E.J. and Wanda Snider of Chelsea, Oklahoma, are the recipients of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Lifetime Legacy Award. The couple was recognized at the OKFB 73rd Annual Meeting Nov. 15 in Tulsa.
E.J. grew up in agriculture in Rogers County and Wanda grew up in Arkoma, Oklahoma, with a love for animals. Together, the couple has continued to farm on the land that has been in E.J.’s family since 1889. E.J. and Wanda managed a dairy for 30 years on their farm while also maintaining a beef cattle herd.
E.J. and Wanda said they were surprised to be honored with this award by YF&R.
“After a lifetime in agriculture, this is just more than you can expect and better than you can imagine,” E.J. said.
E.J. always had a love for draft horses and purchased a team of Belgian mares, which the couple still has today. E.J. often drives the draft horse team in local parades and even takes local church and school groups for rides in their wagon.
The Snider’s love for agriculture has influenced many and the couple enjoys helping others succeed in the industry.
E.J. and Wanda are also active in their community. E.J. currently serves as the vice president of Mayes County Rural Water District 5 and the couple serves on the Rural Water Conservation and Development Board. The couple is also involved in their church community.
The Sniders are lifelong Farm Bureau members and E.J. currently serves as the Rogers County Farm Bureau president. The two have served on the state resolutions committee and as delegates to state convention.
The YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award serves as a living memorial for members by recognizing their life achievements. It is intended to honor an individual or a couple who has spent their life enriching and inspiring rural Oklahomans’ quality of life.
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