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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]