This is the first of several programs focusing onthe outlook of young farmers going into the spring growing season. Today we talk with Mike Clark who has a grain and poultry business near Spiro, Oklahoma. OPEN: "After a couple of good rains it is…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." TIME: 1:43

Mike Clark expects to harvest 60 bushels to the acre on his 200 acres of wheat near Spiro in southeastern Oklahoma. Recent rains have given his crop new life and he is feeling better about the prospects this spring. OPEN: "Mike Clark has 200 acres of…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." TIME: 1:37

Steve Kouplen says "take a farmer to lunch" this week! Kouplen farms near Beggs and is OKFB President. Despite the many challenges facing famers today, he adds "don’t take us for granted!" OPEN: "This would be a good time to…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." TIME: 1:51

Dale Hall, USFWS Director, says regulating landowners is not the answer to saving species under the federal Endangered Species Act. He prefers to work with land owners in a collaborative effort. OPEN: "When he took over the job…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." TIME: 1:48

Try as hard as we must under the federal laws but man may not be able to save every species. We asked Clint Olson, Waynoka rancher, and Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service it it’s possible. OPEN: (Nat sound of wading thru water…) "In August…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." […]

Clint Olson’s family have been farming and ranching near the Cimarron River in northwest Oklahoma for more than 100 years but only recently hav ethey needed to learn about the Arkansas River Shiner. OPEN: "The Mountain Plover…the Arkansas River Shiner…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." TIME: 1:52

State Rep. Paul Roan, Tishimingo, wants to grant "scenic river" status to part of the Blue River in southeastern Oklahoma. But farmers are concerned about the restriction it would place on land management. OPEN: (Nat sound of river water…) "…There isn’t much water flowing…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." TIME: 2:12

OFB’s Crop Insurance Manager, Scott Bulling, explains why the federal government wants farmers to insure their corn and other spring crops by March 15. However, they can basically insure for hail damage anytime. OPEN: "Farmers have until March 15 to…" CLOSE: "…for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau." TIME: 1:53