The U.S. Senate today passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which gives support to ports and inland waterways, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, drought technologies and more. The legislation also includes a provision that approves the Oklahoma water rights agreement between the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nations.  “As farmers and ranchers, we know water is vital in maintaining a successful agricultural industry and a prosperous economy. Oklahoma Farm Bureau is committed to developing our state’s water to the benefit of all Oklahomans. We support the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 because it […]

Three candidates with Oklahoma Farm Bureau ties won their respective primary runoff election on Aug. 23. Roland Pederson, longtime OKFB member and former state board member, Lonnie Paxton, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company agent, and Chris Kidd, OKFB vice president of membership and organization, will each progress to the general election in November. “Electing state leaders who understand and support farmers and ranchers is a priority for Oklahoma Farm Bureau,” said Monica Wilke, OKFB executive director. “We know Roland, Chris and Lonnie will represent not only their districts, but also Oklahoma agriculture.” Burlington native Roland Pederson was chosen as the […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan issued the following statement in response to the agreement reached by the state of Oklahoma and the tribes over water rights in Oklahoma. “As evidenced by this major water rights agreement, strong partnerships are critical to ensuring the agriculture industry can continue to be a substantial and productive part of the Oklahoma economy in the decades ahead. “Water is our state’s most important commodity and the lifeblood of Oklahoma agriculture. Oklahoma Farm Bureau recognizes and respects the need to responsibly manage this natural resource in the best interest of our state. As an organization, […]

The U.S. House today gave final approval to S. 764, which creates a national standard for disclosure of genetically modified food ingredients. Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan issued the following statement in response.  “For decades, genetically modified crops have helped farmers produce an abundance of high-quality and affordable food, while also decreasing agriculture’s impact on the environment. A consistent national labeling standard not only allows farmers to continue embracing GMO technology but also gives consumers access to information about their food. “Although Oklahoma Farm Bureau policy does not support a mandatory label, individual state labeling laws would only confuse […]