Winter 2010

Winter 2010

The Magazine Of The Oklahoma Farm Bureau

Inside: Inside:

Garfield Family Couple Farm Family of the Year Not Your Typical Grocery Store

The shopping carT was invenTed in oklahoma, much To our chagrin.

The shopping cart is a perfect example of Okie innovation — a nice, simple invention that makes everyday life a whole lot easier. It’s the same sort of innovative thinking that goes into the products and services of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance. We not only offer quality insurance at an affordable price, but we’ve also figured out ways to make claim service faster and easier, with professional adjusters across the state and a 24-hour claims hotline. It’s not the kind of innovation that’s going to make headlines or save the world. But it does make life easier for our members. And hey, that’s the Okie way. 24/7 CLAIMS HOTLINE:* 1-877-OFB-CLAIM (OR 1-877-632-2524)

For details about Oklahoma Farm Bureau, visit us online at okfbins.com

* Not applicable for some policies, including crop, life, health, or disability / long-term care.

Oklahoma Country

Contents

Features

8

8 – Overwhelmed!

A lifetime of dedication to agriculture was

recognized when Garfield County’s Joe and Mary Jo Peeper were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year Nov. 6 at the 68th annual state convention in Oklahoma City.

By Dustin Mielke

14 – Not Your Typical Grocery Store

With as much floor space as an entire football field

plus nearly half of another, shoppers might think they’re entering just another club or discount chain when the automatic doors under the arched entryway slide open.

14

By Mike Nichols

Columns

Departments

2 – Presidentially Speaking 4 – Insurance Matters 6 – Country Gardening

20 – Convention Wrap Up 28 – All Around Oklahoma 42 – Country Classifieds 44 – Country Kitchen

Hidden number worth $50!

O

ne member family’s Oklahoma Farm Bureau membership number is hidden somewhere in this issue of OKLAHOMA COUNTRY, and could earn that member family $50.

To claim the cash prize, the member family must find its own hidden membership number and contact Mike Nichols before the last day of the month Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to

4 p.m. at 405-523-2300.

The OFB membership number hidden somewhere in OKLAHOMA COUNTRY must match the number on the face of your individual OFB membership card for you to claim the cash prize. The member­ ship number that appears on your magazine’s mailing label is not the hidden number, but must match the hidden number for you to claim the cash prize.

Cover Image Joe and Mary Joe Peeper, the 2009 Farm Family of the Year, inside a wheat storage bin.

Photo by Dustin Mielke

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 1

Presidentially

Speaking

By Mike Spradling President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies

Is your glass half full or half empty?

W

inter is the time of year for celebration and family gatherings. Farm Bureau members all over this land are spending time with friends and family to reflect what this time of year means to them.

After the holiday events and football games, many of us actually take a moment for reflection.

We realize how fortunate we are to farm and ranch in this great country known as the United States of America. How fortunate we are to work in an industry where we can labor side-by-side, day in and day out, with our best friend, our partner, and our spouse for a lifetime.

Where farm and ranch kids take on major responsibilities at an early age, in an environment where they learn all the lessons of life – and yes, death as well. Where they learn to tend to the needs of the animals they care for before they tend to their own needs.

Where they learn to enjoy, respect and care for the environment because they feel responsible for its well being. Where they can

learn to become productive citizens and become a positive influence on society.

We are fortunate to live in an environment where one can witness the unobscured view of the rising and setting of the sun.

These are just a few of the things we can be thankful for living in rural America.

M

y first term as president just ended and as I start into my second, I have taken time to reflect on some of the things important to me.

One of these is the many relationships I have developed with members as I travel this state. I appreciate the opportunity to listen to the things they care about, and those things important to them and their loved ones.

One of the many things I appreciate most about people in agriculture is their positive attitude about life in general.

When they speak of their wheat crop, they tell of the bushels they made, not dwelling on the losses from the flood, fire, freeze, drought or hail. The cattlemen tell you of the pride in producing high quality beef, not complaining

of the high cost of feed.

With all the things going on in this world that one could complain about, our members focus on the positive side of things. Many people look at 10 percent unemployment as one in 10 out of work. Many of my friends in agriculture look at it as 90 percent employed or nine of 10 working.

No matter what the situation, many in agriculture make the best of the situation. . . always looking on the bright side and finding a way to make it better.

As we take time to reflect on what 2009 brought us, will we think of what we have, not what we don’t have? Will we think of the good times, not dwelling on the bad experiences of life? Will we be thankful for what we produced, not what we lost?

As 2010 gets started, what about you? Is your glass half full, or is it half empty?

From all of us here at Oklahoma Farm Bureau, may 2010 bring you a full glass of health and happiness.

HappyNewYear!

2 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006 • 3

Matters

Insuranc e

By Darryl Sinclair General Manager, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company

Winter 2010 Volume 62 No. 1 Oklahoma Country (ISSN 1544-6476)

You can help hold down insurance costs

P

roperty and casualty insurance premiums are on the rise. Not just for Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, but for most property and casualty companies doing business in Oklahoma. It is particularly true for property insurance including Homeowners, Mobilehomeowners and Farm and Ranch policies.

Reasons for the rise in insurance premiums are the increase in the number of wind and hail events, the severity of those events and the increased cost of repairing damage after a loss is suffered. Hopefully, we are not experiencing the effects of a permanent climate change. We do not think so, but no one really knows. Issues affecting auto premiums are the increase in auto claims, possibly resulting from more deer on the highway, inattentive driving (including “texting” while driving) and the general economy.

There are things you can do to hold down your costs. As an automobile policyholder, you should purchase as high a deductible as you can afford. When changing from a lower deductible to a higher deductible, you will receive a premium credit. When making a decision regarding additional coverage, you may choose not to carry physical damage on a paid-off vehicle, as long as the value is below what you can afford to bear in the event of a loss. Completing a defensive driving course can qualify you for an additional auto premium discount.

Discounts can be received on property lines of business as well. Like auto policies, a higher homeowners deductible earns a premium credit. Homeowners with an alarm system will receive a discount, with an increased discount being given if the alarm is monitored. Both auto and homeowners policies are experiencerated policies, meaning you can earn a discount based upon favorable claims experience.

The insurance mechanism works such that 4 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

all policyholders bear the cost of claims that are filed. As a result, fewer claims filed overall will positively affect everyone’s premium. Here are some things that will help hold down auto premiums collectively: 1. Defensive driving – often the not-at-fault party could have avoided the accident by driving defensively, 2. Monitor your children’s driving – most youthful drivers have an accident sometime before gaining experience and most are avoidable, 3. Keep your vehicles in good running condition and tires in good shape, 4. Keep your vehicles garaged when possible, many times hail comes when we are at home, 5. Observe posted speed limit signs and do not drink and drive – claims from these causes can be very costly and even deadly.

T

o hold down costs on property lines of business, homeowners should be firewise. To be fire-wise one must keep chimneys clean, routinely service heaters, make sure electrical wiring is up to code and in good shape, never leave candles burning unattended, keep combustible materials such as paint and gas properly stored and away from fireplaces and space heaters, never overload outlets, keep brush and dry grass cleared away from structures, and of course keep red cedars away from barns and homes. Other things that can be done include trimming limbs away from property to avoid ice damage, keeping pets under control, maintaining fences especially if you have livestock, keeping steps, railings and plumbing in good repair, and possibly turning water off when you are gone for an extended period of time. Lastly, lock up your valuables and keep a Farm Bureau reward sign posted on your property.

If we each do our part by observing these things, it will help hold down premiums for all of us.

Published four times per year in April, July, October and January by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126, Telephone 405-523-2300.

Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Additional Mailing Offices.

Postmaster: Send address corrections to: Oklahoma Country, P.O.B. 53332, Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3332.

EDITORIAL TEAM Mike Nichols Oklahoma Country Editor and Senior Writer Sam Knipp Vice President Corporate Communications / PR Traci Morgan Perspective / Online News Editor Dustin Mielke Multi-media Producer / Writer DIRECT YOUR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO: Oklahoma Country Attn: Mike Nichols 2501 N. Stiles Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-523-2300, Ext. 2345 ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval.

Advertisers assume all liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising. Publisher does not guarantee advertiser service or products, and assumes no liability for products or services advertised.

TO SUBSCRIBE Oklahoma Country subscription rate is $1 per year for members as part of the dues, $15 for non-members.

WEB SITE www.okfarmbureau.org Oklahoma Farm Bureau DIRECTORS Mike Spradling, President Bob Drake, Vice President Tom Buchanan, Treasurer Roland Pederson, Secretary Ervin Mitchell, Director Donna VonTungeln, Director Larry Boggs, Director Charles Sloan, Director Billy Gibson, Director Phyllis Holcomb, Director Monica Wilke, Executive Director

!"##$%%&'(%"(")*(+"##),$%$&!"#$%&'#$&%()*+&",#-+#&+*%./01+#%)&#&+"$%/"0203045#4%#*%/4&02)4+#4%# 6#2+44+&#7)63045#%8#308+#0/#%)&#*%99)/040+":#;%&#4<+#$6"4#8%)&#5+6&",# ='36<%96#$%&'#$&%()*+&"#<6>+#$6&4/+&+(#-04<#4<+#='36<%96# ?3%%(#@/"404)4+#%/#6/#6//)63#23%%(#(&0>+:#A<+#(%/640%/"#*%33+*4+(# ()&0/.#4<+"+#(&0>+"#<6"#$&%>0(+(#9)*<#/++(+(#23%%(#6/(#23%%(# $&%()*4"#8%&#='36<%96/"#0/#409+"#%8#*&0"0":#A<0"#0"#B)"4#%/+#"9633# -65#-+#*%/4&02)4+#4%#%)&#3%*63#*%99)/040+":

!"#$%!&$

'!()'*# CDEEEDF!GDH=IJ##K#---:%'$%&':%&.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 5

Country

Gardening

By Joe Benton

Extension Education, Ag & CED Pottawatomie County OSU Extension Service

Late winter recommended for landscaping chores

I

f you’re itching to get outdoors, now’s a good time to survey your landscape and decide what needs pruning. But keep in mind that not all plants need to be trimmed.

Landscape plants should be pruned to maintain or reduce their size, to remove undesirable growth, to remove dead or damaged branches, and to rejuvenate older plants to produce more vigorous foliage, flowers and fruits. In some cases, pruning is necessary to prevent damage to life and property.

Pruning isn’t as difficult as most people think, but there are proper techniques to keep in mind. Late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, is generally considered the optimum time to prune most plants. This is when the plant’s wounds heal quickly, without threat of insect or disease infection. However, plants that bloom in early spring, such as forsythia, magnolia and crabapples, should be pruned later in spring after their blooms fade.

These early bloomers produce their flower buds on last year’s wood, so pruning early will remove many potential blooms. Trees that have large quantities of sap in the spring, such as maple, oaks, elms and dogwood, are not harmed by early spring pruning but can be pruned in mid-summer or late fall to avoid the sap bleeding.

It’s best to allow a tree or shrub to develop its natural shape as much as possible.

However, removing selected branches because they are weak or formed at a poor angle to the trunk will help the rest of the plant receive more sunlight. Thin this type of growth by removing unwanted branches at their point of origin. Make the cut just beyond the branch collar, which is the ridge of bark that surrounds the junction of that branch to its point of origin. This will leave a very short stub of about one-half to two inches, depending on the size and age of the branch.

6 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

If reduction in size is desired, a technique called “heading back” is recommended.

Shorten branches by cutting back to a healthy side bud or branch that is pointing in the direction you want future growth to occur.

Make a cut about one-fourth inch above the bud or branch.

E

vergreen trees, such as pines and spruce, are not pruned by the same methods as other plants. They can be encouraged to produce stockier trees by pinching the “candles” of new growth, which emerge in late spring. Pinch out onehalf of the candle when it reaches approximately two inches long. Use a sharp knife or your fingers to pinch, instead of shears, which can damage the needles surrounding the candle.

Shrubs that have become overgrown, or perhaps don’t flower like they used to, might benefit from renewal pruning. Each winter for the next three years, you remove about onethird of the oldest, largest-diameter stems, all the way back to the ground. The other twothirds can be headed back about one-third of their height by cutting back to an outwardfacing bud or side branch. After the third year, all of the plant's stems will be no older than three years.

Whatever the tree or shrub, remember that topping or haircut trimming are not sound pruning practices. Topping results in numerous, fast-growing new shoots, which are much weaker and more susceptible to wood rots than the original growth, and are more likely to cause damage to property and power lines. Use the heading-back technique to reduce the plant’s height. This technique may be more costly in time or money, but the results are worth the extra effort.

Also, keep in mind that for larger trees and shrubs, which are beyond the ability of the

average homeowner’s hand tools, you may need to call in a professional. Be sure to ask for estimates and references from satisfied customers.

A

nother winter chore in preparation for spring should be soil sampling. Now is a great time to get that out of the way in anticipation of future plantings.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the nutrients that are measured from a soil sample. Nitrogen is the nutrient responsible for growth, yield and even color. Nitrogen applications are determined by yield goal.

Whether growing vegetables or a lawn, nitrogen needs have been determined through past research according to how much growth or yield you want to occur. All crops normally grown here in Oklahoma have an established nitrogen need depending on yield desired.

Phosphorus and potassium needs can only be determined by a soil test. No one can look at soil and give a recommendation for these nutrients. To complicate this matter, phosphorus and potassium can limit plant growth. In other words, if these nutrients are not present in sufficient amounts, growth will not occur at the plant’s maximum capacity.

No matter how much nitrogen you apply, it will not be utilized efficiently for plant growth.

This is the case for lawns, flowers and vegetable production.

Another reading you will get from a soil sample is pH. This reading tells us the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.

All plants have a range where they live and grow best. A pH of 6.9 or less is acid. Soils with a pH of 7.0 are neutral, higher than 7.0 are alkaline. Under normal conditions, most plants grow well when soil pH is in the range of 6.0 to 7.5.

Even in winter, you still have plenty to do before spring.

See you next time!

NEW Diet Discovery Lets You...

&'(')%Y'-)%U='%EZ-A'%?D-.+9 ?@@A'%B.8')%C.+'D-)%6A7$ UL

ACV Plus Provides Powerful Nutrients for Safe and Effective Rapid Weight Loss ®

body for efficient weight loss.

• Boosts the health and strength of your heart and circulatory system.

;%<*=>#%$&%3,"0$,"0%2*,=$2A%+=&&D%#'@,(%% % =*H*=#%."$2"0%0&(3,=%(,0@*

Apple Cider Vinegar 300 mg. - Nutrient rich in trace minerals and enzymes. !"#$%&'(')%*''+%,-$.')%"/%0/$'%123%42%/)%,('+% Green Tea 250 mg. - Helps burn fat and 52%6/7+8$9 boost energy safely.

New & Improved ACV Plus is scientifically Apple Pectin 400 mg. - Helps speed blended with Apple Cider Vinegar and seven elimination of dangerous toxins. powerful weight reducing herbs. These safe Bromelain 200 mg. - Helps break down and natural ingredients work to stop fat protein for better digestion. absorption and turn your body into, literally, Cayenne 100 mg. - Helps promote higher a fat burning machine. metabolism to burn more fat.

ACV Plus works by promoting a simple body Citrin 300 mg. - Helps suppress function known as cravings so you eat less. thermogenesis (the E"-+8$%"='%"'$"%/G%".N'9% Ginger 200 mg. - Helps to improve the burning of fat cells to 6N!%C='#%2,#%+**0%% digestion process. create energy) which $*#$*D%+A%3&(*%$2,0% FenuLife® 100 mg. - Helps support is key to permanent X88^888%>*&>=*/%% proper blood sugar levels within normal weight loss. a',(,0$**D%$&%.&(B%% range. :%;'-$/+$%<=>%?@@A'% &(%A&'(%3&0*A%+,1BZ ACV PLUS will help you burn calories, B.8')%C.+'D-)%6A7$IJ% fight cravings and support your weight E=/7A8%F'%6-)"%/G%H/7)%I->9 loss goals when combined with a reduced • Suppresses the appetite so you eat less. calorie diet and exercise program which is • Lowers the amount of fat the body included. absorbs while enhancing calorie burning.

• Breaks down fat faster so it moves out... fast!

• Promotes healthy digestion.

• Helps regulate the pH balance in the

You’ll love the results!

