T
he Wilson family of Rattan was recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s District 5 farm and ranch family of the year at the organization’s 84th annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 8, in Oklahoma City.
Vernon and Shauna Wilson run a 215-head cow/calf operation in Rattan on 1055 acres on their Pushmataha County farm and ranch. Although this plot of land became home to the Wilson family in 1979, the ranching legacy runs generations deep.
“Our part of the ranching started when my grandfather was a young man,” Vernon said. “He drove cattle from west Texas to Oklahoma, and that’s how we got started. It has been a family business for about 75-80 years, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Throughout those 80 years, the Wilson family focused on creating their cow-calf herd. Today, Vernon and Shauna continue that operation, raising calves until they are 500-700 pounds where they then market and sell them. In addition to the cattle, they also bale around 800 bales of hay a year which helps feed their cattle through the winter.
“As his wife, watching him, he’s in his element,” Shauna said. “It’s his passion, what he loves, what he enjoys. He just seems like he’s at peace when he’s out there.”
Wilson Ranch is a true definition of a family farm and ranch, seeing multiple generations of Wilsons working today. Vernon and Shauna raised their two children, Vernon Jr. and Nikki, on the farm and ranch, where they both assist with the operation today.
Nikki and her husband, Weldon, along with their two children, Riley and Clara, assist with working cattle, feeding, maintenance, equipment operation, medications and various other chores. Vernon Jr., now living in Payne County, still helps with the operation when asked and is always looking into innovations that the family could implement into the farm and ranch.
“I enjoy being around here with my grandchildren, watching them grow up and be raised on a farm to where they know a little bit about life,” Shauna said. “They just learn so much more.”
The Wilson family has managed their farm and ranch as a multi-generational operation for years in a partnership with Vernon’s parents. In early 2025, Vernon’s father, Jim, passed away, leaving an agricultural legacy for the family to carry on. The Wilson family has taken it upon themselves to pass on the traditions of hard work and close family ties that Jim instilled in his children and grandchildren.
“He was a great loss for us,” Vernon said. “We’re all going to miss him, and it’s all on our shoulders to take care of it now”
The Wilsons take pride in being involved with their community. Both have been involved as members of OKFB for approximately 36 years, and Vernon currently serves as board president for Pushmataha County Farm Bureau. They have also served in various roles with the Pushmataha County 4-H and FFA organizations, Pushmataha County Livestock board as well as the local booster club going back three generations. Nikki and Weldon are currently members of the local livestock booster club, and Nikki serves on the Pushmataha County Farm Bureau board. Vernon Jr. and his wife, Kimberly, are the current owners of Bad Brads BBQ in Stillwater, where they stay involved with their local community sponsoring multiple fundraising events through the year.
“Being involved in the community is very important to me,” Vernon said. “I think it is good for these kids to be in the FFA and 4-H because it helps them grow and be prepared for life.”
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.
