Nearly 80 Young Farmers and Ranchers members traveled to Altus for Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s annual YF&R Summer Conference July 17-19.
YF&R members kicked off the weekend at Power Plus, where father and son duo Todd and Kane Duff showed attendees around their family cattle operation that specializes in feedlot management, a cattle buyback program and crop and feed production.
Attendees then traveled to the Kiowa County Farm Bureau office for dinner, where they heard from OKFB Senior Director of Public Policy Gage Milliman about the organization’s top policy issues.
On Saturday morning, members toured the Lake Altus-Lugert dam. The tour was led by past OKFB president Tom Buchanan and Jackson County Farm Bureau member and former Sen. Mike Shulz, who discussed the history of the dam, the importance of water infrastructure, and how it aids Oklahoma agriculturists in irrigation.
Following the tour of the dam, everyone was bussed to Muller farms, a large-scale, drought-tolerant crop production operation, where Jackson County Farm Bureau member Matt Muller demonstrated how his operation utilizes a subsurface drip irrigation system and explained the founding and growth of his family’s farm. The Muller family also received a plaque as recognition for their dedication to OKFB YF&R.
Attendees then spent the afternoon learning about cotton. From ginning, to baling, to grading, Jackson County Farm Bureau board member Keeff Felty and representatives from the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association covered cotton growing necessities.
The night ended back at Quartz Mountain Lodge with a mock YF&R Discussion Meet and live music by high school senior Tyse Buck.
Sunday morning began with a devotional given by Tulsa County Farm Bureau member and American Farm Bureau YF&R Chair Tommy Salisbury. Salisbury highlighted the importance of stewardship and service with reference to Jesus’ sermon on the mount.
After the message, YF&R committee members shared more about themselves and their districts and handed out door prizes to participants.
The final event of the weekend promoted a project called Remote Ready Startup, a program that aids in the development of skills and resume building to help rural Oklahomans and Americans become suitable workers for remote positions.
