More than 50 members gathered near Broken Bow for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Summer Conference held July 30-31.
The conference provided a chance for members to gather with fellow agricultural producers, experience agriculture in southeastern Oklahoma and learn about opportunities with YF&R and Farm Bureau.
Much of the two-day event was dedicated to tours of various agricultural enterprises across southeast Oklahoma.
A poultry, hay and cattle producer, McCurtain County Farm Bureau member and State Board of Agriculture member Brent Bolen shared with members the variety of ways he integrates each facet of his operation. Don Allen Parsons of DAP Farms shared insight on managing a native pecan grove along with the family’s corn, soybeans and cattle operation.
Several of the tours allowed members to learn about the forestry industry, a leading economic driver in the southeast region of the state. During a visit to Herron Industries, members various forest plantations and experienced the harvest of the operation’s 20-year-old trees. The Forest Heritage Center Museum in Beavers Bend State Park provided history of the forestry industry going back to prehistoric forests. Dioramas and other interactive exhibits provided members perspective of the entire industry.
Attendees gained a broader understanding of legislative issues impacting the forestry industry during presentations by Rep. Eddy Dempsey and former state representative Don Armes on legislative topics.
The conference also featured organizational updates from Farm Bureau staff and a fun evening with fellowship and entertainment by the Buffalo Rogers Band.
