News Stories

As spring planting season begins, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is launching a unique website to track the weekly events of four Oklahoma farm families throughout the growing season. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Harvest Watch blog website will feature regular updates from the farmers as they experience the everyday joys and disappointments of planting and harvesting a crop. Updates will continue through the fall and conclude with harvest. The four farm families each represent a different region of Oklahoma and include Zac and Amy Harris, Hobart; Brandon and Carrie Webb, Canton; Kenneth and Debby Fisher, Bristow; and Greg and Mary Leonard, Afton. […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau women leaders celebrated National Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 19-25, by donating more than $1,500 worth of food to the Ronald McDonald Houses in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The annual event recognizes the fact that by this time in the year, the average American consumer has earned enough income to pay their annual grocery bill. “Stretching Your Grocery Dollar with Healthy, Nutritious Food,” the official theme of Farm Bureau’s Food Check-Out Week, is an indicator of the tight economic times consumers face. Dining out less often and preparing more meals at home are two strategies people are using […]

Oklahoma agricultural producers urgently need a new farm bill that provides a strong safety net for farm income using a combination of crop insurance, a revenue assurance program and price protection. That’s the message recently delivered by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Bill Committee. “We encourage farm groups to work together to support Cong. Lucas and Sen. Stabenow to get the new farm bill passed quickly,” committee chairman Scott Neufeld said. “We’re concerned if this is not passed by July 1, it will not be passed this year. Continued delays by Congress to pass the new farm bill will reduce […]

Oklahoma Farm Bureau honored six state senators and representatives with the Meritorious Service Award during the annual OFB Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City, Feb 20. The Meritorious Service honor is awarded to state legislators who actively support rural and agricultural efforts and maintain a strong voting record in favor of Farm Bureau issues. Winners are nominated by county Farm Bureaus and evaluated on their ability to positively impact the rural community. Those receiving the legislative award for 2012 were Representatives Larry Glenn, Skye McNiel, Wade Rousselot, and Mike Sanders and Senators Brian Bingman and Susan Paddack. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau appreciates […]

President Obama’s proposal to cut $700 million from the USDA budget has Oklahoma farmers concerned, as it threatens to drastically reduce funding for crop insurance and conservation programs. “We are deeply concerned about reducing funds for crop insurance as it is our primary risk management tool,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “Cutting funds to crop insurance threatens the very program that kept many of our producers in business during the recent historic drought. We support a strong crop insurance program focused on helping farmers manage risk.” The Farm Bureau leader emphasized agriculture’s support of reducing the federal deficit […]

State legislative leaders will address Oklahoma Farm Bureau county presidents Feb. 20-21, during the annual OFB Leadership Conference at the Marriott Hotel, 3233 Northwest Expressway, in 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. The first day will feature a series of discussions on Oklahoma water laws, estate planning and employment laws. Also, Farm Bureau’s coveted Meritorious Service Awards will be presented during the evening’s conference banquet. Day two will kick off with a legislative panel featuring State Representatives Leslie […]

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has proclaimed the week of Feb. 20-24, “Farm Bureau Week” in Oklahoma. The week is part of a statewide observance during which county Farm Bureaus will make a concerted effort to enroll members, introduce the community to Farm Bureau volunteer leaders and explain the organization’s goals and objectives. “This is a special time to acknowledge Farm Bureau members and the work they do year-round in the communities across this great state,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “It is significant the governor recognizes Farm Bureau and agriculture’s importance to Oklahoma.” When making the proclamation, Fallin cited Farm […]

Following the recent resignation announcement of Oklahoma State University’s Vice President, Dean and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, farmers and ranchers are reflecting on the impressive OSU career of Robert Whitson. “We greatly appreciate his leadership and vision,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “I consider Bob a close friend and I will miss his wit and wisdom.” Since 2005, Whitson has served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and also vice president/director of the two state agencies administered through the division: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the […]

The Labor Department’s announcement to reconsider the ‘parental exemption’ regulations in its proposed child labor rule is good news for Oklahoma farm families, according to Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “I’m really thankful the DOL is taking into account our comments to take another look at their proposal,” Spradling said. The DOL received thousands of complaints from the agriculture industry after it announced plans last fall to propose strict, new child labor guidelines on the farm. The agency now says it will take more time to reconsider the parental exemption and hear comments from the public. “Farm Bureau members […]

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin endorsed the newly formed Oklahoma Livestock Relief Coalition during a press conference at the state capitol Jan. 23. The coalition provides a funding channel for people to support the efforts of livestock producers and law enforcement agencies who are often given the task of caring for abandoned and neglected livestock. “It’s a great example of the private sector coming together with law enforcement agencies to properly take care of animals,” Fallin said. Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese noted last summer’s drought created a difficult situation for livestock owners and the lingering effects still impact livestock producers. […]