News Stories

In a state where horses outnumber people in many rural areas, farmers and ranchers are celebrating the passage of federal legislation that allows for the funding of horse processing facilities. “This eliminates a major hurdle for the resumption of domestic horse processing,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The legislation, H.R. 2112, is contained in the fiscal year 2012 agriculture appropriation bill. It does not include any language prohibiting funding for the inspection of horses at processing plants. “There never was a federal law banning processing, “Spradling said. “The government just prohibited funding USDA inspection.” During the […]

A dedicated group of Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and related businesses working through the Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation, are donating processed beef sticks to Oklahoma troops serving in Afghanistan. Beef 4 Battle Coalition members announced the project Nov. 15, during a media event at the Rick Davis farm near Guthrie. “We are extremely pleased to promote agriculture and help our military at the same time,” said Monica Wilke, Executive Director of the Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation. State officials in attendance included Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma […]

A resolution calling for a federal farm program that provides a strong safety net for farm income using a combination of crop insurance and a revenue assurance program topped the list of policies passed by voting delegates at the 70th annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention, Nov. 11-13, Oklahoma City. “We want to protect our producers’ ability to grow food and fiber for this country,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “We believe crop insurance should be a top priority and is a key to Oklahoma agriculture’s success.” There is concern direct payments may be eliminated since federal administration is considering reducing […]

Chelsea Clifton of Kingfisher was named the 2011 Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet winner at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau 70th Annual Meeting Nov. 11, in Oklahoma City. The 23-year-old Clifton competed against five other participants in three rounds of debate-style discussion where performance is evaluated on the exchange of ideas and information on pre-determined topics. Participants are judged on their ability to offer constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions. As the state discussion meet winner, Clifton received a new John Deere lawn mower and the opportunity to compete for other prizes in the […]

A resolution calling for a federal farm program that provides a strong safety net for farm income using a combination of crop insurance and a revenue assurance program was among more than 100 resolutions passed by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau state resolutions committee Oct. 18-19, in Oklahoma City. The proposal will be voted on during the annual OFB convention Nov. 11-13, in Oklahoma City. “We want to protect our producers’ ability to grow food and fiber for this country,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “We believe crop insurance should be a top priority and is a key to Oklahoma agriculture’s […]

More than 1,000 Oklahoma agricultural leaders are expected to fill the Cox Convention Center Nov. 11-13, in downtown Oklahoma City for the annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention. “This is our most important meeting of the year,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “This is when our leaders decide policy for the organization to follow in the coming year.” The convention kicks off Friday, Nov. 11, with contests for the young farmers and ranchers followed by the opening session. Featured speakers in the opening session include Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb and KWTV Meteorologist Gary England. Also, awards for Journalist of the […]

John Wiscaver has been named Vice President of Public Affairs for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies. Wiscaver joins Farm Bureau after working in Oklahoma government affairs and media relations for State Farm insurance since 2000. As part of his work, Wiscaver oversaw State Farm’s media and external catastrophe response operations for the Midwest region and coordinated several major events including Hurricane Katrina, numerous severe storms in Oklahoma and the recent Joplin, Mo. tornado. “With over twenty years of experience in the insurance industry, John brings a new, fresh perspective, unique talents and a proven track record to move our […]

Agriculture losses from the historic drought gripping Oklahoma are estimated at more than $2 billion and climbing. That figure was announced by Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Drought Recovery Summit Aug. 30. The figure includes losses for both livestock and grain producers. Reese said the number could grow substantially as the drought intensifies. “The one billion dollars worth of cow crop that will not be harvested next year because we have sold those cows is significant,” said Reese. Reese added his loss estimate did not include the higher cost of feed stocks as a result of […]

In an effort to help Oklahoma farmers and ranchers deal with the on-going drought, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is hosting an informal summit Tuesday, Aug. 30, in the OFB cafeteria, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City. The one day meeting will feature grassland and economic experts from the Noble Foundation, Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese, Climatologist Gary McManus, Andrea Breautigam, executive director of the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program, FSA Director Francie Tolle and OSU Sociologist Dr. Duane Gill. “We want to bring together some of the state’s top experts to help our producers manage this natural disaster,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “We […]

Oklahoma farmers and ranchers faced with public opinion battles over food and fiber production are hoping a new nonprofit foundation will create a better understanding of agriculture. The Oklahoma Farm Foundation will be launched Aug. 1 with the primary purpose of enhancing awareness and understanding of the importance of agriculture. “We must educate people in urban cities and rural communities who want a plentiful supply of affordably priced food,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, and member of the foundation’s board of directors. “We continually find ourselves defending agriculture production methods. Why should farmers and ranchers have […]