J')'#$%K=-"%L-M'$%?BC%6A7$%E/%% ;'N-)M-FA'O

122P%LQ&,H%*?BR%ST?;?&U,,% Try ACV Plus for just 30 Days. If you’re not 100% totally satisfied with the results, just return the unused portion for a full and prompt product refund.

Doctor Recommended for Weight Loss

“Apple Cider Vinegar Plus has helped me so much with weight loss support. Plus, I have tons of energy. I advise everyone to try it. I feel 20 years younger!”* — Glenda Owens, Philadelphia, MS “My husband and I have been on your ACV Plus for 5 years. It really helps to maintain our weight. It is truly great.”* —Lillian Cargill , Holly Springs, MS

!"##$%&##'()**+

,--'.//',012 VK%<&'(#%,%[,A%\%T%[,A#%,%)**B% RJ*0$"&0%C(&3&-%56789:U

YES! Y%.,0$%$&%#$,($%=&#"0@%.*"@2$%,0D%

2,H*%3&(*%*0*(@AZ%C=*,#*%#*0D%3*%6>>=*%N"D*(% !"0*@,(%C='#%,#%"0D"1,$*D%+*=&. % % % % % % % % % %

%*,EU%I,?09%K%3&0$2%#'>>=A F'A%LM8%N,>#'=*#%% O*@/%PQQ/QQ%E-A'9%V4WXWW RS,H*%PT8/88U% 6A7$%Y;,,%E=.@@.+D % *,UU,;%I,?09%V%3&0$2%#'>>=A F'A%7W8%N,>#'=*#%% O*@/%PXT/QQ%E-A'9%V1:XWW% RS,H*%PK7/88U%6DD%PL/QX%S2">>"0@ %SQQI%I,?09%7%3&0$2%#'>>=A F'A%Q8%N,>#'=*#%O*@/%PVQ/QQ% E-A'9%VWXWW%RS,H*%PV8/88U% 6DD%PL/QX%S2">>"0@

�

�

:01=&#*D%"#%,%%%%%%%%%%N2*1B%%%%%%%%%%J&0*A%5(D*(%P]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

�

�

�

JA%N(*D"$%N,(D%9'3+*(%"#-

�

“ACV PLUS is the new secret that I am recommending — it’s guaranteedPlus to getworks you thinner, sexierused and in healthier, or your money back!” *Your results may vary. ACV best when conjuction with a reduced

Here’s What Satisfied ACV Plus Users Say:

�

;%<*=>#%?'3>#$,($%.*"@2$%=&##%+A%1'(+"0@%% % A&'(%,>>*$"$*%."$2&'$%3,B"0@%A&'%?"$$*(A ;%C(&3&$*#%+*$$*(%D"@*#$"&0%E%*="3"0,$"&0 ;%F*0*G"$#%A&'(%*0$"(*%1,(D"&H,#1'=,(%%% % #A#$*3

calorie diet & exercise plan, which isexpert included.

Renowned in clinical nutrition and chiropractic physician,

Dr. Karen Yale is a leader in integrative medical care, emphasizing preventative and natural healthcare solutions.

231!!!.4!!!5678%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /+98#,:(%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Dr. Karen Yale, B.A., D.C., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N., F.I.A.M.A.

"#$% !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! &''(%))

!"#$%&%'($)*(&+,-&.,%-/&0#%&1'(*&%'($)*(&$('&23&4#35$34*2#3&62*7&,&%'8$4'8&4,)#%2'&82'*&9&':'%42('&;),3/

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *+,-................................./,#,%..................................0+1.....

!"#"$%&'(%)*+#"$*%,$-%.../+&$,0"112&"1*/1&3456789: I<:S:%SI6I:J:9IS%<6!:%95I%F::9%:!6bc6I:[%Fd%I<:%e55[%E%[Oca%6[JY9YSIO6IY59/%I<:S:%CO5[cNIS%6O:%95I%Y9I:9[:[%I5%[Y6a95S:^%IO:6I^%NcO:^%5O%CO:!:9I%69d%[YS:6S:/%

J,"=%$&-%%F&$,0"1%N2&"1*^%LK87%)/%LT$2/%6H*/%% [*>$/%56789:%<&+,($^%Y9%KMLKV f%V878%Y0D",0,%F&$,0"1%a,(D*0#^%Y01/

6_`XW

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 7

Overw

8 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

A Garfield County couple is named Farm Family of the Year.

Written and Photographed by Dustin Mielke

whelmed!

A

lifetime of dedication to agriculture was recognized when Garfield County’s Joe and Mary Jo Peeper were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year Nov. 6 at the 68th annual state convention in Oklahoma City.

“We’re overwhelmed by it all,” Joe said shortly after winning the award. “We’re surprised and shocked and just very excited and happy about it.”

A panel of judges selected the Enid-area family from 13 entries in the annual contest, which honors the farm family who best represents farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture.

Joe and Mary Jo, both 59, were married in 1971 after he graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. Joe first had to fulfill his military obligation, and then taught agricultural education in Missouri for five years and also completed his master’s degree in agriculture.

Both grew up on farms, and when Mary Jo’s father became ill they moved back to Oklahoma in 1977 to manage her family’s farm. They purchased the equipment, cattle and home along with grain storage, and they also rented another 480 acres. Their focus was on wheat, hay and stocker cattle.

Today’s operation consists of 320 owned acres and 320 leased acres plus more than 500 acres of contracted cropland. Foundation and registered wheat is planted on the majority of their acres, and the Peepers usually have four or five varieties of certified seed wheat each year.

Joe and Mary Jo Peeper, Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Farm Family of the Year, received one year’s use of a Dodge pickup. The Peepers have a 640-acre operation northwest of Enid, growing seed wheat, sesame and canola, and they have stocker cattle on pastureland.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 9

The Peepers have four to five different varieties of seed wheat available every year, adding to their own supply with wheat grown by contract producers. Lots of time is spent cleaning bins, combines and trucks to ensure the purity of the seed.

Mary Jo spends her summertime running the combine in the couple’s north-central Oklahoma wheat fields.

With grandchildren nearby, she and Joe are able to teach agriculture to the sixth generation of her family to be raised in the area.

10 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

“In the last 25 years, we’ve been involved in the seed-wheat business,” Joe said. “We always grew pretty good, clean wheat, we thought, so we thought we might as well get into the seed business and get a premium for our quality wheat.”

The Peepers supplement their seed supply with wheat produced by contract growers. In 2009, the family contracted 550 acres of wheat with other producers.

“Between the bins that I own and the bins that I rent, we have close to a 60,000-bushel storage capacity for the seed,” Joe said.

“Our marketing plan is to get the product to the farmer in the most efficient method and outstanding quality for our seed wheat customers,” the Peepers wrote in their application, adding, “We must keep detailed records on the seed wheat to fulfill all rules under the Plant Varieties Protection Act.”

M

ary Jo is responsible for sending information and contracts to their seed wheat customers and keeps sales records and tracks grain availability. Some of that information and records are computerized.

“We measure our success by producing consistently high quantity and high quality seed wheat and by having the variety available that the customers need and desire,” they wrote.

Joe said growing seed wheat involves special considerations, such as keeping fields clean and free of weeds, following rules set by different seed organizations, and being diligent during harvest to clean the combines and bins between each variety.

“It’s a lot more work than just taking it to the elevator, but we enjoy the work and we enjoy meeting the people in the seed business,” Joe said of growing seed wheat. “It’s been a lot of fun over the years.”

To supplement the wheat, the Peepers grow rotational sesame, plus test plots of canola. Throughout the years, the Peepers have tried various crops in their rotation, including soybeans and milo, with sesame being the most recent addition.

While the sesame has come with a learning curve, Joe praised the crop for requiring few inputs while being high-value. He foresees sesame playing a larger role in Oklahoma agriculture, especially with fluctuating wheat prices. The Peepers’ son Dan works for Sesaco, a sesamecontracting company, and he provides help and knowledge with the crop.

“I think it’s a crop of the future,” Joe said. “We all need to rotate our fields more, whether it be summer or other crops, to keep our fields cleaned up.”

The Peepers also have canola test plots on their farm, which Joe’s brother, Tom, a plant and soil science professor at Oklahoma State University, uses for research.

“He’s involved in canola research and he has a canola test plot on the farm every year,” Joe said of his brother. “He tests the different varieties and different planting dates and so forth.”

Pasture now is used to graze a small herd of stocker cattle in the summer and for hay since their cow-calf herd was dispersed after all their children graduated from college.

“We used to have cows and calves when the kids were small,” Joe said. “When the kids grew up and left, we started doing just the stocker cattle. We take in cattle for gain on the summer grass.”

There is lots of family history in the area where the Peepers farm.

The Peepers live on the home place next to the house Mary Jo’s greatgrandfather built. Mary Jo’s other great-grandparents, her grandfather and her parents all built houses within a few miles of where the Peepers live. Their three adult children, William, Christie and Daniel, were raised on the family farm. Two of their own grandchildren live a half mile away, making them the sixth generation to grow up on the northern Oklahoma plains.

“I think there’s no better place to raise your kids than on a farm,” Mary Jo said. “You can see it as your kids grow older and they start raising their kids, just how much they learned from the farm.

“You stay close because you do work so hard together in all situations.

Yes, you do lose your temper sometimes, but there’s a lot of love going on

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 11

The Peepers have included Sesame in their crop rotation. Sesame is used in foods throughout the world, most famously in sesame oil, which is used for cooking, and on top of hamburger buns.

The Peepers have raised canola in the past, and Joe’s brother, Tom, an OSU professor, maintains canola test plots on the family farm.

The Peepers also take on stocker cattle in the summer, converting their pasture acreage into weight gain they can cash in on at the sale barn.

12 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

putting that farm together and keeping that farm together.”

Mary Jo was the farm’s combine operator in 2009, and it proved to be a chance to teach one of her grandchildren even more about agriculture.

“The oldest granddaughter rode around on the combine three days with me this summer for my first summer combining,” Mary Jo said.

“She enjoyed that.”

While the farming operation demands most of their time, both Joe and Mary Jo are active in other organizations and their community.

Mary Jo is in her 32nd year of teaching at Drummond. She is enjoying an active retirement of working half days as a librarian and working with students as the school’s yearbook adviser.

“It worked in so well with the farming,” Mary Jo said of her teaching career. “It was a little busy at the first and the end of it, when we’re trying to get ready for harvest or when we’re sowing wheat, but most of the time it’s worked out really well.”

Mary Jo said she enjoys being involved with kids at the rural school and helping with 4-H, in which the Peepers’ grandchildren participate.

Mary Jo also has served on the Garfield County Women’s Committee for 12 years and on the county’s resolutions committee for 23 years. She has represented her county as a delegate to the FBW meetings at state convention for 15 years. She has attended three AFBF conventions.

Joe has served on the Garfield County Farm Bureau board some 25 years, and served many years as president and vice president. He has served numerous times on the resolutions and membership committees,

and also has represented the county as a delegate to the state convention many times. He also has attended three AFBF conventions.

They have served as ushers in their church as well as Eucharistic ministers and lectors. Joe has served as a director of the local Conservation District.

F

or winning Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s top award, the Peepers received the use of a new Dodge pickup for a year, an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation meeting in Seattle, Wash., and other gifts in recognition of their accomplishments.

“Oklahoma agriculture is about hard-working families feeding America on less land each year,” they wrote in their application.

“If we are not careful, there will not be enough land left to produce what we need.”

The Peepers agree the best part of farming is nurturing the plants and animals and seeing nature in action.

“You’re involved in every season throughout the year,” Joe said. “You watch nature in action. You’re out there doing things that many people just don’t have the chance to do.

“There’s never a dull moment – there’s always something to do and something to see and be involved with. It’s exciting and it’s a lot of work, but it’s what we love to do.”

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 13

14 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Not

ith as much floor space as an entire football field plus nearly half of another, shoppers might think they’re entering just another club or discount chain when the automatic doors under the arched entryway slide open.

Any such thoughts quickly disappear with the first sight of the different sizes and shapes of shopping carts that wait for customers before the second set of automatic doors open revealing a grocery store like no other in Oklahoma.

“It’s just like a typical supermarket,” says Steve Lahto, vice president of marketing for Reasor’s, “but it’s not.”

This new flagship store for northeastern Oklahoma’s oldest grocery concern provides a shopping experience unequaled by the clubs or discount chains.

Located just east of the Oklahoma Aquarium off the Creek Turnpike’s

Peoria/Elm Exit in Jenks, Reasor’s newest grocery puts the ‘super’ in supermarket.

Reasor’s management traveled across the United States to visit different grocery stores to glean ideas and “added to that” before the first shovel of dirt was turned on this 82,000 square foot supermarket extraordinaire.

The automatic doors opened to customers last June, affording a grocery shopping experience like nothing else in Oklahoma.

Jim Brooks, manager of the Food and Agriculture Products Center at Oklahoma State University, is no novice when it comes to food products and outlets in the state.

“The new Reasor’s store stands alone when you consider all the thought and planning that had to happen to develop a new type of shopping experience for their customers,” Brooks said following a pre-grand The newest of 15 stores, this Reasor’s in Jenks opened in mid 2009. The building covers some 82,000 square feet and is home to thousands of items. “You almost forget you’re actually in a grocery story,” said OSU’s Food and Agricultural Products Center Manager Jim Brooks after a pre-grand opening tour.

Paul Roach, vice president of meat operations for Reasor’s, displays one of the thick CAB Prime Natural steaks from the meat department in the Jenks store. Paul also is vice president of the Cherokee County Farm Bureau board of directors.

The Reasor’s Jenks store features a drive-thru pick-up area for shoppers. After checking out, customers can get a number and stay seated in their vehicle while an employee loads their groceries in their automobile.

Your Typical Grocery Store Reasor’s new Jenks store puts the ‘super’ in supermarket.

By Mike Nichols Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 15

opening VIP tour of the supermarket. “Each department has its own unique identity, and. . .you almost forget you’re actually in a grocery store.”

Thousands on top of thousands of items provide customers with mind-boggling choices including everything from traditional grocery products to today’s trendy natural and organic.

Long shopping aisles wide enough for a car have passageways that allow customers to go from one to another without pushing their cart all the way to either end. ut the biggest difference is a tenet of the late founder, Larry Reasor, that is continued by Jeff Reasor, president and CEO, and the 3,000 employee-owners of the 15 Reasor’s stores scattered throughout Tulsa, Creek, Cherokee, Delaware and Rogers Counties today – service.

16 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Several unique shopping areas are available in the Reasor’s store in Jenks. The large photo below is the take and heat food line at the store, featuring all types of prepared foods ready to eat after a brief stay in your home oven or microwave. A salad bar, in the bottom left photo, inside the store rivals many restaurants with the selection offered customers. A truly unique olive bar, in the bottom right photo, is another of the unusual features awaiting customers.

This unique display at Reasor’s Jenks store features a replica of a semi-trailer, which appears to have been backed through an exterior wall. It is realistic enough that one trucker actually was worried that a co-worker put the trailer through the wall.

“We’re Oklahoma friendly,” says Paul Roach, who has 36 years of service with Reasor’s. “There’s real friendliness in our service.”

Paul is the vice president of meat operations for all Reasor’s stores.

He resides in Tahlequah, where he began his career at the very first Reasor’s stores that opened there some 46 years ago. He also is vice president of the Cherokee County Farm Bureau board of directors, and has about 100 head of black cows as well as pecans on his ranch.

Paul is excited about the new store. He’s proud when he strolls the store and sees dining areas with free wi-fi plus meeting rooms; a full service bank; “The Restaurant” which has a full-time chef; a Java Dave’s; a fresh deli also offering hot foods like burritos and pizza; a hot food buffet line; a full salad bar; a large olive bar; a sushi bar; a full pharmacy; a take-and-heat food line; a traditional bakery that also offers specially decorated cakes; a floral department larger than many stand-alone

florists; a large selection of Made In Oklahoma products; and all the other more traditional grocery departments plus general merchandise like mops and brooms, cosmetics, filters, detergents and much more.

Paul is equally excited when he tells you about customer service personnel stationed in the store that will lead customers to specific items they’re looking for. He also points proudly to the display of natural and organic dairy products as well as other sections devoted to natural and organic products.

And he’s not shy when showing off the huge frozen food section, which is contained in massive glass-doored units with walk-in frozen food storage in the center aisle between the appliances. Those units hold everything from traditional size packages to “club-pack freezers” filled with large volumes of chicken, vegetables and fruits plus many other favorites.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 17

Paul can even relate a funny story of a trucker, who upon seeing a display featuring a replica of the rear of a semi-trailer with lights flashing jutting out on the inside of the store, worrying that it was one of his co-workers who backed the rig through the wall.

