Summer 2010

Summer 2010

The Magazine Of The Oklahoma Farm Bureau

Inside: Inside:

A Passion for Organic Food Storm Advisory Member Wins National Teaching Award

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 make it simple to help 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 the issuing company. Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC+, 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company+/West Des Moines, IA. +Affiliates.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company/Oklahoma City, OK. Variable life insurance and annuity products are underwritten by an insurance company that is not affiliated with our companies. © 2010 FBL Financial Group, Inc. LI061 (7-10)

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OK-Life(7-10).indd 1

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Oklahoma Country

Contents

Features 8

8 – A Passion for Organic Food

An Oklahoma Farm Bureau member from Oologah is in the first year of a five-year term on the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board and is the first Oklahoman to service in such a position.

By Sam Knipp

12 – Storm Advisory

State Question 744 awaits voters in the November general election.

Oklahomans are familiar with Mother Nature’s wrath, but her toll would pale in comparison to the devastation this contentious measure would bring.

By Mike Nichols

18 – Member Wins National Teaching Award

Noble County Farm Bureau member Audrey Harmon is a recent

recipient of the AITC National Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award. She incorporates her love for agriculture and learning into her kindergarten curriculum.

By Karolyn Bolay

Columns

Departments

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

26 – All Around Oklahoma 42 – Country Classifieds 44 – Country Kitchen

OklaHOMa FarM Bureau says

How SQ 744 impacts agriculture:

1. Dramatic increase in prope taxes.

STOP STaTe 12

QueSTION

2. The elimination of agricultu sales tax exemptions.

3. Increased fees for all permi related to agriculture.

4. Funding for rural economic development and other ag programs goes away.

5. County roads and bridges deteriorate.

See the reverse side to read why the state’s largest farm organization opposes this dangerous proposal.

Visit http://www.STOP744.CO to learn more about this issue

18

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 Annette Riherd considers her passion for growing food a major asset as she begins serving a five-year term on the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board. The Oologah resident has more than 20 years of experience growing organic food.

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 1

Presidentially

Speaking

By Mike Spradling Summer 2010

President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies

Volume 62 No. 3 Oklahoma Country (ISSN 1544-6476)

Your right, your duty, or both?

J

ust because the legislative session is over doesn’t mean our work as Farm Bureau leaders is. We had a very successful legislative session this year because of your involvement and activities in the political arena. On behalf of your Board of Directors, our Staff and the members of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, THANK YOU for educating yourself about the issues so important to this organization and our membership.

Success at the Capitol is a two-part equation.

T

he first part of the equation for success is educating oneself about issues and the candidates. Each county will be participating in activities of the Ag Fund. The Ag Fund Board is made up of a representative from each of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s nine districts to receive input from each of the counties in their district. It is the responsibility of the Ag Fund Board to decide which candidates would most likely represent the views and polices of Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

The Ag Fund is funded through member’s voluntary dues contributions each year as you renew you membership.

The system used by Ag Fund to determine which candidate to support is very well thought out. This is evident by the fact that the Ag Fund has better than a 90 percent support record for the winning candidate.

The Ag Fund Board meets to evaluate what action the Ag Fund will be taking as it relates to each Representative, each Senator, and elected state officials. The Ag Fund Board has a strict set of guidelines to follow as to what action can be taken with each candidate. The Ag Fund Board may elect to make a financial contribution to a particular 2 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

candidate for their race. They may elect to endorse a candidate or they may elect to make a financial contribution and give an endorsement as well. Endorsements are given very sparely.

The reason the Ag Fund enjoys such a successful record in selecting winners of these races lies in the fact that so many of our members take an active roll in providing input into the process. If you have feelings about a particular candidate, get in touch with your County Farm Bureau and let your feelings be known.

T

he second part of the equation for success in electing a candidate or dealing with a State Question is getting involved.

As I mentioned earlier we must educate our self on the candidates and the issues but to get the right answers to the equation we must participate in the decision making process. Not everyone is going to get heavily involved in the mechanics of politics but everyone should care enough about their communities, their county, their state, and their nation to exercise a right as a citizen of the greatest country on earth, the right to vote. The polling place is where the will of the people, at least the people who voted, all ends and starts. It signifies the end of the campaign and the start of the promises and abilities of the people who the voters elected to office.

As a citizen in the upcoming elections won’t you do your part to educate yourself on the candidates and issues by getting involved and exercising your right to vote? By doing so there is a better than 90 percent chance you will have supported the winning candidate.

