elected to represent District 7 on the board. Beaver County rancher Alan Jett, Slapout, was re-elected to represent District 1, and Cotton County farmer Jimmy Wayne Kinder, Walters, was re-elected to represent District 4.
The Women’s Leadership Committee re-elected Kitty Beavers, Stephens County, to serve as chairman for a two-year term. Mignon Bolay, Noble County, was elected to represent District 7 on the committee. The committee also re-elected Linda Fox, Ellis County, to represent District 1 and Margaret Ann Kinder, Cotton County, to represent District 4.
The OKFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee elected Zac and Amy Harris, Kiowa County, to serve a one-year term as committee chair.
The top three awards were presented throughout the annual convention. Karen Krehbiel and her daughter Brittany, Caddo County, were named the OKFB Farm Family of the Year. Roland Pederson was awarded the OKFB Distinguished Service Award, and E.J. and Wanda Snider, Rogers County, were awarded the YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award.
The YF&R Committee presented their awards including the YF&R Achievement Award, which was presented to Marty and Crystal Williams, Noble County. J.T. and Sara Bain, Pittsburg County, were named the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award winners, and Brent Haken, Payne County, won the YF&R Discussion Meet.
A new award was presented this year for advocating agriculture to the general public. First Gentleman Wade Christensen was presented the first OKFB Agriculture Advocate Award for promoting agriculture.
To download high resolution photos and captions of award winners, please visit our Flickr page.