He also points proudly to the exterior’s covered, drive-thru bag loading station. After checking out, customers can get a number for the drive-thru and stay seated inside their vehicle while employees load their groceries.

But there’s no other area in the supermarket that has the special aura of the meat department for this one-time meat market manager, who now oversees the meat marketing for all the stores.

Steve will tell you that Paul sees the whole store operation but the meat department is forte. It is, after all, Paul’s bailiwick and responsibility, and his pride and joy.

Most of Paul’s career with Reasor’s has been devoted to meats, and his influence is prominent in every cut sold whether it’s pre-packaged or plucked from the attractive display in the refrigerated cases by one of the white-coat clad meat market workers after the customer’s selection.

Paul managed the meat markets in the two Reasor’s stores in Tahlequah for about 15 years, going through three remodels. Nearly 22 years ago, he moved to the corporate offices as a vice president.

His influence in the meat markets shines at all the stores but is brightest in the new Jenks store. Paul aligned Reasor’s as a charter member with the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) program about 20 years ago, introducing the premium beef in the stores at Tahlequah.

18 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

He first met with a small packer in Illinois and contracted with that firm for CAB beef for Reasor’s. Entire carcasses arrived in the stores, where butchers prepared them for customers.

Two major packers supply CAB to Reasor’s today since demand outgrew the small Illinois firm. Today, the meat arrives as boxed beef in stores rather than as carcasses.

“I wanted something different for our customers out of that counter.

CAB was an almost instant success by its quality standards. It’s the finest we can buy for our stores,” he said.

Vice President Paul Roach proudly uses point of purchase information proclaiming the commitment to offering customers the best beef available today.

These rib eye, strip, t-bone and porterhouse steaks are Certified Angus Beef Prime Natural, the Cadillac of beef today. The steaks are the top 0.1 percent of beef sold.

Reasor’s is the only 100 percent Certified Angus Beef grocery chain in Oklahoma, and the first in the U.S. to sell only CAB Prime Natural.

Thick cut pork chops plus other pork products sit in the refrigerated meat counter at Reasor’s. All fresh meat products sold in the store are hormone and antibiotic free.

Supermarket Guru® Phil Lempert, who works closely with food giant ConAgra Foods, says people want to know where their food is coming from, especially in the meat case where labels often list multiple countries of origin. All Reasor’s fresh meat products are produced in the U.S.A. Gigantic salmon fillets are prominent in the fresh seafood display at Reasor’s. Fresh seafood is flown in regularly, and a specialist is on hand to offer buying and preparation tips to customers. Seafood recipes appear weekly in Reasor’s newspaper ads. The customer response has been significant.

CAB Choice is offered customers in the Jenks’ store food service areas. But that’s the only place the Cadillac of beef, CAB Prime Natural, doesn’t fill the cases.

“We’re the only 100 percent CAB grocery chain in Oklahoma. . . and we’re the first company in the U.S. to offer totally CAB Prime Natural.

It’s been a good move for us.”

CAB Prime Natural meets nine more quality specifications than USDA Prime. Animals are never given hormones or antibiotics and are fed 100 percent vegetarian diets. The product is minimally processed and contains no artificial ingredients.

CAB Prime Natural is the top 0.1 percent of the finest quality, natural beef. It is the most flavorful, juicy and tender beef sold.

“It sells on quality and taste,” said Paul. “People enjoy both.”

The CAB Prime Natural is more expensive than cuts displayed in most stores. But the price hasn’t stopped customers from filling their baskets.

“We are bringing our customers the finest beef in the country,” said Paul. “Grocery stores like Walmart are all about price. We’re about service, quality and price. If we weren’t priced right, we wouldn’t stay in business.” ll fresh products in the meat department also are products of the U.S.A. That fact is important to consumers today, according Supermarket Guru® Phil Lempert, who works closely with food giant ConAgra Foods. He says people want to know where their food is coming from, especially in the meat case where labels often list multiple countries of origin.

“We feel that’s a very strong commitment to the grassroots of where we are with our suppliers and the people we do business with,” said Paul.

The natural, no additive trend also carries over into the pork and poultry sections.

“All of our meats and poultry are all natural with no hormones or antibiotics. It’s the only kind of fresh product we have. And there are never any solutions added to our meats.”

A massive fresh seafood section also falls under Paul’s purview as meat operations vice president. Supplies are flown in regularly to offer customers the freshest selection available.

“We’ve seen a significant response from customers. It’s additional sales, not taking away from other purchases. We’re very happy with the lift we’re seeing.”

Customers at the Jenks store also will find special assistance at the seafood counter. Reasor’s hired a seafood specialist who can help customers with their selections as well as provide information on the correct ways to prepare seafood. New seafood recipes also appear in the store’s weekly newspaper ads.

“We recognized a lot of people like seafood, and we’re helping to educate customers on how to cook and prepare it. We work daily along those lines. We also do employee training. . .because the more knowledge they have the more comfortable they are at the counter.”

The number of Oklahoma grocery stores and supermarkets with 50 or more employees has dropped in the past 10 years. With Walmart selling about 60 percent of the groceries in the state, other chains and independents have found rougher sledding.

But Reasor’s has thrived with its friendly service and outstanding selection plus competitive prices.

“We’re always looking for new opportunities,” said Paul.

And both he and the marketing vice president grin when asked about the possibility of expanding further west in Oklahoma.

“We think of it everyday,” said Paul.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 19

Convention

Roundup

Delegates want agricultural sales tax exemptions kept in place

V

oting delegates at the 68th annual meeting of Oklahoma Farm Bureau reaffirmed the organization’s longstanding position on sales tax exemptions for agriculture, and declared that keeping those exemptions should be a priority.

OFB, just a year after it organized in 1942, began working to obtain sales tax exemptions for agriculture. Success was slow to come, but exemptions were granted on feeds and the trade value of machinery in 1957. Fertilizer was added in 1965 and in 1967 all farm machinery purchases were exempted.

Machinery repairs were exempted in 1969 and poultry stock exemptions came in 1973 with a 1976 senate bill exempting seed, repair parts and ag chemicals. And, in 1978 and 1989 more exemptions were granted.

With the state facing economic shortfalls and searching for revenue sources, delegates re-emphasized the longstanding support for the exemptions for agriculture and said that “protecting existing sales tax exemptions for agricultural uses should be a top priority for Oklahoma Farm Bureau.”

“I think in the upcoming legislative session protecting agriculture’s sale tax exemptions and defending against proposed property tax increases will require diligence on our part. It will certainly be our top legislative priority,” said Lori Peterson, OFB public policy vice president.

The delegates also adopted the recommendations of a water policy study committee established at their request at the 2008 annual meeting. The committee met twice during 2009, and made recommendations to remove inconsistencies and clarify current

20 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

policy and proposed three new water policies.

One of the approved recommendations reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to protecting groundwater as a private property right. OFB will protect that position in the development of the statewide water plan.

Also adopted was a committee recommendation that OFB does not support selling of water out of state. However, if water is sold funds generated should go toward the state water and wastewater infrastructure.

Bob Drake and Mike Spradling presided over resolution sessions during the 68th annual convention in Oklahoma City. Delegates used two different sessions to debate and enact policy recommendations that will guide Farm Bureau’s path during 2010.

Another water issue approved endorsed New Mexico’s law on interstate water issues, a version of which was passed in 2009 by the Oklahoma Legislature. Delegates said such legislation should protect the state’s water interests in the ongoing litigation against Oklahoma by the City of Hugo and the Tarrant County (Texas) Water District.

Because of the organization’s concern about private property rights, the delegates endorsed a committee recommendation to better protect landowners in eminent domain actions to take land for the water rights.

The delegates also approved policy to deal

with animal agricultural issues. A newly approved policy states: “All traditional animal husbandry practices shall be at the discretion of the animal’s owner.”

A second related action, also dealing with animal agriculture, stated: “Equine dentists, chiropractors and farriers are trained professionals who provide essential services to the horse industry. They should be recognized as such and allowed to continued to practice.”

That recommendation came after state lawmakers made those performing animal care services like “teeth floating” lawbreakers if they were not licensed veterinarians.

Another notable policy decision made by the voting delegates dealt with used farm tires.

That adopted policy said: “Producers who choose to leave their used tires at the business where they purchased the new tires should pay a reasonable fee to have the used tires become part of the Waste Tire Management Fund. This should be a voluntary program.”

Lt. Gov. Jari Aksins made an unscheduled stop at the convention during the Nov. 6 opening session. During her address to the Farm Bureau group, she said a strong rural economy is needed.

“We can’t have a strong Oklahoma without being strong border to border.”

Immediately following, American Farm Bureau’s Director of Public Policy Mary Kay Thatcher updated OFB members on some of the current issues lawmakers are tackling in Washington, D.C. She predicted funding for the farm bill will be hit hard in the actual payments for commodities. Two out of every three dollars in

farm bill spending goes for nutrition programs, with one in eight Americans now receiving food stamps. She said lawmakers will not cut any funding for those nutrition programs.

“When talking about a bloated farm Lt. Gov. Jari Askins bill, it really isn’t agriculture you’re talking about.”

Thatcher was critical of climate change legislation, the so-called cap and trade measure, now being considered. The measure seeks to reduce reliance on coal and oil for fuels.

“Climate change is not a short-term bill,” she said.

She said everyone should be weary of the legislation, noting that families could expect energy costs to go up $1,870 per year with foods costs also rising $2,300 per year.

Thatcher said refiners predict gas prices will increase 77 cents a gallon if the current climate change measure is approved.

“Our biggest concern with the climate change bill is the fact that farmers will suffer higher input costs and food prices will go up.”

She said it would put between 40 to 60 million acres of productive farm land in trees while the United Nations predicts farmers will have to produce 70 percent more food by 2050 to feed an ever-growing world population.

The American Humane Certified Program® was explained by manager Tim Amlaw during a

breakout session. It was established in 2002 to guarantee to consumers that products bearing its labels are from animals that were raised and treated humanely.

Mark Gold

He said the program is good for people who buy food and good for farmers. The organization works with agricultural interests in a voluntary program, not mandated by outsiders.

The program now covers more than 500 farming operations and more than 60 million farm animals.

Mark Gold, Top Third Ag Marketing manager partner, told another breakout session

his firm was dedicated to helping farmers manage risk to reduce stress.

“Our goal is to help farmers market their crop and livestock products in the top third of prices available to them during the Mary Kay Thatcher marketing year. We don’t speculate. We don’t predict prices.

We manage risk.”

During caucuses, delegates in districts two, five and eight re-elected sitting directors to threeyear terms.

In district two, Tom Buchanan of Jackson County won his second three-year term as that district’s Tim Amlaw representative on the state board of directors. Buchanan produces cotton and grows wheat for pasture for his cattle herd.

Latimer County rancher Larry Boggs won his third threeyear term as district five representative on the state board of directors. He is a cow-calf rancher and also raises hay on his operation, which has been in his family since 1951.

In district eight, Pontotoc County’s Billy Gibson won his third three-year term on the state board of directors.

He has a large cow-calf operation and pecan orchard in addition to producing hay and wheat. He also operates a seed and feed store in Allen.

Convention delegates also re-elected Mike Spradling of Sand Springs to his second twoyear term as president of the farm organization.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 21

Indiana farmer Ed Bell, who has been permanently paralyzed since a violent criminal attack in 1982, sewed the seeds of hope, humor, faith and perseverance when he spoke to the opening session of the 68th annual OFB convention.

Garvin County Farm Bureau President Dale Schauer accepted the John I. Taylor Award from Mike Spradling Nov. 6 during the awards program at the Cox Convention Center. Garvin County earned the award, topping all counties in all of OFB’s program areas. It was the third consecutive year Garvin County earned the honor.

Garfield County Farm Bureau President Gary Johnson accepted the Lewis H. Munn Award from Mike Spradling Nov. 6 during the awards program at the Cox Convention Center. Garfield County excelled in membership to earn the honor.

22 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

He and his wife own and operate a ranch with cattle and pecans as the primary agricultural enterprise.

District representatives on the Women’s Committee in regions two, five and eight also re-elected incumbents. Lowayne Piercy of Dill City retained her district two seat; Nadine Butler of Atoka retained her district five seat; and Roberta Hughes of Konawa retained her district eight position.

YF&R members attending the annual convention selected their representatives for the state committee for 2010. They were Tyler and Naomi Mayer of Texas County in district one; Brent and Amie Straub of Kiowa County in district two; Jeffery and Sarah Weeks of Pottawatomie County at large members; Amber Furhmann of Comanche County in district four; Brian and LaSheil Knowles of LeFlore County in district five; Jodi Simmons of Adair County in district six; Adam and Nicole Martens of Major County in district seven; Joshua and Letisha Miller of Garvin County in district eight; Will and Jennifer Cubbage of Osage County in district nine; and Bill and Cristin Shelby of Muskogee County as at large members.

The Cubbages were elected as chairmen of the YF&R committee with the Knowles winning the vice chairmen office.

During a special breakfast the final day of the convention, five volunteer leaders were honored with FB Champion awards for exceptional governmental relations efforts. The honorees included Ada Hill of Garvin County; Karla Boggs of Latimer County; Tim Taylor of Payne County; Norita Morgan of Seminole County; and Macy Strom of Washington County.

In the county president’s breakfast, also held on the final day of the convention, 15 counties were honored with Rocket Club Awards. The award recognizes county Farm Bureaus with 15 years or more of continuous membership growth.

Leading the way was Canadian County Farm Bureau, which recorded an amazing 41 consecutive years of membership growth.

Cotton County Farm Bureau earned the award, marking its 25th consecutive year of attaining membership quota.

Bryan, Comanche, McClain, McCurtain, Seminole and Sequoyah County Farm Bureaus received Rocket Club Awards for 22 consecutive years of making membership quota.

LeFlore County Farm Bureau took home a Rocket Club Award for 21 years of attaining membership quota while Grady County earned the same award for 20 years of growth.

First time 15-year winners included Carter, Cherokee, Jackson, Lincoln and Tulsa County Farm Bureaus.

Plotmaster Systems, Ltd. www.theplotmaster.com Authorized Dealer Loyal, Oklahoma (405) 237-0327

Special discounts for Farm Bureau members

Whether you need to broadcast seed or plant in rows, whether you need to plant food plots for deer, turkey, or quail in CRP ground or timber, utility right of ways, provide ground cover or have a large garden, if you have an ATV, UTV or small tractor and want to do your work with one implement, Plotmaster is the only implement you will ever need. Make one trip and do it all, disk, moldboard, work the ground with chisel points or turning points, landscape rake, broadcast seed or row seed and fertilize, drag and cultipack at a fraction of the cost of all of these individual functions if purchased separately without having to make multiple trips to your location.

Plotmaster has a patented “Versa Seeder” which allows multiple seeds of varying sizes to be broadcast seeded at the same time. When row seeding, various plates are available for all types of garden and crop seeding.

Buck taken from a Plotmaster food plot.

Plotmaster units come in three foot and four foot widths. With an ATV or UTV, gauge wheels are controlled electrically from the driver’s seat for uniform depth control and plow transport. The driver also controls the broadcast seeder from the driver’s seat. Chisel point attachment, turning plow attachment, moldboard, landscape rake, row seeder and drag are all attachments which hook in a receiver hitch behind the second set of disk gangs. Tractor hook-up is category 1 3-point.

Never has seeding been so easy and affordable.

Roundup Ready Forage Soybeans.

Eagle Seed Company; Weiner, Arkansas Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 23

Farm Bureau honors two with Distinguished Service awards possible. Simply put, Kent Boggs has dedicated his life to agriculture and preparing young people to be its future leaders.”

W

Matt Wilson

O

klahoma Farm Bureau honored two leaders during its 68th annual meeting in Oklahoma City with Distinguished Service Awards.

The pair of awards is designed to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and to Oklahoma Farm Bureau, according to OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke.

Oklahoma FFA Executive Secretary Kent Boggs and former OFB Executive Director Matt Wilson were honored Nov. 6 during a special award’s program in the Cox Convention Center.

B

oggs was presented with the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Agriculture Award while Wilson received the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau Award.

Boggs has served agriculture for more than 30 years as an educator and motivator for young people.