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

OKLAHOMANS HAVE LONG BELIEVED IN GOOD COVERAGE FOR THEIR VEHICLES.

A lot has changed since those first brave pioneers crossed into Oklahoma aboard wagon trains. Then again, some things have stayed the same, like the need for good protection for whatever it is you drive. These days, however, that protection comes not from a fellow Okie with a trusty side iron, but from a fellow Okie armed with policies from a trusted insurance provider. Oklahoma Farm Bureau agents are proud to provide the kind of quality auto coverage at great rates that every Oklahoman needs. Because they know that on the highways and byways of this state, it’s still the wild wild west.

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

Matters

Insurance

By Ericka McPherson, Esq. Assistant General Counsel Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies

Oklahoma Legislature impacts insurance industry

W

eather is not the only thing that has an impact on Oklahoma’s insurance industry.

In addition to Oklahoma’s erratic weather patterns, the unpredictable nature of the Oklahoma Legislature impacts our industry. Much like the weather, the legislature sometimes provides the insurance industry a little sunshine and other times produces a storm. In either circumstance, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company (OFBMIC) is at the capitol throughout the legislative session to protect your interests as policyholders.

Here are a few measures that OFBMIC followed this past legislative session: Cellular Phone/Mobile Devices Multiple pieces of legislation were filed on the topic of operating a motor vehicle while using a cellular or mobile device this legislative session. These types of legislative measures were filed in hopes to reduce crashes that involve such distractions.

HB 2276 was the first bill on the topic to be signed into law. It addresses the inattentive driver issue by allowing a law enforcement officer to issue a citation to the operator of a motor vehicle driving in such a manner that poses a danger to other persons on the roadway. Previously, the law only allowed for a citation to be issued after a driver was involved in an accident.

SB 1908 is another measure signed into law to address inattentive driving. Originally the bill prohibited “distracted driving” for all drivers.

“Distracted driving” would have been defined as inattentive driving, that is caused by reading, writing, performing personal grooming, interacting with pets or unsecured cargo, using a personal communication device to send an electronic message or text, or engaging in any other activity which causes distractions.

4 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

Some felt the original intent of the bill went too far and the language ended up only prohibiting persons with a Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) from operating a motor vehicle while using a “hand-held electronic device” (except in emergencies). A “hand-held electronic device" is defined as a mobile telephone or electronic device with which a user engages in a telephone call, plays or stores media, including but not limited to music and video, or sends or reads a text message while requiring the use of at least one hand.

SB 1908 also limits persons with a GDL from operating a motor vehicle between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The GDL program gradually phases in driving privileges for new teen drivers aged 15 to 18 as they gain experience behind the wheel. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (ODPS) reports more crashes happen within the GDL age group than any other, which is a correlation to insurance premiums being higher for teen drivers. During their first year of driving, 25 percent of 16-year-olds either receive a ticket or are involved in a crash.

Uninsured Motorists Approximately one in six drivers across the country may be driving uninsured, according to a recent study by the Insurance Research Council. The magnitude of the uninsured motorist problem varies from state to state, however Oklahoma has been ranked four out of five in states with the highest UM driver estimates at 24 percent.

In an attempt to help address the problem, the legislature passed HB 2331 which provides that if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a vehicle is not insured as required by the Compulsory Insurance Law of the state of Oklahoma, the officer may seize the vehicle being operated by

the person and cause the vehicle to be towed and stored. If the operator of the vehicle produces what appears to be a valid security verification form and the officer is unable to confirm compliance through the online verification system or noncompliance by a subsequent investigation, the officer shall be prohibited from seizing the vehicle and causing such vehicle to be towed and stored. Further, no vehicle shall be seized and towed if said vehicle is displaying a temporary license plate that has not expired pursuant to law.

The uninsured motorist’s issue also was addressed in a portion of the state’s $6.68 billion budget package. In an attempt to fill some of the budget shortfall, ODPS announced that it is interested in expanding its current insurance verification process to include a system of automated enforcement of vehicle insurance that will encompass both in-state and out-of-state drivers. It intends to contract with a vendor, which will incorporate the use of approximately 220 stationary cameras located along selected highways in combination with any other technology proposed by the contractor for compulsory vehicle insurance enforcement.

The state of Oklahoma is seeking a contractor who will be responsible for implementation and administration of these objectives.

