T
he Johnston family of Ratliff City was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 4 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 84th annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 8, in Oklahoma City.
Mike and Shelly Johnston strive to be good stewards of the grass, letting the cows do the rest. Like those that came before them, they hope to continue the family farm and ranch for those to come.
Mike’s parents raised hogs and cattle, introducing him to showing livestock and FFA.
The Johnstons started their ranch operating sale cows and running yearling cattle for other ranchers. Today, they run a heard of 110 cows on B-Dahl bluestem, keeping calves on wheat for replacement heifers.
“The reason that we do what we do is because that’s what my parents did and my grandparents,” Mike said. “Just being out in the environment, having the struggles, it’s just part of life, but it’s also a place that you can see God’s hand, and I like that.”
Mike and Shelly found true pride in being able to raise their two daughters, Tayna and Shytana, on their family farm and ranch, and now are proud to work alongside their grandchildren, Braden, Brecken and Cooper.
“Growing up, we worked our parents’ cattle all the time,” Shelly said. “Then we were blessed with our two daughters, and they were raised doing the same thing, and then now our three grandsons. I think it’s just been something the Lord’s blessed us with and allowed us to enjoy his creation and to be able to do as a family.”
The Johnstons’ daughter, Shytana, passed away in 2016. Today, her love for the cows and working on the ranch can be seen in her son, Cooper.
“My daughter that passed away, she loved cattle,” Mike said. “She showed steers and her boy kind of likes the same thing. He loves cows and he wants to be a part of that.”
The Johnsons’ grandsons can be found helping in all aspects of the farm and ranch. From driving through the pasture to look at cattle or help work the cattle during pregnancy checks and to give vaccinations.
“It’s just the joy of being together and being able to see God’s creation and work outside,” Shelly said. “Rarely do I send a cow down the alley to the chute or vaccinate because we were blessed with the three grandsons, along with a few others, that enjoy helping Mike do what he loves to do, and what they love to do. I just count it as another blessing from the Lord that we are allowed to have family work alongside family.”
Mike and Shelly stay involved with their community, where Mike serves as a pastor at the Milo Baptist Church and they both are active with their grandsons’ school programs.
“Community is important because it’s just like when we go through hard times, they’re always there for us, and when they go through hard times, we’re there for them,” Mike said. “It’s just rural community is the best place to be because everybody knows everybody. And whether you have competition out there with them, they’re still your friends and they still have your back when things are not like they should be.”
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.