He began his career as an agricultural education instructor at Elgin Public Schools, where he spent eight years molding his students into successful competitors and leaders by helping them realize their potential.

In 1985, he was named Oklahoma FFA’s 24 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Kent Boggs

executive secretary. He has served in that capacity ever since by working tirelessly and closely with all happenings of the Oklahoma FFA Association.

Under his leadership, Oklahoma FFA has grown to the fifth largest in the nation with 355 chapters and some 24,000 members.

Boggs is solely responsible for coordinating the Oklahoma FFA Convention, which is one of the largest and most impressive youth events in the state. He also manages all FFA Career Development Events, FFA Alumni Leadership Camp, and activities of the state officer team.

He has led and advised 25 state officer teams during his tenure, helping to develop those young people into successful business men and women.

In addition to his responsibilities as executive secretary, he also spends much of his time working at the Oklahoma Youth Expo and the Tulsa State Fair. He also is an active member of the Sirloin Club and Southwest American Livestock Foundation.

“It is difficult to gather and put into writing all of the accomplishments of Kent Boggs,” said his nomination form. “He is professional in every sense of the word and exudes the highest standards of morality and integrity

ilson retired as the executive director of OFB last July, with more than 30 years service to Farm Bureau in Kentucky and Oklahoma. He came to OFB in 1990 as the field services director after spending almost 12 years as a field service representative for Kentucky Farm Bureau.

As field services director, programs Wilson initiated assisted the organization’s staff and volunteer leaders as they moved the organization from about 80,000 to 100,000 members.

He was responsible for instituting an exclusive program offering substantial discounts on goods and services for members only.

During his tenure with Oklahoma he served under five different OFB presidents, and the organization grew to more than 172,000 member families.

Wilson said he is most proud of the quality of staff, membership growth and enhancements to the image of the organization during his tenure.

He instituted the county loan program in 1997, which has loaned more than $12.2 million to 54 county Farm Bureaus for building improvements.

Contributions to youth livestock premium auctions, college scholarships, FFA and 4-H and the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association grew substantially during his tenure. The OFB Legal Foundation and OKAgFund also were established during his career.

Wilson grew up on a farm near Georgetown, Ky. He graduated Georgetown College in 1976 with a degree in accounting.

Immediately prior to coming to Oklahoma, he was executive director of the Kentucky College Savings Trust.

He said Farm Bureau is a grassroots, family oriented organization and when people are searching for something to believe in that “they know Farm Bureau supports those values.”

Jon and Natalie Leeds win Achievement Award However, the couple added: “We try to keep debt to a minimum so we don’t expose ourselves to hardships due to uncertainties.”

While their occupation demands most of their time, the Leeds are active in Farm Bureau. Jon has been a member of the county board for six years, and has been an officer most of that time. He has served the past two years as board president.

The couple also serves as chairmen of the county YF&R, and helped organize the county committee. They served three years on the state YF&R Committee and served as chairmen of the committee one term.

The Leeds also are active in their local church.

M

uskogee County’s Jon and Natalie Leeds were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau YF&R Achievement Award winner Nov. 6th at the 68th annual convention in Oklahoma City.

The YF&R Achievement Award honors the state’s top young farmer or farm family for their achievements in the farming business and their leadership in the agricultural community. A panel of judges selected the Webbers Falls couple for the award.

They received an expense-paid trip to the 2010 American Farm Bureau convention in Seattle, Wash., to represent Oklahoma in the national contest where they will compete for Dodge pickups and Arctic Cat four-wheelers.

As the Oklahoma winner, the Leeds received a year’s use of a Dodge pickup and a WW Livestock Equipment squeeze chute.

Jon, 34, and Natalie, 32, have two children, Jenna, 4, and Blake, 1.

They operate 1,500 acres near Webbers Falls where they have irrigated and dryland corn, irrigated soybeans and irrigated wheat.

Jon also is a sales rep for Pioneer Hi-Bred Seed Company.

Jon grew up on a farm, and rented land when he was 20 to start his operation. After Jon and Natalie married, he began farming

Jon and Natalie Leeds of Muskogee County accept congratulations from the YF&R’s Danielle Budy. The couple was named the 2009 Achievement Award winner at the 68th annual OFB convention.

with Natalie’s father and the two couples are now 50-50 partners on all equipment. The Leeds rent all of the land from Natalie’s parents.

“Since becoming partners with my fatherin-law, we have expanded our farm storage by 100 percent,” said Jon. “We have switched from soybeans as our main crop to corn and also added wheat to the rotation. With irrigation, corn has the highest potential of return. Since starting this, we have had steady growth in acres and capital.”

In the last five years, they have installed eight center pivot irrigation systems, and plan to buy two more pivots soon.

“Surface water rights are always a concern in our line of business, but with the use of center pivots it has greatly improved our efficiency,” said Jon. “We hope this practice will continue to keep our water usage to the minimum.”

They’ve also added a no-till planter and drill along with a semi tractor-trailer in the last five years. A new shop and equipment storage building also are in the works.

Mason Bolay wins Excellence in Agriculture Award

N

oble County’s Mason Bolay was recognized with Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award Nov. 6 at the 68th annual convention in Oklahoma City.

The award recognizes successful young people 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupations are Mason Bolay, right, accepts the keys to a new ATV from Kurtis Sears of Farm Credit of Oklahoma. The ATV was his reward for winning the 2009 Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 25

Vespers & Memorial Service

not farming or owning an agricultural business. The award is based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other community organizations.

Bolay received a four-wheeler ATV courtesy of Farm Credit plus a trip to the AFBF convention in Seattle, Wash., to represent Oklahoma in the national contest.

Bolay, who was single when he won the honor, resides in Perry. He and fiancée Elise Muscaro were married Jan. 2.

After completing bachelor degree requirements at Oklahoma State University, he accepted a position with the Thomas Public School to teach agricultural education.

He works on the family farming operation on weekends, and also is pursuing his masters degree at OSU. “Teaching agricultural education to a variety of students allowed me to positively impact both traditional and non-traditional agricultural education students,” Bolay said.

“This works gives me the opportunity to share with others that a career in agriculture can be profitable, and there are many options available other than the traditional scope of farming.”

While employed full time as a teacher, he also maintained a small cattle herd along with owning 80 acres and renting another 250.

“No matter the amount of obstacles that are put in front of American agriculture we will find a way to continue and persevere through better farming practices, new marketing strategies, improved economics and adaptation.”

Bolay has been a member of the state YF&R Committee since 2008 and was the winner of the state Discussion Meeting in 2007. He has been a member of the Noble County Farm Bureau and YF&R Committee for a number of years.

26 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Those attending the final day of the 68th annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau convention on Nov. 8 watched as state directors and Women’s Committee representatives lit candles to memorialize members who passed away during the previous year. In the top photo, Director Larry Boggs lights a candle in memorial while the FBW’s Nadine Butler waits to place a rose in a vase.

Former Miss America Heather Whitestone McCallum, the first woman with a disability in the pageant’s history to earn the crown, delivered the uplifting message. The Homesteaders, a Weleetka gospel quartet, sang songs of praise for the service.

SECRETARY OF THE YEAR Champion Award Garvin County’s Ada Hill accepts OFB’s top Champion Award from Public Policy’s Tyler Norvell. The award recognizes the exceptional governmental relations efforts of volunteer leaders. Mrs. Hill received a variety of prizes plus her choice of trip to the 2010 AFBF annual convention or the 2010 OFB Legislative Tour to Washington, D.C., as the top winner.

Christie Cooper, the McClain County Farm Bureau office secretary, was honored as the 2009 Secretary of the Year at the 68th annual meeting in Oklahoma City. President Mike Spradling recognized her with a plaque, and she also received an expense-paid trip for two to the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in Seattle, Wash. The award honors county office secretaries for their contributions to the overall success of their county Farm Bureau. She was also the west central district winner. Other district winners were the northeast’s Melody Hail of Ottawa County; the northwest’s Phyllis Nevels of Dewey County; the south central’s Helen Scott of Marshall County; and the southeast’s Theresa Wilson of Seminole County.

Steve Sneary wins Discussion Meet

W

ENJOYING IT Clarence and Betty Vache of Cotton County Farm Bureau enjoyed the Nov. 6 ice cream social at the 68th annual convention. The ice cream social was held to benefit the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation.

oods County’s Steve Sneary was crowned Oklahoma YF&R Discussion Meet winner at the 68th annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau convention.

Sneary, who resides in Alva, survived three preliminary rounds in the annual contest to take the Oklahoma title. He will represent Oklahoma in the national contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Seattle in January.

The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a specific topic related to agriculture.

At the national contest in Washington, he will compete for a Dodge 2500 pickup and an Arctic Cat 4-wheeler.

He received the use of a new Dodge pickup for a year as the 2009 Oklahoma winner.

Other contestants in the 2009 Oklahoma contest were Charlie Coblentz of Mayes County; Tyler Mayer of Texas County; John Pfeiffer of Logan County; Will Cubbage of Osage County; and Chad Selman of Tulsa County.

Sneary is the farm manager and agriculture instructor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He is the fourth generation producer on his family’s farm.

He serves on the Woods County Farm Bureau board of directors as well as the county YF&R Committee along with his wife Ashlee.

Steve Sneary accepts the keys to a new Dodge pickup from John Vance’s Cameron Coulter, left, after it was announced that he was the 2009 Discussion Meet winner.

THE ENTERTAINMENT Johnny Lee & The Urban Cowboy Band took center stage immediately following the banquet at the 68th annual convention.

Lee, who became a household name after the 1980 Urban Cowboy movie classic that featured his Lookin' for Love, entertained an appreciative audience with classics and new releases.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 27

All Around

Oklahoma

State Judging Contest attracts about 1,000

T

ABFB honors Tulsa County school project

T

ulsa County Farm Bureau was recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation in the County Activities of Excellence Program at the Seattle, Wash., annual meeting in early January.

The county’s greenhouse project at an inner-city school in Tulsa won recognition in the national program of excellence.

With the help of the OFB Field Services personnel, a greenhouse was constructed on the Kendall-Whitter Elementary School campus in Tulsa.

That elementary school is one of the largest in the state. It has more than 50 classrooms and 1,000 kindergarten through sixth grade students. It is in an interurban setting with a diverse student body consisting primarily of children from single parent, low-income families.

The greenhouse built by Farm Bureau affords students with the hands-on opportunity to plant and grow everything from vegetables to flowers. And, it is just one of the

28 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Kendall-Whittier students along with Women’s Committee leaders, pose at the greenhouse constructed on the campus

by Tulsa Farm Bureau in early 2009. Pictured, from left, are Patty Herriman, Luis Vargan, Denise Nava, Lotsee Spradling, Roberto Bustos, Helen Keller and Brayan Rodriguez. The project earned the county a special award from the American Farm Bureau Federation.

many projects Farm Bureau has sponsored at the school to share agriculture with the students over the past 15 years. 004265903 Tulsa County was honored for Ag Education in the Community by AFBF. The program honoring Tulsa County Farm Bureau is designed to celebrate and recognize such programs and activities.

The AFBF recognition follows a Tulsa Chamber of Commerce special declaration presented to the county Farm Bureau and the school. The Tulsa chamber presented an official Declaration of Partnership, which recognized the Farm Bureau and its Women’s committee for adopting the school.

he Oklahoma Farm Bureau-sponsored Young Farmers and Ranchers Livestock Judging Contest attracted approximately 1,000 youngsters Sept. 18.

The 19th annual version of the State Fair of Oklahoma event gave participating 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to test their judging skills on cattle, swine, sheep and goats.

First place winners received special jackets with other top teams and individuals awarded ribbons and plaques.

Kingfisher dominated both the junior and senior division of the FFA contest, taking home the first place team trophies in each division as well as the top two individuals in the senior individual competition.

Kingfisher FFA’s senior team, composed of members from the 11th and 12th grades, scored 1,434 points out of a possible 1,650 to outdistance second place Amber Pocasset FFA by 25 points. Third place went to the El Reno FFA team with 1,403 points.

Team member Kyle Mueggenborg was the first place individual in the senior FFA division with 480 out of 550 points. He edged out fellow team member Josh Lippoldt, who also scored 480 points, on a tie-breaker. Third place winner Chayden Foster of Hinton FFA finished just four points behind the leader.

Bottom left: Tyler Schnaithman of the Garber FFA Chapter topped the junior FFA individual standings. Tyler’s pictured with the YF&R’s Will Cubbage.

Right, from top to bottom: The Kingfisher FFA Chapter team topped the junior FFA team standings. Team members, from left, Matthew Walta, Katie Lippoldt, Kaitlin Pritchett and Spencer Struck are pictured with the YF&R’s Will Cubbage.

The Kingfisher FFA Chapter team topped the senior FFA team standings. Team members, from left, Audrey Gruntmeir, McKenzie Walta, Josh Lippoldt and Kyle Mueggenborg (high point individual) are pictured with the YF&R’s Will Cubbage.

The Cleveland County 4-H Club team topped the junior 4-H team standings. Team members, from left, Devon Beurie, Gatlin Squires (high point individual) and Cole Wartchow are pictured with the YF&R’s Will Cubbage.

The Kay County 4-H Club team topped the senior 4-H team standings. Team members, from left, Garrett Goodwin, Tara Jeffries, Maria Goodwin and Jessica Miller (high point individual) are pictured with the YF&R’s Will Cubbage.

Kingfisher FFA’s junior team, composed of members from the 8th through 10th grades, won the junior division. It edged out second place Pittsburg-Quinton FFA by a mere two points. Another Kingfisher FFA team was third in the junior division, finishing just 16 points behind the winning team.

The individual title in the junior FFA division went to Tyler Schnaithman of Garber FFA, who finished with 484 out of a possible 550 points. Bobby Rhodes of Pittsburg-Quinton FFA was second, just five points behind.

Dakota Davis, another Pittsburg-Quinton FFA member, was third with 477 points.

Teams and individuals from Kay and Cleveland Counties dominated both age divisions of the 4-H competition. The senior 4-H division was for members 15 and older, while the junior division was for those 14 and under.

The senior 4-H team title went to the Kay County team with 1,422 points out of a possible 1,650. Idabel 4-H Club was second with Madill 4-H in third.

Jessica Miller led the Kay County 4-H team to the title and also was the senior division’s top individual finisher. She finished with 478 points edging Caleb Lagrone of the Comanche County 4-H Club by four points and her fellow teammate Garrett Goodwin by five points.

The Cleveland County 4-H Club team topped the junior division standings with 1,371 points. A Kingfisher 4-H team was second with a team from Lindsay 4-H taking third.

The junior 4-H individual title went to Gatlin Squires of the Cleveland County 4-H Club. He finished with 472 points out of 550 to edge second place finisher Cassi Allread of the Canadian County 4-H Club by four points. Cole Wartchow, a member of Cleveland County 4-H’s top finishing team, was third in the individual standings.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 29

OFB is a top buyer at Tulsa Fair

O

klahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies was a major buyer at the 2009 Tulsa State Fair Junior Livestock Premium Auction Oct. 9.

The state’s largest farm organization purchased the reserve grand champion broiler pen and 29 other prize-winning animals that made the annual premium auction.

Farm Bureau was recognized prior to the auction with the 2008 Frank Sanders Memorial Award for last year’s premium auction, marking the seventh consecutive year for Farm Bureau to be recognized for purchasing the largest number of animals in the sale.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau also sponsored the Tulsa State Fair FFA Livestock Judging Contest Oct. 9, and awarded a $750 cash prize to the Kingfisher FFA team in the senior division. The team will be Oklahoma’s representative at the National Western Show in Denver, where the best judging teams from across the nation compete for the national championship. Members of the Kingfisher FFA team included Matthew Walta, Spencer Struck, Kaitlin Pritchett and Katie Lippoldt.

The monetary award helps the winning team defray expenses at the National Western Show.

The 30 exhibitors of the prize-winning animals Farm Bureau purchased during the premium auction were: • Chance Billups of Colcord FFA for his broiler pen, which was the reserve grand champion in the broiler show.

• Colton Strickland of Inola 4-H for the breed champion Hereford steer.

• Tyler Compton of Ottawa County 4-H for breed champion Simmental steer.

• Jill Mencke of Cimarron-Lahoma FFA for the division 4 reserve champion goat.

• Dalton Newell of Minco FFA for the reserve breed champion Hampshire barrow.

