The majority of young farmers and ranchers participating in a survey of the farm economy said they are optimistic. The survey was conducted during the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers summer conference in Shawnee July 24-25.

The survey indicated 88 percent feel good about the farm economy but a less optimistic 66 percent believe this will be a good year for Oklahoma agriculture.

Typical of the comments made was this statement by Will Cubbage, Bartlesville:

“I am somewhat optimistic in the short run,” Cubbage said. “If farm prices improve the last half of the year, this will be a good year. “

Cubbage believes the farm economy has more vitality than the general economy.

“Global issues are contributing to a sluggish general economy,” he said.

Many of the young agriculturists stated the obvious when asked about the economic prospects of agriculture.

“Yes, of course, I am optimistic about the farm economy because the need for food will never go away,” said Amber Fuhrman, Lawton.

“I have to be optimistic or there is no point in farming,” said Gage Milliman, Talala.

When asked to name the biggest obstacles for young farmers and ranchers today, land acquisition, high input costs and government regulation were mentioned most often.

“It’s difficult for a young farmer to get established with high land and equipment prices,” said Clint Wilcox, Fairview.

The OFB Young Farmers and Ranchers conference is annually sponsored by the YF&R committee. In addition to the summer conference, the committee sponsors contests and other activities for young agricultural leaders aged 18-35. Applications are now open for the annual YF&R Achievement award, discussion meet and excellence in agriculture award. For more information contact Marcia Irvin, YF&R Coordinator at (405) 523-2405 or mirvin@okfb.org.

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More than $7,600 was raised for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation during the annual fund raising golf tournament at Hennessey’s Turkey Creek Golf Club. The event was coordinated by the OFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.

“We are pleased by the good turnout,” said Marla Peek, director of the legal foundation.

Approximately 28 teams competed for prizes and the opportunity to help production agriculture and rural Oklahoma.

“The money raised will be used to fund legal issues involving protection of private property rights and other important issues,” Peek said.

The winning team was composed of Kenny Heckart, John Dowell, Lee McLaurine and J.C. Dunigan. Coming in second place was the team of Keith Kisling, Chad Kisling, Eric Smith and J.J. Louthan. The third place team consisted of Tyler Norvell, Will Osbum, Alex Yauk and Nick Storm.

An informal survey of participants at the Oklahoma City Farm Show (April 15-17) and the Oklahoma FFA Convention (April 27-28) revealed most are concerned about too much government involvement in agriculture. The survey was conducted when participants visited the Farm Bureau booth during the events.

The survey was composed of three questions: What are the critical farm issues today?; Are you doing anything different on your farm this spring?; and What is the biggest challenge for your business today?

Almost half of all farm show participants surveyed said they are concerned about too much government control.

“Everything from the government health care plan to energy costs to environmental regulations, is causing a strain on the family farm,” said Glen Patterson of Keota.

The high cost of inputs also drew a large percentage of responses.

“The biggest challenge to my farm today is rising fuel costs,” said John Pfeiffer of Mulhall.

At the FFA convention, 47 percent said they are concerned about government regulations and the prospect of higher taxes. Also drawing attention were animal welfare, public misunderstanding of agriculture and the availability of land for young farmers.

“The biggest challenge is an uninformed public about agriculture,” said Chacey Schoeppel, Fairview FFA. “They (public) don’t understand the link between the producer and the consumer.”

The surprising solidarity between the young FFA leaders and the older agriculturalists indicates to me the kids are paying attention when their parents discuss the issues,” said Thad Doye, OFB Vice President of Membership Services. Doye helped coordinate the survey and noted the ease in attracting survey participants.

“They were more than willing to share their thoughts,” Doye said.