Currently, the plan is to photograph the license plates of passing vehicles in an effort to catch drivers without automobile insurance. If a vehicle is found to be out of compliance with the state’s compulsory insurance law, a citation will be generated and sent via mail. Such enforcement of vehicle insurance is estimated to generate fines from drivers totaling $50 million in state revenue. As with any new system, concerns develop. At this time, the insurance industry has concerns with the system’s accuracy and privacy issues.

Credit Scoring Every year OFBMIC meets with the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) regarding the plan for its omnibus legislation.

Usually it is a noncontroversial measure that repeals outdated language. However, this session the omnibus bill contained language that would affect credit scoring for “Extraordinary Life Circumstances” such as catastrophic event, serious illness or injury (to insured or immediate family member), death of a spouse, child or parent, divorce or involuntary interruption of legally-owed alimony or support payments, identity theft, temporary loss of employment for a period of three months or more if it results from involuntary termination, military deployment overseas and other events as determined by the insurer. Ultimately, this language was removed from the measure. However, the state of Kansas recently joined Iowa as the most recent state to pass a version of the model language.

You may ask yourself why this would be a bad thing for a policyholder? The reality is that actuarial science professionals have determined that credit scoring is the best predictor of risk when determining rates.

Implementing such broad language as stated above into state law would affect a company’s ability to accurately determine the type of risk it is insuring, which may in turn affect the overall profitability of the company. That risk potentially transfers to policyholders by the way of rates. OFBMIC only uses credit scores to determine a discount for the consumer.

Consequently, approximately 80 percent of OFBMIC policyholders benefit from the use of

credit scoring, thus creating a positive situation for both the company and consumer.

Emergency Service Fees On the last day of the legislative session, OFBMIC worked with other industry groups in support of HB 3387, as last minute language was added to the measure that would have expanded upon a law passed last year to help ensure that persons involved in auto accidents or other emergencies will not be charged for non-ambulance emergency services they receive.

More and more local governments nationwide are implementing a hidden fee, or accident tax, for emergency response services.

In a time of historic budget crunches, many municipalities are using accident fees as an opportunity to increase revenues without formally raising taxes. Even though public safety is a basic role of local government, these fees take advantage of consumers.

Accident taxes amount to nothing more than double taxation. Emergency response services already are paid for by property and

other local taxes. These fees run contrary to the idea of paying taxes to receive basic local government services. By billing for police and firefighting services, governments are imposing hidden taxes on citizens that ultimately raise insurance costs for all consumers.

Unfortunately, in the last hour before the legislature was to adjourn the bill did not receive a floor hearing in the Senate and died.

This is an issue that we will continue to fight and will add to the list of issues to tackle in the next legislative session.

The next time you watch the weather report to prepare and stay aware, remember that weather alone is not the only impact on the insurance industry. So in turn, I encourage you to also prepare and stay aware in regards to the legislative issues that matter to you as a consumer and policyholder. During the upcoming election cycle stay engaged, voice your concerns and wishes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 405-530-2668 or by email at ericka.mcpherson@okfb.org.

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Motor Vehicle Report Fee Increase SB 1556 is another legislative measure intended to address the state’s budget pitfall.

The legislation increases the fee for a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) from $10 to $25, which now ranks Oklahoma as the highest in the nation for such fee. The information contained on a MVR, which is particularly important to an insurance company, is a driver’s record of accidents and citations, which impacts the proper rating of an individual’s auto policy.

Ultimately, all consumers will feel the impact of this fee increase due to it affecting underwriting expenses, which are commonly used in the derivation of auto policy rates.

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AAAB.(CDEFFGDHBIJF Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 5

Country

Gardening

By Joe Benton

Extension Education, Ag & CED Pottawatomie County OSU Extension Service

Try your luck at the county fair

A

lmost all Oklahomans have a county fair. Residents in their counties are eligible to exhibit locally. No matter if you live in a rural, suburban or metropolitan area, you would have the opportunity to exhibit if your county has a fair. It’s easier than you think to be involved.

Check the fair catalog for exact times to enter your entries. We often find gardeners may have better crops than they think!

Enter a wide variety of vegetables and chances are you’ll win at least a few ribbons and maybe make enough money to pay for next year’s seeds!

You’ll first want to obtain the Fair Handbook, which contains the rules, many are online. Read the directions closely, and follow them. If they ask for 10 cherry tomatoes, don’t display nine or 11 tomatoes, or a mix of cherry and other types.

Keep your entries uniform. The judges are looking for signs that you can grow a crop of that particular vegetable consistently well. If you display three tomatoes, try to select ones that are as uniform and similar in size and shape as possible. Anyone can get lucky and grow one good tomato.

