Legislative Action

Oklahoma Farm Bureau's Public Policy Division is actively engaged in helping Farm Bureau members become involved in the legislative process. Without a strong grassroots presence at the Oklahoma State Capitol and in Washington, D.C., agricultural issues often fade into the political background.

It is the farmers and ranchers of this state who can make a difference in the legislative arena, whether that includes lobbying, running for political office, or financially supporting friends of agriculture in the state legislature.

There are several ways Farm Bureau members can become more politically involved. Please find some of our legislative activities described below:

Capitol Visits

Each year during the legislative session, the OFB Public Policy Division welcomes county Farm Bureau leaders to Oklahoma City for a day of legislative action. County leaders begin the day with a briefing by the Public Policy Division on current issues affecting agriculture, followed by a visit to the Capitol to meet with their elected officials. Oftentimes the legislators will join the Farm Bureau group for lunch at a local restaurant.

Capitol Visits provide an excellent opportunity for members to meet one-on-one with their senators and representatives about issues they face on a daily basis. For more information, or to schedule a Capitol Visit during session, please contact the OFB Public Policy Division by phone at 405-523-2300.

Legislative Dinners

Several county Farm Bureaus host legislative dinners each year during session in order to visit with their legislative representatives. These dinners provide Farm Bureau leaders access to their legislators without the pressure of time constraints the lawmakers often have at the capitol.

County Farm Bureau leaders are more than happy to give their elected officials the floor, so they can speak of important issues being discussed in the legislature. Oftentimes, the lawmakers will open the floor for questions from Farm Bureau members. This is an excellent opportunity for leaders to relay their messages while having the ear of their lawmakers.

Contact your county Farm Bureau office for information on legislative dinners.

Campaign Management Seminar

Oklahoma Farm Bureau's Public Policy staff conducts Campaign Management Seminars for candidates running for public office, their spouses and campaign managers.

The American Farm Bureau Federation, a non-partisan organization noted for its understanding of the political process, has developed this seminar with the help of professional political consultants and staff members of the Democrat and Republican parties.

Staff will lead participants through case study exercises, including a computer simulated campaign. The computer simulated campaign will test the candidate’s campaign techniques, tools and methods. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to practice for the media through videotape interviewing.

For more information on Campaign Management Seminars, contact OFB National Affairs Director Lori Kromer Peterson at 405-523-2539, or Lori.Peterson@okfb.org.

Congressional Action Tour

Each year in April, OFB's Public Policy staff organizes the Congressional Action Tour, a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. The staff makes appointments with each Oklahoma congressman and both senators to provide OFB leaders the opportunity to visit with their elected officials. The tour also allows for some free time to see the sites of Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas.

For more information on the Congressional Action Tour, please contact OFB's Public Policy Division at 405-523-2300.

OK AgFUND

Because rural areas of the state are losing population at an increasing rate, Oklahoma Farm Bureau saw a need to establish good working relationships with newly-elected and future lawmakers.

The OK AgFUND was established in 2004 to support friends of Farm Bureau in the State Legislature. Each county Farm Bureau chooses which candidate it will support with OK AgFUND contributions. This is an excellent opportunity for Farm Bureau leaders to get behind and support those people whom they feel will be strong voices for rural Oklahoma in the Oklahoma State Legislature.

For additional information on the OK AgFUND, please contact OFB’s Public Policy Vice President Lori Kromer Peterson at (405) 523-2539 or Lori.Peterson@okfb.org.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation

In 2001, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation was established to be the voice of farmers and ranchers on regulatory and legal issues affecting agriculture. The foundation is currently involved in numerous projects aimed at protecting the rights of farmers and ranchers, including issues regarding the Endangered Species Act, eminent domain, private property rights, rural annexation and water rights.

As we enter an era where more and more battles are being fought in the courtroom, having a foundation created solely for protecting the legal rights and freedoms of farmers and ranchers only strengthens the message we carry to the public.

For additional information, please contact OFB Legal Foundation Director Marla Peek at (405) 523-2437 or Marla.Peek@okfb.org.

CHAMPION Program

Contact Helps Achieve More Priority Issue Objectives Now!

This reward and recognition program offers prizes and recognition to members participating in legislative and political activities, like the ones previously mentioned. Prizes include plaques, watches, and jackets. The grand prize is an expense-paid trip to the AFBF National Convention or the OFB Congressional Action Tour in April. Information on this program is available at county Farm Bureau offices, or from the Public Policy Division.

More Information

The Public Policy Division is always willing to talk to groups about any legislative or political related subject upon request. They are also available to visit with anyone preparing for the YF&R Discussion Meet.

For information about any OFB legislative, regulatory or political education activity, please contact Marla Peek at 405-523-2437, or Marla_Peek@okfb.org.