The Wilson family of Luther, Oklahoma, received the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee District Three Farm and Ranch Family Recognition during the organization’s annual meeting on Nov. 10 in Norman, Oklahoma.
Bruce and Mary Wilson raise wheat, cattle, alfalfa and grass hay on land that has been passed down for generations through both families.
“Both these farms have been in the Wilson family for 50-60 years, and the tradition of being the Wilson Farms west of Luther is very important to me,” Bruce Wilson said.
The Wilsons raised two sons on the family farm and now have seven grandchildren who come to help on the family’s land from time to time. Even away from the farm, the Wilsons love the rural lifestyle that allows them to be close to all their family.
“Our oldest grandson, Jace, he has gotten out on the tractor and he’s helped haul hay as well as the other boys who have helped as well,” Mary Wilson said. “It’s good to see them doing what their dads did when they were growing up.”
“We’re living the dream,” Bruce Wilson said. “It’s great to be able to watch our grandkids play football every week.”
In addition to the farm, both Bruce and Mary have had long careers in education. Bruce worked more than 38 years in education, including time as superintendent of Luther schools. Mary has worked more than 40 years in education and still works two days a week. With so much going on, Bruce remembers advice from a family member when he thinks about all the family’s efforts.
“My uncle Charlie told me never to not have something to do,” Bruce Wilson said. “I think the most rewarding thing about farming is actually seeing something growing in the soil. It gives you a purpose in life trying to feed the world.”
Bruce Wilson serves on the Oklahoma County Farm Bureau board of directors and the Wilsons are active members of Luther United Methodist Church. With his long career in the Luther school system and now with grandsons playing football for Luther, Bruce hasn’t missed a high school football game in more than 32 years.
OKFB’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program honors a farm and ranch family in each of OKFB’s nine districts who uphold the best traditions of Oklahoma agriculture and rural Oklahoma as they raise food and fiber for our state and beyond.
“Our Women’s Leadership Committee is proud to honor these families who have dedicated themselves to growing food for our world,” said Kitty Beavers, OKFB WLC Chairman. “Farming and ranching is an important way of life for our state, and these families deserve recognition for contributing to rural Oklahoma as they instill in their children the values of hard work and dedication that is needed throughout our state.”
As part of their recognition, the family received a cash award along with a custom sign to hang at their farm gate.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is the organization’s largest gathering of farmers and ranchers every year. At the event, members vote on grassroots policy, elect leaders and award outstanding individuals. OKFB has a presence in all 77 Oklahoma counties and serves as the voice of agriculture and the rural way of life. To learn more, visit www.okfarmbureau.org.
