News Stories

More than $9,400 was raised for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation during a golf tournament at Cimarron National Golf Club, Guthrie, Okla., May 3. The annual fundraiser is sponsored by the OFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee as a way to garner funds and attention to the efforts of the foundation. “This is a great chance to talk about the success of the legal foundation in defending our personal property rights and other issues,” said Mason Bolay, YF&R chairman. Despite the cool, windy weather conditions, 76 golfers participated on 20 teams.  The winning team, sponsored by Alfalfa County Farm […]

A surplus of optimism was obvious among visitors to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau exhibit during the 2013 Oklahoma FFA convention, April 30-May 2, as 84 percent said they’re convinced agriculture has a bright future. When asked to list the challenges facing agriculture today, the top three answers, in order of popularity, were the weather, telling the farm story to the non-farm public and a lack of young farmers and ranchers.  Other answers included attacks on animal agriculture by animal welfare groups, lack of profitability and dwindling natural resources. “It’s encouraging to see the energy and enthusiasm these kids have for […]

During a press conference on May 1 at the FFA Convention, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma recognized members of the Hobart FFA and 4-H for donating livestock and money to the Beef for Backpacks project.     The Hobart youth received a $500 cash award from the Diamond Hats, a group of women leaders dedicated to improving the lives of Oklahoma’s rural youth through the livestock industry.  Each year they provide valuable scholarships for Oklahoma’s youth and this year sponsored a contest for FFA and 4-H groups that accumulated the most points based on animals and […]

State lawmakers received a “taste of the country” April 23 during the annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm City Festival at the Capitol.  The event is sponsored by the OFB Leadership Team, consisting of rural women leaders from throughout the state. The rural leaders use the Capitol’s first floor rotunda area to set out a spread of freshly prepared food, much of it home baked.  There were trays of fresh vegetables, ham, turkey and beef, deviled eggs, fruit, cookies and brownies. “This is a way to say thanks to our legislators for working hard on rural issues,” said Kitty Beavers, Duncan, […]

High input costs, too much government regulation and the ever-changing weather patterns were listed as major challenges by visitors to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau booth during the Southern Plains Farm Show, April 18-20, Oklahoma City. Other challenges noted on the informal survey included water, low farm income and lack of a new farm bill. “The government is regulating us to death,” said Bobby Lee, Newcastle, Okla.  “I am especially concerned about the EPA regulations.” Despite the concern about government regulations, 80 percent of the survey respondents indicated they are optimistic about the future of agriculture.   The wet April weather […]

Taking care of the land, water and other vital natural resources is more than just good business for farmers and ranchers; it’s what they believe in.  That’s why Sand Springs, Okla., rancher and leader of the state’s largest farm organization, says “Every day is Earth Day on the Oklahoma farm.” “Agricultural producers have a true connection to the environment,” said Mike Spradling, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  “It’s impossible to walk across this land everyday and not feel connected to the air, water and soil around you.” That “connection” is supported by facts. While agricultural productivity has increased dramatically […]

The new farm bill, immigration reform, estate taxes and federal budget cuts were key issues discussed this week by Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders during a five-day lobbying effort in the nation’s capitol. “It’s extremely important to discuss these issues not only with our own congressional delegation but other officials as well,” said Mike Spradling, OFB president.   “Even though we are in frequent contact with our delegation, they need our support as they work on these issues in Washington, D.C.” A new farm bill proposal from the American Farm Bureau focusing on a strong crop insurance program was recently sent to […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau is offering a new member benefit. Members are now eligible to receive a $100 discount on any all-steel storm shelter from Storm Safe Tornado Shelters, an Oklahoma company established in 1987. Their original steel -in-ground models are designed to provide maximum storm protection in the convenience of ones’ garage, porch or patio. Unlike costly outdoor shelters requiring days of construction and planning to accommodate the landscape, the Original Storm Safe installs in only hours and is immediately out of the weather. Storm Safe Shelters have been tested and approved at the Texas Tech University Wind Science and […]

The state’s largest farm organization wants Gov. Fallin to know they appreciate her strength and courage in signing HB 1999 into law. Oklahoma Farm Bureau, along with other agricultural organizations, has supported the legislation throughout the legislative session. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau would like to thank Gov. Fallin for listening to the people of Oklahoma and farmers and ranchers across the state on this issue,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president.  “We sincerely appreciate Gov. Fallin for standing with and supporting the agricultural industry in Oklahoma.  With the signing of this bill, there will now be a solution to the […]

Thousands of Oklahoma school children will now have adequate protein to supplement their diets after Oklahoma livestock producers donated more than 50 head of cattle and pigs to the Food for Kids program at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Earlier this year a plea was issued by the Food Bank for producers to donate animals. The call was heard loud and clear! “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of our livestock producers, “said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. “This is a great opportunity to help educate the public that the food is there […]