Sept. 20, 2016 – Groups in opposition to State Question 777 used comments by Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan out of context in order to misguide Oklahoma voters. Buchanan issued the following statement in response.  “The Right to Farm amendment is critical to the future of agriculture in our great state of Oklahoma. Right to Farm protects both agriculture and the people of Oklahoma into the future. Unfortunately, special interest groups and critics of Right to Farm are using misinformation and false claims, including twisting my words, in another attempt to mislead voters. “State Question 777 not only protects […]

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 […]

The Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation hosted a Right to Farm Training for the Oklahoma Agri-Women June 23 at the OKFB home office in Oklahoma City. Members of Oklahoma Agri-Women were instructed on a variety of talking points when advocating for State Question 777. The training also addressed several media tips, including social media. Oklahoma Agri-Women is a state affiliate of American Agri-Women, which is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women with more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliate organizations throughout the country.  The purpose of Oklahoma Agri-Women includes three parts: to unite women in […]

Food, fun and camaraderie flowed in Bricktown as Oklahoma Farm Bureau hosted “Get on Tap with 777,” an event that showed Oklahoma City residents the need for the Right to Farm in Oklahoma. More than 100 guests attended the gathering at TapWerks Ale House Thursday, June 30, for food, drink and education about SQ 777. OKFB President Tom Buchanan, along with OKFB staff, visited with attendees and shared their personal stories about Right to Farm’s benefit to Oklahoma and why they are voting “yes.” Mark Yates, OKFB director of field operations, addressed the group, sharing the need for Right to […]