• Lane Gorrell of Mulhall-Orlando FFA for the reserve breed champion Poland China barrow.

• Cal Davis of Logan County 4-H for the reserve breed champion Shropshire lamb.

• Tyler Schnaithman of Garber 4-H for the

30 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

From top to bottom: Oklahoma Farm Bureau received the Frank Sanders Memorial Award at the Tulsa State Fair Junior Livestock Auction Oct. 9.

The award goes to the buyer purchasing the largest volume of prizewinning animals at the previous year’s auction. It was the seventh consecutive year OFB received the award, which is a portrait displayed by Frank Sander Jr., son of the award’s namesake. Pictured in the photo, from left, are President Mike Spradling, Director Charles Sloan, Sanders, Director Phyllis Holcomb and Director Roland Pederson.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau paid premiums to 30 youngsters with prize-winning animals in the Tulsa State Fair Junior Livestock Premium Auction Oct. 9.

The first lot purchased was the reserve grand champion broiler pen exhibited by Chance Billups of Colcord FFA. Pictured with the FFA group are, from left, Farm Bureau’s Roland Pederson, Phyllis Holcomb, Charles Sloan, Mike Spradling and Larry Boggs.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau awarded a $750 cash price to the Kingfisher FFA Team at the Tulsa State Fair. The team qualified to be the Oklahoma representative at the National Western Show in Denver, where the best judging teams from across the nation compete for the national title. Members of the team are, from left, Matthew Walta, Spencer Struck, Kaitlin Pritchett and Katie Lippaoldt. State Director Larry Boggs poses with the team.

reserve breed champion Southdown lamb.

• Chacey Schoeppel of Fairview FFA for the division 1 reserve champion goat.

• Garett Hudgins of Mannford FFA for the third place crossbreed steer.

• Macy Griswold of Perkins-Tryon FFA for the third place Chianina steer.

• Kenny Taylor of Okemah FFA for the fourth place Duroc barrow.

• Sadie Mason of Fairview FFA for a crossbreed lamb.

• Cooper Newcomb of Merritt FFA for a Suffolk lamb.

• Lane Newlin of Burlington FFA for a Hampshire lamb.

• Carson Lough of Hennessey FFA for the division 4 third place goat.

• Cody Branch of Cleveland 4-H for the fourth place Maine-Anjou steer.

• Garrett Starks of Cherokee 4-H for the fifth place crossbreed steer.

• Rhett Reed of Pawnee FFA for the fifth place Chianina steer.

• Hailey Robinson of El Reno 4-H for the ninth place crossbreed barrow.

• Halley Hartman of Beckham County 4-H for the tenth place crossbreed barrow.

• Jenifer Lawler of Elgin FFA for a crossbreed lamb.

• Holly Hurliman of Cordell FFA for a natural colored lamb.

• Madison McGolden of Fairview FFA for a crossbreed lamb.

• Allie Siler of Fairview FFA for a Suffolk lamb.

• Jesse Green of Wellston FFA for the sixth place Chianina steer.

• Josh Robinson of El Reno FFA for the sixteenth place crossbreed barrow.

• Chrissy Collins of Pawnee FFA for a natural colored lamb.

• Shelby Bates of Washington FFA for a Hampshire lamb.

• William Maltbie of Burlington FFA for a crossbreed lamb.

• Nicole Lee of Newcastle FFA for the fourth place division1 goat.

Cap and Trade Petition Tom Morgan signs the petition urging Congress to scrap efforts to enact cap and trade legislation that threatens the safe, abundant and affordable food and fiber supply. His wife, Nellie, waits to be the next to sign the petition. The “Don’t Cap Our Future” campaign initiated by Farm Bureau warns lawmakers that agriculture will not survive under heavy burdens of a cap and trade policy, which would increase a typical family’s annual energy costs by $1,870, and the same family’s food bill by $2,300.

The Morgans, Washington County Farm Bureau members, were among the hundreds to sign the petition on the opening day of the Tulsa Farm Show. The petition was one of several special features of the OFB booth at the Dec. 10-13 show.

Tulsa Farm Show Farm Bureau Field Representative Robin Landrum, center, chats with Greg Tardiff (back to camera) and Muskogee County Director Larry Naumann at the 16th annual Tulsa Farm Show. OFB had a booth at the Dec. 10-13 event, which was held indoors at the Quik Trip Center on the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Farm Bureau’s booth featured the Kids Fire Safety Trailer and a continuous video presentation of safety-related videos. Brochures about the farm organization also were available, and the newest edition was introduced – From Our Farm To Your Family. It contains farm facts, food handling safety tips and grocery shopping tips along with a featured recipe.

Hundreds of signatures also were gathered for Farm Bureau’s “Don’t Cap Our Future” campaign to combat Congressional efforts to enact cap and tax legislation that would threaten agriculture.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 31

Member is a dealer for specialized equipment

A

GRAND CHAMPION WETHER Cooper Newcomb, 18, of Elk City, was the owner of Frosty, the prize-winning, 147pound crossbred wether that was selected as the grand champion market wether lamb at the November North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. Cooper is the son of Beckham County Farm Bureau members Lake and Sherri Newcomb. The premium bid topped out at $13,000 – a $1,000 increase from last year’s Sale of Champions. A high school senior, Cooper is president of his FFA chapter and has participated in sheep, swine and beef judging contests. He has also shown in both 4-H and FFA, and took home a grand champion title at the Oklahoma State Fair in September. After graduating high school in the spring, he will attend Redlands Community College in El Reno. He will transfer to Oklahoma State University as a junior, and plans to use proceeds from the lamb’s sale as college tuition payment. The buyers of the wether pictured with Cooper were Crowne Plaza and Galt House Hotels, Feeders Supply, and Producers Feeds, all of Louisville, and Koetter and Smith of Borden, Ind.

OPEN HOUSE McClain County Farm Bureau celebrated open house for its new satellite office in Newcastle Oct. 13 with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony with local Chamber of Commerce officials. Following the ceremonies, these county Farm Bureau representatives posed for a picture at the 704 N. Main office. Pictured, from left, are Agency Manager Dawayne Smith, the Newcastle Farm Bureau insurance agent Chris Turner, McClain County Farm Bureau President Jim Roberts, Newcastle office secretary Brandy Klien and Blanchard Farm Bureau insurance agent Mike Box. 32 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

n Oklahoma Farm Bureau member from Loyal is an authorized dealer for Plotmaster Systems, Ltd., which is an equipment line for food plots.

Bryan Weyrick said the Plotmaster all-inone line of equipment provides today’s wildlife managers, sportsmen, ranchers, landscapers, hobby farmers and gardeners an easy and costeffective way of planting and maintaining.

The Plotmaster system allows users to disc, plow, plant, cover and cultipack all at the same time, saving money, time and effort.

The Plotmaster tools come in a variety of models from small size ATV implements to large tractor-sized.

Weyrick said whether you want to plant a quarter-acre or 20-acre plot, that Plotmaster is the tool for the job.

Because of the tool’s compact design it’s ideal for planting wildlife food plots in a variety of settings, including rough hard-to-get-to places like firebreaks, utility rights-of-way and small forest openings.

Weyrick said the tool’s compact design allows operators to reach remote, isolated acres without damaging trees or equipment. It also is great for maintaining and planting grasses along roadways.

The tool offers users a one-pass planting process that saves time, money and effort in planting native warm season grasses and food plots for wildlife. It can be used to plant all types of seed and seed blends.

Weyrick said the Plotmaster line also has many other applications, such as reclamation projects, CRP plantings, roadside vegetation, wildlife habitat restoration and food plots, pasture over-seeding, wetland restoration, landscaping, garden plots, orchard work and erosion control.

“These units are perfect for small/hobby farming, landscaping and planting food plots and garden plots,” he said.

O

klahoma will soon complete the yearlong celebration of the Oklahoma 4-H centennial. To help commemorate the event, a special history book that has been two years in the making is available for order.

“Oklahoma 4-H: Generations of Clover” features nearly 200 pages of exciting history of the Oklahoma 4-H Program and will be available in late spring 2010, said Jessica Stewart, state 4-H marketing coordinator.

“This hardcover book features historical information from all 77 counties in the state and is a compilation of the rich 4-H history from the past 100 years,” Stewart said. “The book also contains mini feature stories about Citizenship Washington Focus, National Congress and Collegiate 4-H, among others.”

Stewart said when the state 4-H office began planning the centennial celebration, the idea of developing a history book was born.

Extension educators, volunteer leaders and 4-H members began researching their county history and each county submitted its memories with pictures to complement each story.

“We may have compiled the book at the state office,” Stewart said, “but it’s really the educators and those involved in 4-H who wrote this book.”

In addition to all of the historical information, the book also features a section devoted to all of the special centennial activities that took place in 2009, she said.

The books are $39.99 each, plus $6.50 shipping and handling. A bulk order of five to nine books will be $32.99 per book plus shipping and handling. The cost is only $29.99 plus shipping and handling for bulk orders of 10 or more books. Orders may be shipped to and picked up in person at the State 4-H Office in Stillwater and no shipping and handling charges will apply. Ordering information is available on the 4-H Web site at oklahoma4h.okstate.edu and celebrateok4h. okstate.edu.

CLEAR OVERGROWN PROPERTY FAST! Take control with a DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER.

CLEAR OVERGROWN LAND FAST — up to 2 acres/hr with 44"-wide cut!

MOW WEEDS, BRUSH, even 2"-thick saplings — with up to 17 HP of V-Twin power!

OUTRIGGER™ TOW BAR cuts 100% outside the path of towing vehicle to mow along fences, under trees.

REMOTE CONTROL lets you manage all blade, clutch, and engine functions from your towing vehicle!

Powerful Self-Propelled Brush Mowers also available!

Get a FREE DVD and Catalog TOLL FREE

67316X © 2010

New book provides 100-year history of Oklahoma 4-H

1-888-212-8564

www.DRfieldbrush.com

Exit 153 & I-35 10 minutes N of Edmond

800.375.4471

www.vanceautogroup.com

Visit our new website to see our service specials

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 33

Joint Privacy Notice On Behalf Of: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and AgSecurity Insurance Company. When you see the words we, us, or our within this Joint Privacy Notice, you should understand that those words include Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company and AgSecurity Insurance Company.

Our Commitment To Safeguarding Your Privacy This Joint Privacy Notice is being provided to you to inform you of our practices and procedures regarding the sharing of non public personal information. Non public personal information is personally identifiable financial information about you, your family, or your household that we may obtain directly from you, that we may obtain as a result of our business dealings with you, or that we may obtain from any other source.

We do not engage in the practice of disclosing your non public personal information to nonaffiliated third parties other than, as necessary, to provide quality insurance services to our customers. For instance, we do not sell your name, address or telephone number to telemarketers or to direct mail solicitors. We do not engage in “list-selling,” and we do not offer your personal information to publishing houses, retailers, or coupon companies.

During the continuation of our customer relationship with you, we will also provide you with a copy of this Joint Privacy Notice at least once during each calendar year as part of a regular mailing, such as within a billing or a renewal notice or with a policy and at any time that you request in writing a copy of this Joint Privacy Notice. Further, because of federal and state laws, regulations and business practices can change at any time, we may revise this Joint Privacy Notice accordingly. Once you cease to be a policyholder, we will stop sending you annual privacy notices.

Information We May Collect & Use During the course of reviewing your application for insurance coverage and deciding whether or not to underwrite the insurance policy for which you have applied, and, if we issue you a policy, during the course of providing services to you as required by the policy, we collect and evaluate information from the following sources: • Information we receive from you on applications or other forms; • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others; • Information we receive from consumer reporting agencies; and • Information we receive from state or federal agencies.

It is important for us to collect and use this information to properly provide, administer and perform services on your behalf. We could not provide optimum service to you without collecting and using this information.

Information We May Disclose We regard all of your personal information as confidential. Therefore, we do not disclose any non public personal information about our customers or former customers to anyone except as permitted by law. In the course of conducting our business dealings, we may disclose to other parties certain information we have about you. These disclosures are only made in accordance with applicable laws, and may include disclosures to reinsurers, administrators,

34 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

®

O K L A H O M A FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY AG SECURITY INSURANCE COMPANY

service providers, consultants and regulatory or governmental authorities. Furthermore, certain disclosures of information will be made to your Farm Bureau personnel authorized to have access to your personal information for the purpose of administering your business and providing services to you.

We may disclose the following categories of information to companies that perform services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing agreements: • Information we received from you on applications or other forms, such as your name, address, Social Security number, county Farm Bureau membership number, assets, income and beneficiaries; • Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates or others, such as your policy coverage, premium, loss history and payment history; and • Information we receive from a consumer reporting agency, such as your creditworthiness and credit history.

We may disclose non public personal information about you to the following types of third parties: • Financial service providers, such as life insurers, automobile insurers, mortgage bankers, securities broker-dealers, and insurance agents; • Non financial companies, such as retailers, direct marketers, airlines, and publishers; and • Others, such as nonprofit organizations.

These entities with which we share personal information are required to maintain the confidentiality of that information. We do not authorize these parties to use or disclose your personal information for any purpose other than for the express purpose of performing work on our behalf or as required or permitted by law.

How We Maintain The Confidentiality & Security Of Your Information We carefully restrict access to non public personal information to our employees, our independent contractor insurance agents, our service contract providers, and our affiliates and subsidiaries. The right of our employees, our independent contractor insurance agents, our service contract providers, and our affiliates and subsidiaries to further disclose and use the information is limited by our employee handbook, agent’s manual, applicable law, and nondisclosure agreements where appropriate.

We maintain physical electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal and state law to guard your non public personal information.

Your Opt-Out Right We reserve the right to disclose non public personal information about our customers to a nonaffiliated third party. However, if you prefer that we not disclose nonpublic personal financial information about you to nonaffiliated third parties, you may opt out of those disclosures, that is, you may direct us not

to make those disclosures (information sharing which is permitted by law includes sharing information with our affiliates and non-affiliates about our transactions or experiences with you for business, administrative and other legal purposes).

If you wish to opt-out of disclosures to nonaffiliated third parties, you may choose one of the following options: 1. Complete the opt-out form on our web-site located at okfarminsurance.com OR 2. Mail or Fax the attached opt-out form to us.

Fax # 405-523-2581.

Your opt-out form must reach us within 30 days of your receipt of our privacy notice. Your opt-out request will take effect on the 7th day following receipt of your request, to allow for notification to all applicable affiliated or nonaffiliated third parties.

If you share your account with another person, either of you may opt-out of disclosures (other than disclosures permitted by law) for both of you.

Please indicate on the Opt-Out Notice form if you are opting-out for one or both of you.

Conclusion If you have any questions or comments concerning this Joint Privacy Notice or our privacy standards and procedures, please write us at Post Office Box 53332, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152-3332.

Our functional regulator is the State of Oklahoma, Department of Insurance. If we cannot resolve your concerns or answer your questions, feel free to contact our regulator.

This Joint Privacy Notice describes our company’s privacy policy and practices in accordance with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 15 USC §6801, and with various state-specific privacy/financial information laws and regulations in the states in which our company does business.

Copyright© 2009 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Companies 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

OPT-OUT NOTICe I prefer that you do not disclose nonpublic personal financial information about me to nonaffiliated third parties, (other than disclosures permitted by law, which include sharing information with our affiliates & nonaffiliates about our transactions or experiences with you for business, administrative and other legal purposes).

In order for an opt-out notice to be valid, all *required information must be completed.

Clip & mail this form to:

OFBMIC, c/o Opt-Out Notice P.O.B. 53332 • Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3332

*Name: ________________________________ *Phone Number: _________________________ *Address: ______________________________ *City:__________________________________ *Email: ________________________________ *Policy Number: _________________________ *Membership Number: ____________________

Grow half-dollar size

Muscadines & Blackberries

Tulsa member wins AHW Outstanding Woman

Free Color Catalog Available • 200 varieties of fruit, nuts and berry plants •

1-800-733-0324 Ison’s Nursery P.O. Box 190 • Brooks, GA 30205

www.isons.com Sherry Pope Smith of Tulsa, center, was recognized as the 2009 AHW Woman of the Year. Also pictured are AHW board members Cheryl Evans, Winona, Miss., and Debby Mrnak, Bowman, N.D.

S

herry Pope Smith of Tulsa was chosen the 2009 American Hereford Women (AHW) Outstanding Woman.

Each year the AHW recognizes and honors one woman for her achievements and dedication to the Hereford breed.