Keep it clean. There’s nothing worse than a healthy vegetable not cleaned up properly.

This often makes the difference between a red and blue ribbon.

Display healthy produce. Judges are looking for any signs of disease or insect damage. Select the healthiest produce you have and check it carefully for any markings caused by pest damage. The judges will be doing the same.

Pick it at the right time. Extra large zucchini, cucumbers and beans aren’t tasty and won’t win big prizes.

6 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

I

f you haven’t ever entered flowers in the fair, or even considered doing so, you should. It is easy and you will be adding to the beauty for all to see.

Most underestimate the quality of their flowers. By following a few simple steps you’ll be able to pick the best quality flowers, and have them last as long as possible (often referred to as a long “vase life”). These steps can also help even if just cutting flowers to enjoy in your own home or to give as gifts to neighbors.

You should again check your fair catalog.

This lists all the directions on flower categories and their details, when to enter, premiums awarded to winners, and more.

Be sure and follow directions to avoid disqualification. If the category calls for three stems, make sure you have three stems, not four, not one stem with three branches.

When you go to the garden to start looking, take a container with water. You should also make sure the container or vases are clean. Otherwise microscopic bacteria may start growing, clogging the water vessels in flower stems, and resulting in them wilting prematurely. After scrubbing containers clean, you should use one part bleach to nine parts water to further kill such bacteria. Just make sure you rinse the containers well with clean water afterwards.

Armed with your rules or flower list, your clean container and water, and sharp scissors or pruners, you’re ready to cut flowers. Look for those just beginning to open – they’ll last the longest in vases. For roses that open rapidly, you should cut them when the buds are just about to unfurl. For gladiolus, cut them when only a few lower flowers are beginning to open. The goal is to be fully flowered out on judging day.

Look for freedom from spots on flowers and leaves. These could indicate pest damage, disease, or poor culture such as lack of water and sunscald. Of course don’t pick flowers with excessive holes or chewed leaves. Look under leaves as well for signs of disease or even lurking pests. Having live pests on entries is a sure way they’ll quickly be thrown out!

If only a few damaged leaves, you can merely cut them off. But enter a stem totally devoid of leaves, and the judges might wonder what was wrong with the leaves!

Speaking of leaves, make sure none are on the lower stems and in the water of vases or containers. They will rot and cause organisms to spoil the water. When removing leaves before placing them in containers, re-cut an inch or so off the stems. This exposes newly opened water vessels in stems which are better able to absorb water.

Lastly, for longest vase-life, keep flowers as cool as possible, out of drafts, and out of direct sun. This keeps them from drying out as quickly. Follow these simple steps for choosing and harvesting flowers, and enter some of your more unusual flowers, and you may just take some ribbons home from the fair!

Your local County Extension office is a good place to start when looking for a fair catalog and more information concerning the county fair.

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and Local Government’s cooperating.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran and is an equal opportunity employer.

* Must be a Farm Bureau member for at least 30 days. Contact your local Farm Bureau office for details. Farm Bureau® is a federally registered collective membership and a registered service mark of the American Farm Bureau Federation.® Cummins is a registered trademark of Cummins, Inc.

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 7

Passion A

For Organic Food

Annette Rihard of Oologah, the first Oklahoman to serve on the USDA's National Organic Standards Board, hopes to bridge the gap and improve the understanding of traditional and organic methods of growing food.

By Sam Knipp

B

efore there was anhydrous ammonia, Round Up herbicide and BT corn, there was organic. It just wasn’t called organic.

“When humans first started growing and cultivating food, everything was done organically, without synthetic chemicals,” says Annette Riherd, Oologah. She is in the first year of a five-year term on the USDA’s National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and is the first Oklahoman to serve in such a position. The board makes recommendations to USDA regarding the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for organic food operations.

The NOSB was established as part of the 1990 Farm Bill and includes four producers, two handlers, one retailer, three environmentalists, three consumers, one scientist and one certifying agent.

Riherd has more than 20 years of experience with organic farming.

“I am excited to fill one of the farmer positions,” Riherd says. “I want to use my experience as a smaller farmer to be a voice on the

8 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

Blackberry blossoms give hope the flavorful fruit will soon be ready. “Growing food is not easy,” says Annette Riherd. “In an ideal world more people would grow their own food and understand how difficult this is.”

What exactly does organic mean?

board and help with the guidance and rulemaking process.”

The board meets several times a year and the meetings last about one week. In addition, she participates in about five hours of conference calls with other board members each week.

