A bill to amend EPA regulations on above ground fuel and oil storage tanks was introduced March 8 by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators, including Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-OK. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Mark Pryor, D-AR, Sen. Deb Fischer, R-NE, Sen. John Boozman, R-AK, Sen. Thad Cochran, R-MS, and Sen. Mike Johanns, R-NE. The major focus of the amendment to the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule exempts farmers from EPA rules intended for oil and gas refineries. The exemption would apply to farmers who have total fuel storage capacity not exceeding 42,000 gallons with no individual […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau honored Billy Gibson, Ada, Feb. 18, for his more than 36 years of service as a volunteer leader for the farm organization. “Billy is a very special person who has dedicated many years to serving Oklahoma Farm Bureau, including two separate tenures on the OFB Board of Directors, representing District 8,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president. Gibson was raised on a ranch near Ada in Pontotoc County.  He served his country as an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions over Vietnam and later serving in the Pentagon.   Upon retirement from the Air Force, the Oklahoma farm […]

U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK, will receive American Farm Bureau’s Golden Plow Award Feb. 18, during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s annual leadership conference at the Skirvin Hotel, Oklahoma City. The Golden Plow award is presented annually to one member of the U.S. Senate and one member of the U.S. House of Representatives who have demonstrated strong support for Farm Bureau and agricultural issues. “As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Lucas has worked tirelessly for agriculture and the state of Oklahoma,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “His work on the new farm bill, combined with his many years of service to […]

Five state legislators will receive Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service Award Feb. 18, during the farm organization’s annual leadership conference at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. The Meritorious Service award is presented to legislators who have a strong voting record for Farm Bureau issues and show support for rural and agricultural issues. The awards are based on a county Farm Bureau’s nomination and evaluation of the lawmaker’s adherence to the values and issues important to rural Oklahoma. Receiving the award will be Sen. Anthony Sykes, Moore, and Representatives Lisa Billy, Purcell; Tom Newell, Seminole; Mike Jackson, Enid; and Joe […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau members will work to educate consumers in their communities during Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 17-23. Farm Bureau members will offer tips on how consumers can stretch their grocery dollars with healthy, nutritious food. During this week, many farmers and ranchers also plan to make a special effort to reach out to consumers, in-person or through social media, to answer questions about the food they grow or the livestock and poultry they raise. The price of unprepared, readily available fresh fruits and vegetables, such as lettuce, bananas, whole carrots, apples, broccoli and tomatoes, has remained stable compared to […]

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has signed a proclamation designating Feb. 18-22 as Farm Bureau Week. The week is part of a statewide observance during which county Farm Bureaus will host receptions, open houses and other events inviting the community to participate. “This is a time for us to discuss rural issues and explain how Farm Bureau can help improve the lives of rural Oklahomans,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. The state organization will kick off the week with its annual leadership conference, Feb. 18-19, at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City.  Keynote speakers include U.S. Representatives Frank Lucas, […]

State and federal legislative leaders will address Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders Feb. 18-19, during the annual OFB Leadership Conference at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, One Park Ave, Oklahoma City. “This is a great opportunity for our county leaders to meet with their legislators and discuss issues important to rural Oklahoma,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. Lawton businessman Bill Burgess will address the group Monday afternoon with a presentation on leadership in today’s society.  Burgess is vice chairman of the Oklahoma Business Roundtable and his family owns a successful law firm and the Lawton Constitution newspaper.  Burgess is a member of […]

The second annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Harvest Watch blog season is set to start Feb. 11.The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Harvest Watch blog website will feature regular updates from six farm families as they experience the everyday joys and disappointments of planting and harvesting a crop and feeding and caring for livestock. Updates will continue through the fall and conclude with harvest. The six farm families, each represent a different region of Oklahoma, include Zach and Amy Harris, Hobart; Brandon and Carrie Webb, Canton; Matt and Lisa Graves, Gate;  Kenneth and Debbie Fisher, Bristow; Brent and Myndi Bolen, Idabel; and Greg […]

Oklahoma high school FFA and 4-H members are encouraged to produce creative videos promoting farmers’ care for animals, consumers and the environment in a contest sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. “The goal of the contest is to inform and educate the public with a positive message about farmers’ deep passion and commitment to their animals, the environment, crops and consumers,” said Mason Bolay, Tahlequah, YF&R chairman. The contest, “Oklahoma Farmers Care: Doing What’s Right for our Animals, our Environment and our Consumers,” is open to any high school FFA or 4-H member. Entries can be […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling, Sand Springs, was re-elected Jan. 15 to serve a two-year term on the American Farm Bureau board of directors.  The election occurred during the 94th annual American Farm Bureau convention in Nashville, Tenn. “I am extremely proud to represent Oklahoma on the AFBF board,” Spradling said.  “I will continue to push for critical issues impacting Oklahoma agriculture, including a new farm bill, immigration reform and reducing government regulations.” Representing the southern region, Spradling joins 16 other state Farm Bureau presidents on the AFBF board.  The Oklahoma leader was first elected to the national board […]