Sherry, a Tulsa County Farm Bureau member, has served the AHW and Hereford Women of Oklahoma in many ways including board member and president. She served as AHW president in 2004-05 and was the last Oklahoma Hereford Women president before the organization united with the Oklahoma Poll-ettes nearly 10 years ago.

Sherry grew up in the Hereford business, actively participating in Oklahoma and American Junior Hereford Association activities. Through the years, Sherry’s passion for the Hereford breed has continued to grow, and she passed that passion to her son, J.R. Ellison, who followed in his mother’s footsteps and participated in Hereford youth activities.

Although she dispersed her Hereford herd last winter, Sherry continues to support Hereford youth and promote the breed. She has donated her time to promote the breed at gatherings such as the Certified Hereford Beef launch at the United Supermarkets of Oklahoma.

Fellow Hereford woman Susan Turner says, “One thing is certain: Sherry Pope Smith is committed to Hereford youth. Whether through financial backing or by personally rolling up her sleeves to get a job done, she loves those kids.”

Free Color Catalog!

White, Blue Pied and Black Pied Muscovy Ducks, Pilgrim Geese, Guineas, Standard Bronze Turkeys, and many breeds of old-time favorite chickens.

Get your free catalog by email at

info@countryhatchery.net Or visit us online at

FREE CALENDAR As part of its ongoing efforts to educate backyard poultry owners about what they can do to protect their birds against infectious poultry diseases, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering a free and informative calendar for 2010. “The Backyard Biosecurity: Keeping Your Birds Healthy” calendar features full-color photos of poultry and other birds each month. It contains useful information about protecting poultry from disease and includes tips on what to do should poultry owners suspect that their birds are infected with a disease such as avian influenza. Those interested in receiving this free calendar can go to http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov and click “2010 Backyard Biosecurity Calendar.”

www.countryhatchery.net Since 1965

Country HatCHery 405-257-1236 • Box 747 • Wewoka, oK 74884

Buildings

That Work For You

You work hard, so should your metal building. At Heritage, our buildings perform from sun up until sun down. Call us today.

Size

24x36x10 33x45x10 45x60x12 54x80x14

*Price

$ 4,357 $ 5,919 $ 9,439 $14,197

*Prices vary based on codes, loads and accessories.

1.800.643.5555 | HeritageBuildings.com Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 35

savings Your guide to

THE

Don’t forget the money-saving offers available only to Oklahoma Farm Bureau members.

®

CARD

Sea r s Commercial

$500 Rebate

Call 918-289-1614 for pricing and to order.

View the entire line of merchandise offered at special pricing at http://www.commercial.sears.com/catalog/catalog_index.html

Go to your County Farm Bureau office for your $500 Bonus Certificate for most Dodge vehicles.

33% Discount M. Rhodes offers

33% off nationally published prices on an applied basis on ALCOA siding.

800-4CHOICE • choicehotels.com Use SOS ID#00053516 to get up to 30 percent off!

Reservation Required!

Call 405-721-2807

Protect Your Home

TSC will install a home security system at no cost in exchange for a 3-year monitoring agreement.

Call 866-321-4177 or visit www.tscsecurity.com

GRAINGER

catalog and store prices.

Call 877-202-2594

www.grainger.com Use account #854408606

KDJ Enterprises offers a $150 cash rebate on new front end loaders.

QualSight

Call 888-641-0420

Preferred LASIK Pricing

Special Farm Bureau Pricing Board Certified Doctors Near You!

1-877-507-4448 www.qualsight.com/-fb

at Sherwin Williams stores by using the OFB account, 9061-2947-3, at checkout.

Get 10% off

™

Have you considered LASIK?

Get 15% off

®

FOR THE ONES WHO GET IT DONE

Call 800-700-3957

to start saving on your brand name and generic prescriptions.

Use Group #189A

LANDS’ END offers 10% off.

Visit ocs.landsend.com or call 800-419-1097

405-523-2300

For even more discounts, see your FB Card Savings guide or visit your county office.

You’ll find more saving opportunities at Atwoods Ranch & Home, Chappell Supply & Equipment, EZ Ranch, Farm Bureau Bank, Fasttrack Airport Parking, Agristar Global Network, Lenscrafters, Beltone Hearing Aid Centers, Air Evac Lifeteam and Petpartners, Inc. And watch for more soon!

36 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Celebrate Bake & Take Month in March

O

klahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center is teaming up with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission to promote and celebrate Bake and Take Month during March.

The purpose of the Bake and Take promotion is to encourage participants to bake a product made from wheat and take it to a neighbor, friend or relative, said Renee Albers-Nelson, milling and baking specialist for the FAPC. “The Bake and Take promotion is a wonderful way to get our young people to experience the joys of baking and understanding the importance of the cereal grain and wheat, grown in our state,” Nelson said.

The FAPC and Oklahoma Wheat Commission are working with 4-H to help promote Bake & Take by encouraging 4-H members to participate.

The FAPC and Oklahoma Wheat Commission have worked with 4-H the last two years in promoting this event, and it has worked well, Nelson said.

“Both years, we directed our focus towards

4-H, since this group is strong in community service and agriculture,” Nelson said. “As we promoted Bake & Take, we encouraged participants to purchase Oklahoma-milled flour.”

Last year, Chrissy Whitten, 4-H Extension educator in Tulsa County, helped to promote Bake & Take in her county and plans to participate again this March.

The OSU Collegiate 4-H Club also participated in Bake & Take last year and plans to continue the promotion next March.

Mike Schulte, executive director for the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, said he is excited about promoting Bake and Take in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission tries to promote the benefits of whole grains whenever possible.

“The Oklahoma Wheat Commission will be working with Farm to School programs throughout Oklahoma during the month of March trying to promote whole grains in local schools,” Schulte said. “We feel if we can educate parents and students about whole wheat products the benefits are many. It is

Erin Early-Johnson from Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center hands out free chocolate chip cookies during last year’s Farm Week at the Tulsa Zoo.

always good to increase domestic markets for Oklahoma wheat producers while also creating better health opportunities for the people in our great state.”

SPONSORSHIP RECOGNITION Greg Phillips, senior associate athletic director for the University of Oklahoma, presents a commemorative plaque to OFB President Mike Spradling, right. The plaque was in recognition of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance being the Premier Sponsor of the OU game against Baylor Oct. 10. Farm Bureau Insurance is one of five premier partners for OU athletics.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 37

Oklahoma AgrAbility Project assists farmers and ranchers

A

farming environment can be challenging for people with disabilities; however, help is available.

The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project can assist Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and their families

who have been impacted by disabilities and face barriers to continuing participation in an agriculture-related occupation.

“Agriculture is an important industry in Oklahoma,” said Randy Taylor, co-director of

Ambush, Inc.

Used Off Road 4x4 Mini Trucks

Great for Farm & Ranch, Hunting, Construction & Job Sites, Etc. Save Hundreds, Even Thousands Over Comparable ATVs Prices Start At

4,000

$ Seminole, OK

405-200-6339 www.minitrucksbs.com

38 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Brian & Cindy Sims

the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project and Department of biosystems and agricultural engineering professor. “The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project strives to keep farmers with disabilities on the job and a productive piece of this important industry. Though Oklahoma AgrAbility cannot directly purchase assistive technology, it is designed to help determine a course of action and link clients with appropriate funding sources.”

If a person has a disability and is experiencing barriers in the farming industry, assistive technology devices and services are available and can be recommended by the Oklahoma AgrAbility Project.

“Oklahoma AgrAbility assists farmers with health challenges make informed choices about returning to work with a greater likelihood of success,” said Linda Jaco, Oklahoma AgrAbility co-director.

Any Oklahoma resident with a disability, who is currently working in agriculture or has a desire to work in agriculture, is eligible.

AgrAbility staff members can make farm visits to help determine technology needs through an on-farm assessment.

The on-farm assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by AgrAbility staff, which matches an individual's agricultural employment goals with appropriate ways to achieve them by reducing barriers through assistive technology.

Assistive technology for people who live in farming communities includes any kind of device, modification or service that will help a person with a disability work and live more independently in the rural setting. Examples of assistive technology include motorized lifts, outdoor mobility aids, modifications to farm buildings or farm tools and automated gates.

An AgrAbility specialist can help determine what assistive technology is needed and how to obtain it. The specialist can also make referrals to funding sources appropriate to the individual’s need and use.

The Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services may be one option for assistance. Eligibility is determined on a caseby-case basis. Another funding option is the Oklahoma Assistive Technology Foundation, which assists people with disabilities purchase needed assistive technology through low interest cash loans. Application processes are required for both of these funding sources.

There is no fee for AgrAbility professionals to provide on-farm assessments to determine what assistive technology may benefit you or your farm operation. The assistive technology costs are determined on a case-by-case basis depending upon the specific device(s) needed by the individual with a disability.

The Oklahoma AgrAbility Project is a unique partnership between Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and OkAT; additional services are provided through Oklahoma ABLE Tech and the Langston University School of Physical Therapy. Through this partnership Oklahoma AgrAbility provides information and referral, technical assistance, education, training and peer support to individuals with varying degrees of disability.

For more information contact Oklahoma AgrAbility at 888-885-5588 (voice/tty), agrability@okstate.edu, or view the Oklahoma AgrAbility Web site at www.agrability.okstate.edu.

Homebuyer tax credit extended

I

f you are a looking to purchase a home and qualify for the first-time homebuyer tax credit, you are in luck – the tax credit has been extended.

Eileen St. Pierre, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension personal finance specialist, said the extension is part of a $24 billion economic stimulus bill that will extend the $8,000 tax credit from Nov. 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010, for homebuyers who are purchasing their first home. The program is also expanding to offer a $6,500 credit to homeowners who have lived in their current home for at least five years and are seeking to relocate.

“The period for eligibility for the tax credit is for a home purchased after Nov. 6 and before May 1, 2010,” St. Pierre said. “Home purchases that have a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, will qualify if the closing occurs

by June 30, 2010.”

Those who are eligible for the $8,000 tax credit include homebuyers who have not owned a principal residence during the threeyear period prior to the purchase. Repeat buyers who have been residing in their principal residence for five consecutive years (out of the last eight) and are purchasing a

home to be their principal residence may be eligible for up to a $6,500 tax credit. All U.S. citizens who file taxes are eligible to participate in the program.

St. Pierre said all homes with a purchase price under $800,000 qualify, including townhomes and condominiums. Again, the home must be used as the principal residence. Rental homes and vacation property do not qualify.

“This is a refundable tax credit,” she said.

“This means that if the amount of income taxes owed is less than the amount of the credit, the homeowners will get a check for the difference when they file their tax return. It also doesn’t have to be repaid unless the homeowners sell or stop using the home as their main residence within three years of purchase.”

Income limits do apply. For more detailed information, you can visit the website www. federalhousingtaxcredit.com or contact your local county Extension office.

USDA study shows irrigated acres increase

U

SDA's 2008 Farm and Ranch Survey has found that farmers and ranchers are now irrigating 54.9 million acres farmland across the United States, an increase of nearly 5 percent since 2003.

“Water is the most critical, limited resource for our nation's farmers and ranchers,” said Molly Jahn, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics. “For farmers and ranchers who are looking for more efficient ways to irrigate their land and ways to reduce their expenses, the results of the Farm and Ranch Irrigation Survey provide a valuable tool to help them make informed decisions about the future of their operations.”

The Irrigation Survey provides the most comprehensive source of up-to-date information regarding the U.S. agriculture industry's use and stewardship of our nation's water resources. The survey results show a continuing trend towards more efficient irrigation methods as farmers reported irrigating more acres with sprinkler systems and less with gravity irrigation. During the fiveyear period since the last Irrigation Survey, the area irrigated by sprinkler systems increased 15 percent while the area with gravity irrigation decreased 5 percent.

Despite the changes in application methods, equipment in general continues to be one of the leading expenses of irrigation. In 2008, farmers and ranchers spent $2.1 billion on expenses related to irrigation equipment, facilities, land improvements and computer technology.

In addition to looking at irrigated acres, application methods and expenses, the irrigation report provides insight into farmers’ energy and water conservation practices.

Between 2003 and 2008, a total of 74,846 farms implemented changes in equipment or management practices that reduced energy use and/or conserved water. Nearly 46 percent of these farms reported reduced energy cost and 59 percent reported a reduction in the amount of water applied.

Start 2010 out the right way!

Put a

Ranch Hand Guard on the front of that truck!

OSBORN PICKUP ACCESSORIES Tuttle, OK

RANCH HANd GRIll GUARdS CPl TOOlBOxES

OSBORN

PICKUP ACCESSORIES Tuttle, OK

405-381-4491

www.osbornpickup.com • An Oklahoma Farmer-Owned Business • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 39

Senator Jim Inhofe Earns Farm Bureau Golden Plow Award

T

he American Farm Bureau Federation has honored U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) with its Golden Plow award, the highest honor the organization bestows on members of Congress.

“I believe that American farmers are the backbone of our nation – a diverse domestic supply of food and fiber is the foundation of our security, our social values and our economy,” Sen. Inhofe said. “I am deeply honored to receive the American Farm Bureau Golden Plow award, and will continue to do all I can to fight for the American farmer in Washington.”

“Senator Inhofe is a steadfast supporter of agriculture,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “His longtime record as a strong, effective advocate of farmers and ranchers makes him an excellent choice for the Golden Plow award.”

Sen. Inhofe, a lifelong Oklahoman from Tulsa, was elected to the United States Senate in 1994. He currently serves on the Armed Services Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee and as ranking member of the Environment and Public Works Committee.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s nomination of Sen. Inhofe for the award cited numerous examples of his work on critical Farm Bureau issues. He has led the fight in the Senate to stop cap-and-trade legislation, noting Farm Bureau’s “Don’t CAP Our Future” campaign against climate change legislation during a speech on the Senate floor.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and now the ranking minority member, Sen. Inhofe has held hearings on behalf of Farm Bureau and agriculture on numerous issues, including the

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Water Resources Development Act, endangered species, climate change, wetlands and the Clean Water Act. Sen. Inhofe also worked to include a compromise solution in the 2007 Farm Bill, authorizing USDA to give priority consideration to grant proposals that allow agricultural operators to make use of animal waste, specifically poultry waste, for use as fertilizers, energy production, and other useful byproducts aimed at identifying new ways to create an environmentally friendly use of poultry waste.

“Too many times, our farmers face unnecessary mandates, oppressive federal regulations, and an overreaching government bureaucracy,” Sen. Inhofe said. “In addition to fighting against the cap-and-trade legislation

1,600 acres m/l Woods County, OK. Cropland, Grazing, Hunting & Fishing. 400 acres in cultivation with an additional 400 acres currently in CRP that expires this fall, which will give the ranch potential for 800 acres total cultivation. The balance of the ranch (800 A.) is in native grass, timber & rolling hills.

NEW FENCES seperate the farmland from the grass. Lots of sub-surface water under this land with nice POND and NATURAL SPRINGS. Excellent soil types adequate for all crops grown in the area. Possible potential for irrigation or lake construction. Located north of Alva, OK. Price $1,432,000.

640 acres m/l Alfalfa County, OK, Hunting Land. This is a “full-square-mile-section” of prime hunting land on a secluded dead-end road, which provides for privacy & limited hunting pressure, complimented by the LITTLE SANDY CREEK, located within a mile of the GREAT SALT PLAINS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. The wildlife is abundant, whether it’s monster Northern Oklahoma WHITETAILS, multiple coveys of Bobwhite Quail, Rio Grande Turkeys or the many species of WATERFOWL that winter here. Electricity borders the land. Fences are good. Located approximately 12 miles from Cherokee, OK. Lies in section 36-T28N-R10W, Alfalfa County, OK. Price $821,760 includes 2/3 mineral interest.

640 acres m/l Texas County, OK. Grazing & hunting land with house. Natural Water springs along HACKBERRY CREEK with 3 PONDS make this an excellent place for big Whitetail DEER, Turkey, Quail & Bobcats. Property has a large HOME, large metal Barn, calf Barn & currently FREE NATURAL GAS for heating the residence. Gas supplied by gas well located on the ranch. Pasture is cross-fenced with the south half section located on the Creek. Adequate sub-surface water allows for additional pond construction if desired. Located 3 miles from SHULTZ LAKE Wildlife Area, & just 7 miles from the OPTIMA WILDLIFE Area. Located east of Hardesty, OK. Price $448,000.

