A golden plow, world farm leader, state budget breakdown and legislative priorities are all on the agenda for Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s annual leadership conference Feb. 15-16, Marriott Hotel on Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City.

American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman will present AFBF’s most prestigious legislative award, the Golden Plow Award, to U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, R-OK, during ceremonies following dinner Monday, Feb. 15.

Each year AFBF honors one member of the Senate and one member of the U.S. House with the Golden Plow award. The award is based on the lawmaker’s strong voting record for agriculture and Farm Bureau issues. This year Inhofe is the only lawmaker receiving the award.

Read more »

Crop insurance reform, correct use of H1N1 terminology and a change in Department of Transportation rules were among the slew of issues pushed by Oklahoma Farm Bureau delegates at the American Farm Bureau convention, Jan. 9-13 in Seattle, Wash.

“It was a good convention and I believe all of our issues received great support from farmers and ranchers all over the country,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president.

On crop insurance, the AFBF voting delegates adopted a resolution stating farmers should be able to purchase double crop insurance for crops that were planted and harvested on the same acreage in the last four years. They also passed a resolution saying the history of crop loss “may” be spread over the past 10 years instead of five years.

“It would be devastating to Oklahoma producers if we had to use a 5-year base for claim loss,” Spradling said. “Our weather is extremely volatile and giving us 10 years to spread the loss history over is more meaningful.”

Read more »

The American Farm Bureau Federation has honored U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) with its Golden Plow award, the highest honor the organization bestows on members of Congress.

“I believe that American farmers are the backbone of our nation – a diverse domestic supply of food and fiber is the foundation of our security, our social values and our economy,” Sen. Inhofe said. “I am deeply honored to receive the American Farm Bureau Golden Plow award, and will continue to do all I can to fight for the American farmer in Washington.”

“Senator Inhofe is a steadfast supporter of agriculture,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “His long-time record as a strong, effective advocate of farmers and ranchers makes him an excellent choice for the Golden Plow award.”

Read more »

Oklahoma row crop harvest winding down - Oklahoma Agriculture Blog
Corn harvest nearing completion - Drovers
Cotton that can stand the heat - AgWeb.com
EPA declares greenhouse gases pose health risk - San Francisco Chronicle

Voting delegates at the 68th annual meeting of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau voiced strong support for a statewide water plan, a farm tire recycling program and equine dentistry. The meeting was held at the Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma City, Nov. 6-8.

“This was a great example of grassroots policy development,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. “The fingerprints of our members are all over the policy book, starting with county meetings and ending here at the state convention.”

Read more »