This week, both the U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committees passed their versions of the new farm bill that protects agricultural producers and consumers.

“From the beginning of this farm bill discussion, we have stated our desire for an adequate income safety net with a strong crop insurance program,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. “Crop insurance is extremely important for us, especially when you consider our variable weather conditions. We applaud the Senate and House Ag Committees for their swift and responsive actions this week.”

The Sand Springs rancher gave special praise to Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

“Congressman Lucas has worked extremely hard to protect farmers and ranchers and we can’t say enough about his great leadership in moving this legislation forward,” Spradling said. “We are optimistic there will be a new farm bill signed into law this year.”

Rep. Frank Lucas stopped by OSU's Lahoma Wheat Field Day on Friday, May 10, and visited with Oklahoma Farm Bureau's Sam Knipp about the farm bill.

Lucas said the House farm bill could see floor time in June. Also in the interview, Lucas talks about the reforms in the house farm bill, the cotton program, the effects of sequestration, the future of the farm bill, crop insurance.

Lucas also said he hopes to have a farm bill passed in time for wheat farmers to make appropriate decisions in light of a new farm bill to seed wheat this fall.

Direct link to Rep. Lucas talking about the farm bill on Lahoma Field Day (mp3 file)

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma visited with Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Dustin Mielke about the reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act in the Senate. Inhofe talked about the importance of the bill and the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Rule relief provided in an amendment to the bill.

Inhofe said the SPCC relief will benefit farmers not only in Oklahoma, but around the country, from onerous regulations.

Direct link to download Sen. Inhofe's comments on the Water Resources Development Act (mp3 file)

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling has been re-elected to serve a one-year term on the Board of Directors for the American Farm Bureau Insurance Services and American Agricultural Insurance Companies. The election was held May 8 at the companies’ annual stockholders meeting in Chicago.

“I am proud and honored to represent Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company on these national boards,” Spradling said.

The Oklahoma agricultural producer is entering his seventh year on the national board.

Spradling and his family own and operate a cattle and pecan production business headquartered at Sand Springs, Okla.

American Farm Bureau Insurance Services and American Agricultural Insurance Companies were established to provide services to help Farm Bureau insurance companies achieve financial stability and growth. AFBIS currently services crop insurance needs in 20 states across the country, and AAIC serves as a reinsurance company for Farm Bureau insurance companies.

Caddo County Farm Bureau leader Karen Krehbiel is the newest member of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Board of Directors. Krehbiel will serve a four year term and represent district four which consists of 20 counties, mostly in southwest Oklahoma.

Krehbiel has more than 20 years of accounting and production experience working on her family farm near Hydro.

“I plan to use my experience and knowledge to make the best possible decisions and move forward,” Krehbiel said.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling noted Krehbiel’s abilities as a Farm Bureau leader will help in her new position.

“Karen has demonstrated strong leadership skills as a Farm Bureau leader,” Spradling said. “She is personable and a great communicator.”

Krehbiel was nominated by Sen. Tom Ivester who praised her qualifications.

“Karen definitely has the skills and knowledge to serve on this board and it was my honor to sponsor her nomination,” Ivester said.

Krehbiel has the unique distinction of being the first woman to serve on the agriculture board.

“I am honored to serve as both a female and an agricultural producer,” Krehbiel said.