200 acres m/l Dewey County, OK, Hunting Land. Quality Hunting Land with Deer, Turkey, Quail, Wild hogs. Located just 2 miles from Hwy 51 & Hwy 281 junction, within 2 miles of Canadiain River.

The rolling terrain has a great balance of Timber & Clearings with blackjacks, post oak (covered with acorns) & Cedar trees providing an abundance of cover & food for the wildlife. Complimented by 3 small PONDS & a Spring-Fed-Marsh-Area offering a water source to the variety of wildlife. Excellent Whitetail Genetics in this area create “Huge Canadian River Whitetails.” Lies in sec. 20, T18N-R15W Dewey County, OK. Price 229,000.

Shane Terrel, Broker • 580-327-4440 office • 580-327-7889 cell Licensed Associates throughout OK, KS, TX and MO

40 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

www.huntingcountry.net

that would have a devastating impact on our nation’s agricultural community, I am committed to protecting private property; promoting alternative energies, such as cellulosic biomass ethanol, that do not compete with feedstock; maintaining a strong safety net for those that provide us with a safe, reliable, and affordable food supply; and ensuring trade doors remain open so that our farmers and ranchers have marketing opportunities abroad.”

A

FBF presents Golden Plow awards to one House member and one Senate member each year. Farm Bureau awards the Golden Plow to a member of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, whose philosophy or record demonstrates his or her commitment to the private enterprise system; sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau; fiscal conservatism; and reduced federal regulations on businesses and individuals.

Census needs thousands of Oklahomans to fill jobs The U.S. Census Bureau will hire thousands of people throughout the state of Oklahoma between now and next spring. This strong economic shot in the arm is like having several factories open up in the state! Up to a total of approximately 5,000 people will be on staff during peak times.

“This is the largest civilian mobilization of workers in the history of the United States.” said Dennis Johnson, Regional Director.

These are good paying, temporary jobs for the field positions of recruiting assistants, crew leaders, crew leader assistants, Census takers and Census clerks. Amount of pay depends on position and location. Work related mileage is reimbursed. There may be some opportunities for advancement.

Positions are available in every community.

The U.S. Census Bureau encourages interested persons to apply for these jobs by calling the Toll Free Jobs Line at 1-866-861-2010.

Mike and Bryan Little

DOES YOUR BASEMENT or CELLAR LEAK? NO EXCAVATING CALL THE OLD CELLAR MAN NOW!

1-800-215-0537 Home Security

Right now only Oklahoma Farm Bureau members can receive a home security system installed at no charge plus $200 to use toward the purchase of any additional equipment. System includes control panel, key pad, 2 door sensors, motion detector, siren, yard signs and full service warranty. Monitoring is required. The fee is $24.95 per month.

Total Security Center 866-321-4177 www.tscsecurity.com

Introducing Our New

Digital Internet Video Security System

• Remote or local security monitoring from any PC via the Internet.

• Includes Dell Dimension computer and four color cameras.

Now Only $1,475 Installed!

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 41

Country

Classifieds AUTOMOTIVE

’07 C4500, 27,000 mi., 100,000-mi. warranty, DuraMax, excellent condition, 4x4. 918-448-1033. ’70 Porsche 914 sports car, mid-engine, hardtop/convertible, runs good, drives fast, body rough, you finish cosmetics, $2,500. 405-348-4469, 317-8175 cell. Edmond. ’64 1/2 Mustang conv., blue w/white top, 6-cyl., auto, new interior, runs/drives good, show winner, $17,000. 918962-2064.

2 new headlights for ’97 Cadillac Deville North Star, $240 for both. 405-645-2500. ’92 F250 XLT 4x4 auto, diesel, 218,000 miles, good condition, $3,750; ’06 Honda TM 350 4-wheeler, like new, $3,350. 405-238-6958. ’95 WGM DS body, 18-wheeler model WIA, 1-owner, never wrecked. 580-563-2815, 214-695-6512. ’06 Chevy truck 3/4-ton, 4x4, CNG (natural gas) or gas.

Russ Casey, 918-733-4887. ’04 S-10 loaded, dual cab, red w/black interior, 82,000 miles, inherited, asking below Blue Book, $13,000 OBO. 918-760-4782, Claremore.

Chevy tailgate, removed from ’78 Chevy Silverado, stored in clean, dry place, $100. Yukon, 405-354-5701. ’03 Honda XR100 dirt bike, very clean, includes loading ramp, youth accessories, $1,250 OBO. 918-853-6510. ’42 Harley Davidson 3-wheeler, rebuilt WLA engine, ’68 frame, Springer front end, 15-in. rear mag tires, 3-speed & reverse, custom wood cargo box. 918-676-3526. ’03 Cadillac Escalade, loaded, big wheels, pearl white, garage kept, low mileage, mom’s car. 580-332-0957. ’96 Toyota Camry (wrecked), good motor, transmission, 149,182 miles, $450. 405-354-7216.

1-owner ’01 Freightliner classic XL, 84-in. sleeper, RigMaster gen., 500 Detroit, Delrae 1, 729K, $42,500; ’06 Transcraft 52-ft. drldk, ctn. locks, 15 slide winches, 2 stn. boxes, hd. rack w/box, slide sprd. rear axle, 50K, $29,500, or both $58,000 and get 2 custom fit tarps, $850 value.

405-229-8577, 823-8554. ’99 FL70 Freightliner, 3126 Cat. engine, 210 HP, 6-speed, 230-in. WB, 5th wheel, fair tires, 48-in. sleeper, 198,000 miles, runs good, $8,000 OBO. 918-367-9351. ’71 Olds 88 convertible, 2-door, blue, good motor/trans., body, pictures available. Old horse-drawn equipment, Mansur-Deere planter, disk cult., mowers, etc. 918-542-8845. ’85 Toyota pickup, 4-sp., tool body ok, pipe racks, engine blown, $275; ’88 Toyota pickup, 4-sp., blown head gasket, AC, good body, $400; ’73 Datsun pickup, 4-sp., body ok, $300. 405-382-0589.

FARM EQUIPMENT Hx10 JD brush hog, used twice, like new, gear box, Woods 4-ft. Brush Hog, original owner, used only 2 hours, fits 15-40 HP tractors, Kubota orange, paid $800 will sell for $475.

Lake Texoma area, 580-924-5451.

Let B&R Fiberglass Repair seal your stock tanks, grain bins.

We also repair fiberglass tanks. 405-853-1539. ’77 IH 284 w/5-ft. finish mower, 28 HP, asking $3,500.

405-623-6560. ’51 JD M, ’62 JD 4010. 405-614-3332. ’05 Kioti DK65S tractor, 65 HP, 89 hrs., cab/air, front-end loader, bale spike, Cammond 7-ft. box blade. 405-5708043, 745-2837.

8N Ford, good cond., needs starter, $1,800 OBO; ’73 Ford Ranchero, restoration car, fair body, 302 V8, runs/drives fair, $1,000 OBO; ’75 Ford F600 flatbed dump, bad motor, good trans. and tires, $1,500 OBO. 918-366-7444, Bixby. ’62 JD 1010 crawler, rebuilt motor 5 years ago, very low hours, $10,000. 918-341-8025, 342-4673.

42 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

19.5 HP Sears tractor w/detached deck, Swisher 60-inch trail mower, great for mowing an acreage. 580-925-2563.

170 Allis-Chalmers 54 HP, gas, good condition, $4,950.

405-645-2380.

1720 Ford tractor, 160 hours, 7-ft. blade on front, looks new.

918-287-3208.

200 Farmall w-f, fast hitch, new tires, disk, plow, brush hog, $3,500. 918-473-5084.

4-row, 3-point hitch planter with extra buckets, plates (beans, corn, cotton), works good, $400. 903-243-6402.

Tophand roping chute, $850; P/U bed stock racks, $100; 5-ft.

Brushog, $350; 14 1/2-in. SD Myers saddle, 15 _-in. Kenn Dawes saddle; ’97 Peterbilt truck; speckled face show lambs, wethers. 405-258-1297.

16-ft. portable bulk cattle feeder, $750; 6-ft. box blade, $175.

405-785-2597. ’90 Caterpilliar D5B, low hours, excellent undercarriage, farmer owned, $31,000. 405-850-1005.

500-ft. irrigation system. 918-244-1365 days, 918-784-2505 nights. ’70 4020 JD, LP, w/158 loader, bucket forks, console, no 3-point, good condition, 8,500 hours, $7,500 firm or trade for cattle.

405-391-3688, 850-7451.

Good all steel truck bed, $13x8, $350. 405-282-4919.

C Farmall, good tires, looks and runs good; B Farmall w/belly mower, looks and runs god; 230 Farmall, showroom ready.

918-352-2966.

a few bred reg. cows. 580-332-2468.

Reg. Quarter Horse – black filly foaling March. Sire Zip Zap Black Congress finalist in western pleasure; dam goes back to Smart Chic Oleria, $400. 580-251-1973, 252-3529.

2 APHA stallions – 3-year-old, 12-year-old black/white proven producer; also yearlings, older fillies, mares, fair prices. 405-262-8499.

3 2-year-old red heifers; 5 mixed cows, 3 to 6 years old, all bred to reg. Angus bull; 1 black cow w/twin calves. 405258-6559.

LIVESTOCK

WWW.QUALSIGHT.COM/-OKFB

8 Angus heifers, 850-900 lbs., heavy springers, 3rd trimester, low birth weight Angus bull, $1,050 each. 918297-2359.

Peruvian horses, a miracle on 4 feet. Smoothest ride in the world plus beauty, elegance, grace. Several to choose from – mares, gelding, stallions. $3,500 up. 405-799-7070, leave message if no answer.

Maine-Angus bulls sired by BC Raven, the top REA in the Angus breed and our top donor cows. Gentle disposition.

Anadarko, 405-545-5454.

Show steer, heifer prospects out of top AI sires and top Maine donor females. Heat Wave, Monopoly, Alias, etc.

Brower Land & Cattle, Anadarko, 405-933-2007.

Beefmaster bulls, females, developed on forage, bred for the 6 essentials, foundation genetics, practical cattle with performance. Simon Creek Beefmasters, 580-668-2523.

Top quality cutting, versatility prospects out of multiple world champion producing sire and own daughters of best cutting bloodlines. 918-869-2019, 687-3173.

Angus bulls, 8 mo. to service age. Angus business 50 years same location. 580-456-7241.

Double Tough Harlan, buckskin triple bred Harlan at stud. Good natured, good minded, cowy, $400 lfg. 918762-3769.

Serviceable age Angus bulls, will PT. Small sq. wheat straw; JD 21 drapper header; used sweeps, disk for making yard ornaments. 405-381-4307.

20 young black cows, will calve Feb. thru April. 580-5496222 home; 580-678-5759 cell.

Quarter Horse dispersal – 15 broodmares, 2 stallions (Buckskin/gray), pasture broke 20 weanling/yearling colts, a few 2 year olds. Raised horses 50 years. 580-545-3539.

Reg. Texas Longhorns from top bloodlines in industry.

Cows, pairs, bulls. If we don’t have it, we’ll help find it.

Steve, 580-223-2919.

2-year-old reg. Angus bulls, low birth weights, fertility tests, guaranteed, free delivery, pasture ready. Homeacres Angus, 918-623-2468.

Reg. Polled Hereford bulls, 12 months to 2 years, PW Victor Boomer P606, Remitall Online 122L genetics; also

ATTN: OFB Travelers

MISCELLANEOUS APPRAISAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Earn $60,000/yr part time. Farm Equipment and Livestock appraisal training and certification. Agricultural background required.

Classroom or Home Study courses available.

(800) 488-7570. www.amagappraisers.com

save 40% t0 50% off

lasik eye surgery FREE CONSULTATIONS 800 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE

Call 866-244-0962

callme4europe.info Von Bears Travel Ph. 918-583-4141 or 888-416-4141 Ask for Linda (OFB member) Honey extracting equipment, silver queen uncapper, honey/wax separator, two 20-frame extractors, tanks.

405-329-1312.

Dell Latitude D410 notebook computer, 1.7GH, XP Pro, DVD, WiFi, $279. 580-925-443.

New insulated well houses. 580-641-1267, 476-2608.

Coke collection, 100s of items, large, small, table & 4 chairs, some items are old, $1,000. 580-234-0654 for details.

Stinson 108 air frame parts, Franklin 150 engine parts, old aircraft radios, serious calls only at 580-628-3441.

Kelly Haney limited edition prints, some framed, approx. 75 to choose from, best offer. 580-743-2980.

Minerals for lease in Stephens, Kiowa counties (none for sale, lease only). Have land for lease for cell towers in Stephens County. 580-255-5335, leave message. ’90 Vision 160V 16-ft. boat, ’89 Johnson 88 HP motor, trolling motor, fish finder, live well, trailer, new battery, EC, lake ready, $3,700 cash. 405-240-7750.

4 lots Floral Haven Cemetery, $1,100 each, $4,000 for all. 918-696-8649, 507-2787.

Ramsey Termite & Pest, free estimates. 405-598-2083.

Gold wedding set, 12 diamonds, 1/4 karat, lg. diamond 1/2 karat, 3/4 total, clarity, appraised $3,200, best offer.

405-789-5196.

32-bulb tanning bed, 3 years old, model Focus 32 by ESB, great condition, have all paperwork, $1,000 firm.

580-471-5695.

Texoma T Striper Guide service, fishing guide Sterling Smith, kids under 12 just $40 each w/paid adult. 800490-2986, striperfishingtexoma.com Antique clawfoot tub, enamel very good, stamp reads 5

1/3-4-O 10-16-09. 67” XL 22”T, $400 OBO. 580-318-6040.

Cleaning – homes, offices, cabins, lodges, commercial, in Sulphur, Davis, Dougherty, Mill Creek. Smile Clean, 580-622-3888, Gayla Hollis.

70 feet of 4 1/2-in. new plastic water well casing, 10 feet perforated. 580-234-9585.

Crocheted names any occasion – Christmas, birthday, wedding, $4 per letter, bordered. 580-563-9470.

Shock collars for dogs, horses made by DT Systems, will reach up to 1 mile, $400. 918-623-2036.

Children’s books from infant to grade school, home school materials available. 918-371-0401 or visit bilisent. com for more information.

Discount cologne while furthering the gospel, the alabaster box. Checotah ag.org or 918-490-1978.

Free casino bus trips, free buffets, free money to play on.

Christine, 405-598-2120, 213-3820. ’98 Basshound 10.2-ft. harbor boat, live well, padded swivel fishing chairs, fully wired, 6 HP Yamaha outboard, like new. 918-252-7536.

LT Private Security and Investigation. Mangum, 580919-2838.

Saw-milled lumber of all kinds, red oak, walnut, cedar.

Trailer oak floors up to 16 feet. 918-907-1104.

Southwest design Franciscan dinnerware, 8-place setting; Howard Miller grandfather clock; 4440 1/16scale precision classic tractor #15077. 580-428-3439.

Stanley Home Products, Fuller Brush. Degreasers, germicides, brooms, brushes, mops, kettle cleaners, colognes, lotions, hair brushes, all house cleaners, wood floors, vitamins. 580-497-2249.

Mary Kay Cosmetics. No consultant? I have all current MK products ready to mail or deliver. 580-920-2155.

Reclaimed Douglas fir timbers, 11 8x10s, 2 9x12s, 1 12x18, up to 23 long, plus other various sizes. 580-3631740, 363-1600.

PFAFF upholstery machine, $1,000. 405-257-2940.

Kelly’s Monuments, Henryetta. Largest selection in county, best prices, quality workmanship, custom designs, check us out. 918-652-8078. ’05 4-wheeler 660 Raptor, after market exhaust, still have stock, runs great, $2,750; ’05 GSX 600 25th anniversary edition, $5,000. 918-650-8078.

Many Avon cologne bottles from 1960 - ? Mostly cars and trucks, $5 each. 580-286-0813.

American Flyer and Lionel trains, sets and cars of all kinds. 580-564-2270.

’03 G3 18-ft. aluminum fishing boat w/115 HP Yamaha motor, stainless steel prop, 2 Lowrance fish finders, trolling motor, dual battery charger. 918-534-1154. ’86 Wellcraft Nova 260 boat, 23-ft., Cuddy cabin, inboard motor, good condition. 405-268-2891.

Juneiva skin care, free sample with each order. For catalog call 877-332-7697.

