PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
2 0 1 0
USDA Deputy Secretary visits state
Major County Farm Bureau Vice President Scott Neufeld asked a question of Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, during a USDA meeting with farm leaders in Kingfisher May 13. Photo courtesy of Jeff Johnson
• 2010 • 2010 • 2010 • 2010 • 2010 •
Just a week away from adjournment and no budget agreement has been reached. The state is facing a shortfall of over $1 billion. Agencies are anticipating a 10 percent budget cut; however, that percentage could go higher if common education is held harmless. Agriculture sales tax exemptions are not on the table, nor do we expect any attempts to raise property taxes, but other sources of revenue generation, such as fees, are being considered by some. Tax credits will likely be eliminated or suspended pending improvements in the economy. The 2010 Legislative Session is set to adjourn on May 28 at five o’clock as required by the Oklahoma Constitution. In addition to budget negotiations, in these final weeks of session, many bills will be reported from conference committee. The process begins to move more quickly as these bills reported from conference committee must pass before the full House of Representatives and the Senate before reaching the governor’s desk. Until adjournment, Oklahoma Farm Bureau will be monitoring proposed legislation to protect agriculture producers and private property rights. Some of those issues include: mineral owners’ rights with respect to changes in pooling statutes; transportation issues as they relate to (See No budget, page 2)
OFB TRADE SHOW
• 2010 • 2010 • 2010 • 2010
By Lori Kromer Peterson, OFB Vice President of Public Policy
2010 • 2010 • 2010 • 2010 •
2010 • 2010 • 2010 • 2010 • 2010 • 2010
No budget agreement as session nears end
®
May 21, 2010
OFB to expand Trade Show Oklahoma Farm Bureau is excited to announce it is expanding the OFB Trade Show during the 2010 OFB Annual Meeting, which will be held November 19-21 in Oklahoma City. This year’s trade show is moving to the first floor of the Cox Convention Center, and the extra space will allow for more than double the booth space from previous years. “Trade show exhibitors will have the opportunity to visit with the key decision makers from both large and small agricultural operations across the state,” said Thad Doye, OFB vice president of Field Services. Approximately 800 farm and ranch leaders attend the annual meeting each year. “This is an excellent opportunity for companies to reach a large number of farmers and ranchers, all in one setting,” Doye said. The dates for the OFB Trade Show are Friday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 20. OFB is offering a single booth space for $200, or a double space for $250. The spaces will be reserved on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in reserving a booth space, or know of anyone who might be, please contact Doye at 405-523-2307 or Thad.Doye@okfb.org. Watch future issues of Perspective for more specific details.