T
he Cook family of Cordell was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 2 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 84th annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 8, in Oklahoma City.
Nocona and Jordan Cook share a long history farming and ranching in Washita County. They now farm 2,700 acres of wheat, alfalfa, millet and sorghum while raising stocker cattle and registered Angus cattle.
“I grew up on the west side of the county and Nocona grew up on the east side of the county,” Jordan said. “My family grew up raising registered Angus cattle and showing cattle and then the Nocona grew up farming and raising stocker cattle.”
After graduating college, Nocona returned to the family farm to take over most of the rented acres that his father previously managed, and by 2017, he had nearly doubled in acreage.
“The fondest memories I have I was little kid riding in the floor of the combine or in the tractor with my grandpa or my dad, and ever since I was old enough to know what was going on, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” Nocona said. “I wanted to be a farmer.”
The Cooks run an 800-head stocker cattle operation, feeding them out until they are ready for a processing facility. By analyzing carcass data they receive from the processor and real-life customer feedback, they can adjust their operation to produce cattle that are best-suited for their customers.
“We’re in the cattle industry, we like to say, from conception to consumption,” Nocona said.
As Nocona focuses on the farm and stocker cattle, Jordan manages their registered Angus cattle operation. Playing an instrumental role in the operation, she does all the artificial insemination, assists in embryo transfer work, raises the calves, retains the heifers and sells the bulls. As a result of working with other companies to market her bulls, Jordan’s cattle have been sold in over 15 different states and two countries.
“I’ve had other jobs, and they don’t compare to this,” Jordan said. “I don’t want to do anything else, really.”
The Cooks raise their two sons, Denton and Baylor, on their Washita County farm and ranch. Denton assists the family with various farm tasks while also caring for his show cattle, and Baylor has set his eyes on farming.
“Denton is wanting to start in the cattle business and wanting to take over some of it, and Baylor is just ate up with farming.” Nocona said. “He’s just like me – he wants to be a farmer.”
With their hands full as full-time farmers and ranchers, the Cooks continue to stay heavily involved through numerous volunteer opportunities within their community and across the state. Nocona serves on the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture in addition to serving as Cloud Chief Rural Volunteer Fire Department chief, Cordell United Methodist Church council member and Washita 4-H Shooting Sports coach.
Jordan serves as president of the Oklahoma Angus Association along with positions on the Oklahoma Beef Council, Washita County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, the Product Safety and Innovation committee and is a past southwest district director of the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association.
Understanding the value of agricultural education, the Cooks also collaborate with their local agriculture education instructor to assist kids who want to show cattle but lack the means to purchase and house an animal. The family also operates with an “open-door policy,” allowing local schools to tour their farm and ranch.
“Farming is a tough way to make a living,” Nocona said. “But there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that you’re going out there and you’re planting the seed or you’re breeding the cow that’s going to feed somebody one day. I just hope that our families can continue doing that for the future.”
OKFB’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program celebrates nine farm and ranch families from around the state who carry on the best traditions of Oklahoma agriculture and our rural communities.
“Our family farmers and ranchers across Oklahoma work each and every day to feed and clothe our state and country while caring for the land and natural resources that we all depend on,” said Mignon Bolay, OKFB WLC chair. “Our Women’s Leadership Committee is honored to recognize these nine farm and ranch families and share their stories of agricultural achievements and service to their local, rural communities.”As part of their recognition, the family received a cash award and a custom sign to hang at their farm gate. The family was also recognized at the 2025 OKFB convention with a video sharing their agricultural operation and heritage.