Small square bales of Midland 99 Bermuda, no weeds or stickers, fertilized, in barn now. Anadarko, 405-933-0956.

Dry kiln lumber – sawed oak trailer floor boards, creosote fence, 2-3-4 rail, unique log furniture. 918-907-1104.

Are coyotes bothering you or your livestock? Call your predator hunter, Dale Olansen, to take care of your problem. 918-322-9700.

Western alfalfa, Western alfalfa grass, horse quality hay cubes, stock cow cubes, fiber, pine pellets, cardboard bedding. 580-574-7118.

Hand spinning, felting fiber. Gray, brown, white, red.

Pygora, Pycuzz goats. Micron tested 22.0 and below.

918-267-4591.

1,767 feet of 2 7/8-in. pipe, $1.20/ft., take all; also want to buy fiberglass oilfield sucker rods. 405-627-3920.

Storage trailer, $1,250, delivery available; ’94 Chevy 2-ton truck; ’80 Int. 2-ton w/great 20-ft. steel bed; ’87 Blazer 4x4. 405-258-6559.

Massage by Becky, 918-443-2423. Hair Gallery in Oologah, starting Feb. 1, first 2-week special by one reg. massage, get second for $2.

Bowflex Motivator A, like new, with boxes/manuals, etc., $650 firm. In Ocheleta, 39 miles north of Tulsa off Hwy. 75. 918-535-2656.

Kelly’s Monuments, Henryetta, largest selection in county, custom designs, quality workmanship, check us out, competitive prices. 918-652-7248.

XD model DeVry 35 mm sound-on film projector, 15 complete 35 mm sound movies on reels, in shipping cases, $1,000 for all. 918-652-7248.

Old trailer-mounted air compressor, 6-cylinder Chrysler engine, runs but needs tires, $450 firm. Henryetta, 918652-7248.

Squirrels, raccoons, bats, rats, birds or snakes in your attic? Skunks or opossum under your house or shed?

The Skunk Whisperer, Inc., gets wildlife out and keeps wildlife out. 918-261-4444, 405-905-9453.

American Flyer, Lionel model trains for sale plus antique 3-door wardrobe. 580-564-2270.

Mobile Homes, RVs 11.5-ft. overhead slide-in camper, sell or trade for 8-, 8.5ft. slide-in camper or small camp trailer. 580-716-0015. ’96 Electra Park Avenue 35-ft. 5th wheel, 2 slides, 12,200 lbs., stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer, H/A, entertainment center, AM/FM radio, hide-away bed in couch, have tag, title, $7,500. 918-522-4716. ’01 Thor signature fifth wheel camper, 38-ft., 4 seasonal, 3 slide outs, triple axle, great cond., $20,000 OBO. 580554-6208. ’02 Champion 16x80 mobile home, 3/2, 1-owner, EC, total electric, CHA, you move. 918-693-9889. ’72 14x72 Shelmar mobile home in Park West in Stillwater. 2-bed, 2-bath, dishwasher, washer/dryer hookup, $9,000. 405-756-6708.

PETS Bichon Frise pups, 8-19 weeks, pure blood, white snowballs, 7 males, 7 females, $250-$300 each. 405-214-7858.

ACA Shih-Tzu, ACA Pomeranian pups, small sizes, family raised around children, health guarantee, $250$350. 405-584-0675.

AKC OFA Golden Retriever pups, shots, vet checked, 2-year guarantee, $500 each. 405-623-2455.

Track dogs for sale. Goat & sheep exercise days.

Tishomingo, 580-258-0240.

ACA Chihuahua pups, long- and short-hair, meds current, family raised, $200-$250. 580-363-1818, 763-2875.

Mini-Aussie pups, ASD registry, both parents on site, vaccinated, dewormed, healthy, $350, photos available.

580-497-2802.

Jack Rats, Rat Terriers, UKC, variety of colors, $135; $200 with papers. 405-391-2662.

Mini Aussie pups, born 11-9-09, 2 red merle males, 1 red-tri male. Rare colors, great markings, first vaccination, registered ASDR. 918-366-3624.

Real Estate Spectacular all-brick lake home, 4,000 sq.ft, on 1 A., all 4 bedrooms have full bath, door to deck which goes to 4-bay boat dock, huge living room w/bar. Ketchum, 918260-3557.

25 acres, large trees, hay field, wildlife, near 3W/Hwy 177, Byars, $50,000. 580-759-8828 leave message.

2-bed, 2-bath cabin for daily rental near Maud, $75/night.

405-333-2741.

Country

Classifieds 2501 N. Stiles • Oklahoma City, OK 73105 All information below must be completed.

Each Farm Bureau member family is limited to ONE free classified ad per issue.

This form must be used. No call-in ads will be accepted. The length of the ad can not exceed the number of lines on this form. Ads run only one time.

Please type or print legibly.

Name OFB Membership Number Address City Phone (

State )

Area Code

Zip Deadline for the next issue is March 15, 2010.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 43

Country

Kitchen

Cuban Style Sirloin Tips Ingredients: 2 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® ball tip or tri-tip steaks, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 cup olive oil 2 medium onions, chopped 6 garlic cloves, chopped 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste 1 cup water 2 tablespoons beef stock 1 teaspoon cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoons cumin 1/4 cup golden raisins 1 (6-ounce) jar green olives, drained Instructions: 1. Heat oil in large skillet. Add beef and brown on all sides; remove beef from skillet.

2. Place onions and garlic in skillet; cook 3 to 5 minutes until tender.

Add tomato paste, water, beef stock and vinegar. Simmer 10 minutes.

Stir in chili powder, pepper and cumin.

3. Return beef to skillet; add raisins and olives. Simmer covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tacos con Puerco ­ Ingredients: 1 pound ground pork 1 8-ounce can tomatoes, cut up 1/4 cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper, to taste 8 taco shells 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce 2 tomatoes, cut in wedges Instructions: In heavy skillet, brown ground pork; stir in undrained canned tomatoes, onion, chili powder and garlic powder. Bring to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until most liquid evaporates, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Heat taco shells and portion filling into shells; top with tomatoes and lettuce.

44 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Approx. 10 A. w/3-bed, 2-bath newly remodeled home, new metal roof w/vinyl siding, 2 barns, pipe corral, pond, 2 kennel buildings w/concrete runs, septic, $150,000.

Wyandotte, 918-678-2735.

10 A. w/3-bed, 1 3/4-bath rock home, 2 barns, workshop, $179,000. Lincoln County RE, 405-258-242.

For sale or lease – automobile service station w/office area, 2 bays, 2 lifts, tire machine, air compressor, Claremore area. Jan Green, 918-706-6963.

House for sale, 4-bed, remodeled inside/out, corner lot, 2 lots, commercial, 900 E. Gilmore, Allen, $58,000. 405414-5679.

800 acres for sale by owner, 8 north of Durant on Hwy. 48, with some Blue River frontage, 3,700 sq.ft. home, acreage $2,200-$2,500 per acre. 580-650-9090.

3,800 sq.ft. 5-bed, 2-bath operating bed and breakfast sitting on 3 lots in Alva. 580-327-6244.

9 acres near Tahlequah in Grand View area, rolling to level, great building site, $39,000. Cochran & Associates, 918-458-5888.

160-acre wheat, cattle farm in Garfield County SE of Enid, 1,600 sq.ft. home, 2-car garage, carport, lot of wildlife, timber. 580-603-0063.

Checotah showplace, minutes from lake, 10 acres, 2,360 sq.ft. tri-level w/bonus room, fireplace, deck, patio, paved circle drive, $250,000. Interstate Properties, 918577-1133.

300-acre ranch w/home, barn, corrals, will run 50 cows & calves, Okemah area, $325,000. Good Earth Land Co., 918-689-3166.

Brick home – 2-bed, bath & half, fireplace, insert, on 10 acres, well, rural water, 2 large outbuildings, 3 miles from Stilwell. 918-696-4233.

4 acres +, 600 feet of Hwy. 70, 1/2 mile Chickasaw Point Golf Course, 1/2 mile Texoma Lodge, reduced to sell, $49,000. 580-564-3215.

394 A. of excellent pasture, large U.S. Soil Conservation water shed lake. Good hunting & fishing. Working pens/ corrals w/wrap around tub. 580-265-4643.

40 A. by Western Grove, AR (in the boonies), $2,400/A., make offer. 4 A. w/house, new shop, old pond, Guthrie, $198,500. ’45 Chevy 1 1/2-ton truck, $3,800. 405-6124938.

WANTED I BUY BLACKSMITHING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT. MIKE GEORGE, 1227 4TH ST., ALVA, OK 73717, 580-327-5235.

WANTED OLDER VEHICLES, CARS, PICKUPS, VANS, WAGONS, 1900s THRU 1960s, GAS PUMPS, TAGS. 580-658-3739.

Want to purchase oil, gas minerals rights, producing, non-producing. 580-223-0353, 800-687-5882.

Want firebrick for old Warm Morning upright coal or wood stove made by Locke Stove Co. 580-716-0064.

Want to buy old visible gas pumps, old gas signs, oil lobsters, trans. pumps. 580-639-2776.

Want old ’30s, older 70 records; looking for records with label Gennett, Paramount, Black Swan, Black Dahi, Sun, Vocalion, Okeh. 580-595-1401.

I buy old Model T’s, A’s; ’55, ’57 Chevy vehicles and parts in any condition. 918-689-7477.

Want ’50s Allis Chalmers CA tractor w/wide front end, must be in good shape. Want it for parades, hayride for 501C3 therapeutic horse riding facility. 580-716-3250.

Want Garfield 550 scraper or Big Dog 55 or 56.5 scraper. 405-850-1005.

Peace of mind for life

Ensuring financial security for you and

those you care about most is more important than ever. Life insurance can help provide that security, along with guarantees1 and peace of mind.

Visit www.fbfs.com or contact your Farm Bureau agent to review your life insurance needs and learn how we can help you secure your family’s financial future.

Visit www.fbfs.com to sign up for our free e-newsletter. It’s filled with useful tips to help you protect your family and save time and money.

The guarantees expressed are based on the claims-paying ability of Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company.

Life insurance and annuity products offered through Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA. Property-casualty insurance products offered through Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company/ Oklahoma City, OK. © 2010 FBL Financial Group, Inc. LI061 (1-10)

1

OK-Life(1-10).indd 1

Oklahoma Country12/14/09 • Winter1:40:56 2010 •PM 45

Conserve Energy With Alcoa Siding *CUT FUEL COSTS! *CUT HEATING COSTS! *CUT COOLING COSTS!

Alcoa Steel & Vinyl Siding

Yes! Energy savings over a short period will more than pay for the new siding investment in your home.

America’s At Home With Alcoa

Insulates against cold or heat.

Does not absorb or retain moisture like wood.

Goes up easily over wood asbestos, stucco or masonry walls.

Does not support combustion.

Protect your investment in your home! Improve its value!

Muffles outside noises, assures a quieter, more livable home.

Permanently protects & beautifies your home.

Resists damaging effects of acids, salt, water, sun, rain, oil, etc.

Stays beautiful wherever you live!

Retains beauty year in, year out.

Maintenance free -- the BEST buy in today’s home covering market!

Does not peel, flake, corrode or rust. Easy to clean-simply hose down.

Mars, scars, abrasions don’t show. High impact-resistant.

White & 12 decorator colors.

Never needs paint-durability built in not painted on.

Completely covers split, warped, faded or peeled outside walls.

Here are the names of just a few of your Farm Bureau neighbors who are enjoying the beauty & comfort of Alcoa Siding products. Feel free to check with them.

Benny Rogers P.O. Box 883 Perry, OK Bob Bolay Rt. 2, Box 119 Perry, OK Carl Windham 10404 N.W. 37th Yukon, OK Don Rainwater 5710 Willow Dr. Norman, OK Neil Roberts 1400 Charles Norman, OK O.B. Puckett 200 Elm Maysville, OK Eddie Huitt P.O. Box 101 Sterling, OK

Forest Masters 317 W. Sheridian Kingfisher, OK Beryle James 9512 W. Britton Yukon, OK Unique Coffeures 5900 N.W. 49th Oklahoma City, OK Linda Sitton P.O. Box 160 Binger, OK Delones Knupik 414 W. Birch Enid, OK Tim Cameron Rt. 1, Box 85 Orlando, OK Jack Steele 119 Thompson Kingfisher, OK

Steve Leck 116 S. Flynn Calumet, OK Jerry Benda 63125 Gregory Rd. El Reno, OK Clark Graham 213 N.W. 1st Moore, OK Carl McKinney P.O. Box 592 Eufaula, OK Greg Biggs 18600 N. Antler Way Deer Creek, OK Daniel Garrett 1909 S. Jensen El Reno, OK Mike Yousey 20502 S.E. 15th Harrah, OK

• No artificial look • No warping in summer

Al Castro 4601 Winners Circle Norman, OK Don Blain 308 E. Jarman Midwest City, OK Kenneth Azlin P.O. Box 921 Seminole, OK Gerald McDaniel 14714 Key Ridge Dr. Newalla, OK Mike Limke 201 Owen Mustang, OK Mike Lee Rt. 4, Box 193 Tuttle, OK Larry Yost 315 N. 3rd Watonga, OK

Starling Miller 912 Kansas Chickasha, OK Herschel Nichols Route 1 Prague, OK Jerry Haynes P.O. Box 208 Cashion, OK Charles Frank 1908 Brook Hollow Ct. Stillwater, OK Lynn Luker 720 W. Jackson Cresent, OK Jim Youngs 1201 Clearview Mustang, OK Tommie Richardson P.O. Box 381 Purcell, OK

Cade Boepple Rt. 1, Box 7 Covington, OK Randy Plant 18701 Garden Ridge Edmond, OK S & J Tire Co. Hwy. 81 El Reno, OK Ron Pinkenton 7521 N.W. 40th Oklahoma City, OK Leslie Bradford Rt. 3, Box 298 Watonga, OK Sharon Graham 2821 Bella Vista Midwest City, OK James Bryant 1755 N. Country Club Newcastle, OK

Check these features

• Won’t rot or peel • Won’t absorb or retain moisture

Keller Rest.

820 N. McAuther Oklahoma City, OK Larry Smith Rt. 2, Box 122 Kingfisher, OK Mickey Brown 1705 Country Club Newcastle, OK Barth Construction Lot 6 Wild Turkey Hollow Stillwater, OK Jeff Palmer 822 S. 6th Kingfisher, OK Starling Miller Rt. 3, Box 129A Perry, OK Mike Nemec Rt. 1, Box 90 Perry, OK

• No exposed nails • Won’t break up in hail

Willia Clay 1845 N.W. 23rd Newcastle, OK Don Jantz Rt. 3 Enid, OK Dawn Faust 9329 Lyric Lane Midwest City, OK Veres Zum Mullen Rt. 4 Okarche, OK Jim Nichols 4737 Crest Pl. Del City, OK Glenda Irick 2601 N.W. 118th Oklahoma City, OK Teressa Parham 128 Chickasaw Yukon, OK

Reese Wilmoth 5400 N.W. 66th Oklahoma City, OK Mark Kelley 3421 N.W. 67th Oklahoma City, OK Richard Boren Rt. 1, Box 151 Geary, OK Dawayne Smith 415 S.W. 16th Newcastle, OK Hanley Hintergardt 9100 Whitehall Ct. Oklahoma City, OK Dan Wedeman 3455 N. Red Rock Rd. Yukon, OK Mike Nichols Route 1 Prague, OK

• Won’t dent like aluminum • Static electricity attraction free.

Farm Bureau members receive a 33 1/3% discount off nationally-published retail prices.

Now in effect for Oklahoma! Call 405-721-2807 or complete coupon below.

NO OBLIGATION!

Buy directly from the company owners - in the siding business since 1937! No middlemen involved. We can beat most any deal. Buy today before costs soar higher!

TERMS AVAILABLE Special discount for FB Members Only.

NOTICE

Siding materials sold on an applied basis only.

OK! I want more information, facts, figures, estimates and color pictures of completed jobs. No obligation. You be the judge! Send coupon immediately!

One of the OWNERS of the company will personally contact you! No high pressure. Just the facts for your consideration! Act NOW! You’ll be glad you did!

Name__________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________City________________________ Telephone ____________________ Best Time To Call:______A.M. ______P.M. If Rural, Give Directions____________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

M. RHODES COMPANY

6408 N. Libby Oklahoma City, OK 73112