News Stories

More than $61 million in direct payments have been approved for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program as of Monday, June 8, according to a recent USDA report. Nearly 7,500 Oklahoma producers have applied for direct payments as of June 8, while $61,232,667.97 in payments have been approved. Livestock producers comprise nearly 95% of Oklahoma’s approved CFAP payments. Created through the Coronavirus Assistance, Relief and Economic Security Act and coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, CFAP direct payments are designed to provide relief to eligible farmers and ranchers facing financial losses due to the impacts […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members are encouraged to visit the OKFB booth at the Oklahoma City Farm Show June 18 through 20 at the State Fair Park. The farm show will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The event will take place in the Bennett Event Center and is free of charge. Stop by the OKFB booth to learn more about the benefits of being a Farm Bureau member, pick up some free garden seed and other fun giveaways, and register to win a YETI cooler. The […]

Ridge Hughbanks joined Oklahoma Farm Bureau as the government relations intern June 1. During his time at OKFB, Hughbanks will conduct research on the feasibility of expanding beef processing and packing facilities in Oklahoma. His work will help inform Farm Bureau members about the structural issues facing the animal protein industry as they develop grassroots policy in the fall. Hughbanks will also consider ways that rural Oklahomans can expand business opportunities to serve rural communities around the state. “I am ultimately most excited about learning the intricacies of the beef market and how OKFB can benefit producers all across the […]

Cole Eschete joined Oklahoma Farm Bureau as a summer intern beginning June 1. During his internship, Eschete will assist Farm Bureau staff with various programs and activities while learning more about the grassroots organization’s work on behalf of agriculture and rural Oklahoma. Eschete is a senior studying animal science with a production option at Oklahoma State University. His roots in agriculture trace back for five generations on his family’s ranch in Bokchito, Oklahoma, where he grew up. “Agriculture has always been a huge part of my life, given that it makes my family’s living,” Eschete said. “I am most excited […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members ages 18 to 35 are invited to attend the OKFB Young Farmers and Ranchers annual summer conference July 10-12 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The three-day conference is an opportunity to meet fellow young farmers and ranchers from across the state, tour local agricultural facilities, and learn more about YF&R leadership opportunities and programs. Registration for the conference is free. OKFB will reserve hotel rooms at the Staybridge Suites in Oklahoma City for $100 per night. Attendees will receive an invoice upon arrival at the conference. All conference participants will be entered into a drawing to win […]

With the Oklahoma primary election coming up on June 30, OKFB members are encouraged take part in their civic duty and vote. Below, find voter resources to prepare to participate in the state’s primary elections. Register to vote If you have yet to register to vote and would like to participate in the Oklahoma primary election, submit your application to the Oklahoma State Election Board by June 5. You can either fill out your voter registration form online, or download the form and mail it to the Oklahoma State Election Board. New absentee voter guidelines The deadline to request an […]

Emily Smith has joined the Communications and Public Relations division at Oklahoma Farm Bureau as the summer communications intern beginning May 26. Smith is a senior studying agricultural communications at Oklahoma State University and is originally from Elk City, Oklahoma. Being a fifth-generation agriculturalist, Smith’s roots run d­­­­eep in Oklahoma agriculture. Her involvement includes assisting in her family’s farm and small cattle operation, as well as actively being involved in the livestock industry beginning at the age of nine. “What I am most excited about interning at Oklahoma Farm Bureau is the opportunity I have to expand my overall knowledge […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members are encouraged to participate in an Oklahoma State University Extension survey to provide insight and help pave the road to recovery for Oklahomans following the COVID-19 pandemic. OSU Extension specialists and researchers with the OSU Department of Agricultural Economics are conducting a survey of Oklahomans – including farmers and ranchers, agricultural companies and other business operators, and heads of households – to take the pulse of current opinions on the economy and comfort level with group meetings. “Oklahoma officials at every level need to know what people think about perceived economic recovery challenges rather than relying […]

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Ag Fund, the organization’s political action committee, has endorsed 13 candidates and financially supported 41 candidates running for election in statewide, state Senate and state House races. The OKFB Ag Fund board, comprised of farmers and ranchers from each OKFB district, met Thursday, May 28 to donate a total of $39,000 to candidates and to choose candidates for endorsement. Based on the recommendations of Farm Bureau members from across the state, the Ag Fund supports candidates who uphold the beliefs and values of rural Oklahoma. While the Ag Fund contributes financially to candidates, an endorsement is […]