Oklahoma has a rich agricultural history thanks to dedicated farmers. In 1998, the Governor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture was created to recognize those who have helped lead the industry while demonstrating exemplary personal values and pursuing agricultural achievements in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is accepting nominations for this award through Feb. 7. The award winner will be inducted into the Oklahoma Agricultural Hall of Fame located at the agency headquarters in Oklahoma City. Examples of eligible agriculture enterprises are: livestock and crop production, agribusiness, forestry, horticulture and nursery management. In addition to considering the […]
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Deadline approaching for 2014 farm energy audits
For farmers with a new year’s resolution to save money on operating costs, an agricultural energy management plan (AgEMP), commonly called a farm energy audit, is a good place to start. Funding is available for AgEMPs, through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Farm energy audits generally identify opportunities to reduce between 10% and 35% of total farm energy use, which enables farmers to take greater control of their energy use and increase their energy independence. Funding is limited for 2014, with several states facing funding deadlines early in the new year. Application deadlines vary from state to state, […]
Duck Dynasty’s Alan Robertson to speak at AFBF meeting
Alan Robertson, the “beardless brother” on A&E’s hit reality TV show “Duck Dynasty,” will be the keynote speaker at a general session at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2014 Annual Convention, Jan. 12-15, 2014, in San Antonio. Before rejoining Duck Commander in 2012, Alan was a full-time minister at White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in Louisiana for more than 25 years. He and his wife, Lisa, enjoy helping carry out the family’s commitment to spreading the gospel of Christ through their love of hunting and the great outdoors. More than 7,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation are […]
Agricultural education travels Oklahoma roads
Agricultural education has never been more important. And now, thanks to a trio of Oklahoma institutions, it has never been more mobile either. This winter, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation’s youth education and outreach program – Noble Academy, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, and the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation launched a new mobile agricultural education trailer called the Grown For You mobile classroom to provide students a fun, fast and factual look at Oklahoma agriculture. Grown For You provides an interactive look into agriculture and highlights the commodity crops grown in Oklahoma. “This trailer was designed to illustrate the importance of […]
Oklahoma Farm Bureau names 2013 Champion Award recipients
Fifteen of the state’s top agricultural advocates – including Gov. Mary Fallin – will receive the Oklahoma Farm Bureau 2013 Champion Award during the OKFB Leadership Conference, Feb. 17-18, at the Skirvin Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors is recognizing the state leaders and legislators for going above and beyond to protect and improve agriculture and rural Oklahoma during the 2013 legislative session. “As the state’s largest agricultural organization, we are committed to preserving the livelihood and legacy of our fellow farmers and ranchers,” OKFB President Tom Buchanan said. “It is an […]
Proposed food safety rules miss the mark
The first major reform of food safety laws in seven decades, the Food Safety Modernization Act, was enacted in January 2011 with the intent of making food safer and reducing foodborne illness. However, the Food and Drug Administration’s plans to put FSMA rules in place are too broad to do the job well, according to farmers. Among Farm Bureau’s top concerns with the proposed regulations is FDA’s apparent unwillingness to focus on commodities that are associated with foodborne illness. “We urge FDA to reconsider standards that take into account the relative risks and comparative benefits associated with individual commodities. FDA […]
Applications for Conservation Stewardship program due Jan. 17
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for federal fiscal year 2014. Starting today through Jan. 17, 2014, producers interested in participating in the program can submit applications to NRCS. “Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners are going the extra mile to conserve our nation’s resources,” NRCS Chief Jason Weller said. “Through their conservation actions, they are ensuring that their operations are more productive and sustainable over the long run.” The CSP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps established conservation […]
Cost of classic Thanksgiving dinner down for 2013
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 28th annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.04, a 44-cent price decrease from last year’s average of $49.48. “The cost of this year’s meal, at less than $5 per serving, remains an excellent value for consumers,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas. “America’s farm and ranch families are honored to produce the food from our nation’s land for family Thanksgiving celebrations,” he said. “During this holiday season, many farmers and […]
Buchanan named new Oklahoma Farm Bureau president
Voting delegates at the 72nd Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting elected Jackson County Farm Bureau member Tom Buchanan to serve as president of the organization, Nov. 16, in Norman. Buchanan has represented District 2 on the OKFB Board of Directors for six years. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau is the voice for rural Oklahoma and agriculture, and that’s my passion,” Buchanan said. “Through my service at the county level and then as a state director, I feel I have a background with the federation and with the insurance company, and I’m looking forward to serving our members.” Buchanan raises a commercial beef […]
Temples receive YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award
Raymond and Mary Temple are the recipients of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Lifetime Legacy Award. The announcement was made Nov. 15, at OKFB’s 72nd Annual Convention in Norman. The YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award serves as a living memorial for members by recognizing their life achievements. It is intended to honor an individual or a couple who have spent their lives enriching and inspiring rural Oklahomans’ quality of life. Raymond grew up on a farm in Colorado, and Mary was raised on a cotton farm in Washita County. Together they have built a cow-calf herd and raise stocker […]