“We go over all the organic rules and regulations as they come up for renewal,” Riherd says. “There’s a ton of reading involved!”

Riherd wants the NOSB to meet in Oklahoma next spring.

“This would be good for Oklahoma and good for the NOSB, to see how we grow food here in the High Plains,” Riherd says.

Raised on a traditional agriculture farm near Columbus, Kan., Riherd understands both the conventional and organic methods of food production.

“Agriculture is agriculture and I see both sides,” Riherd says. “I want to bridge the gap and improve understanding of both methods. If I can

The USDA defines organic foods as basically those grown and processed in a way that limits or excludes the use of synthetic materials during production. Taking that a step further with the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) definition: “Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.

It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.

“Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.”

Federal law specifies three levels of organics. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods can be labeled “100 percent organic.”

Products with at least 95 percent organic ingredients can use the word “organic.”

Products containing a minimum of 70 percent organic ingredients can be labeled “made with organic ingredients.”

Organic foods account for 1-2 percent of total food sales worldwide but the market is rapidly growing. U.S. sales escalated from $23 billion in 2002 to $52 billion in 2008.

The world organic market has been growing by 20 percent a year since the early 1990s.

Experts predict future growth will average 10-50 percent annually depending on the country. In the U.S., organic food sales have grown 17-20 percent a year for the past several years while sales of conventional food have increased about 2-3 percent annually.

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 9

My Favorite Recipes

Growing up on the Kansas farm, Annette Riherd stoked her passion for growing food with preparing and cooking the food. Here are a few examples of Riherd’s favorite family recipes using organicallygrown food.

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers 4 red, green or yellow bell peppers, tops sliced off and chopped up 2 cups rice or couscous 1 cup chopped or ground sausage or beef 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley 1/2 cup chicken stock 2 scallions, chopped Slice off tops of bell peppers, remove seeds and rinse. Chop up the bell pepper tops and place into a large bowl. Add rice or couscous, chopped meat, dried basil, parsley, chopped pepper tops, chicken stock and scallion. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper. Stuff each pepper with filling and place in a square baking dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or until tender.

Peach-Mint Salsa 2 ripe peaches, diced 1 small red pepper; chopped 1/2 red onion; chopped 1 small jalapeno pepper; minced 1/3 cup pineapple juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh chopped mint Peach Salsa 6 cups peaches – diced 1 1/4 cups red onion – chopped 4 jalapeno pepper – chopped 1 red pepper - chopped 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro – loosely packed 1/2 cup white vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 3 cloves garlic – finely chopped 2 teaspoons cumin 1/2 teaspoon cayenne Simmer for 5 minutes. Pack into hot jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (0-1000 ft.), 15 minutes (1001-6000 ft.), and 20 minutes (above 6000 ft.).

Sweet Peach Salsa 4 cups fresh peaches – peeled, pitted and chopped 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 4 jalapeno peppers, minced 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 1 teaspoon grated lime zest 1/4 cup white sugar 1 (49 gram) package light fruit pectin crystals 3 1/2 cups white sugar canning jars

10 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

1.

2.

3.

Sterilize jars and lids.

In a large saucepan, combine peaches, onion, pepper, cilantro, garlic, cumin, vinegar, and lime zest. Stir together pectin and 1/4 cup sugar. Bring to a boil, and stir in remaining 3 1/2 cups sugar. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir for 5 minutes.

Pour peach salsa into prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch air space. Seal, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

Roasted Green Beans (Serves 4) An aluminum foil liner prevents burning on dark nonstick baking sheets. When using baking sheets with a light finish, foil is not required, but we recommend it for easy cleanup.

1 pound green beans , stem ends snapped off 1 tablespoon olive oil Table salt and ground black pepper Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 450 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil; spread beans on baking sheet.

Drizzle with oil; using hands, toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, toss to coat, and distribute in even layer. Roast 10 minutes.

Remove baking sheet from oven. Using tongs, redistribute beans. Continue roasting until beans are dark golden brown in spots and have started to shrivel, 10 to 12 minutes longer.

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, transfer to serving bowl, and serve.

Roasted Peppers and Dressing This is a truly seasonal salad, so make it soon, before the last fall tomatoes are gone. You’ll find them at the farmers’ markets – next to the tables full of peppers.

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper 1 1/2 pounds red or red and yellow peppers, roasted 1 tablespoon slivered fresh basil 1 pound fresh ripe tomatoes, cut in wedges 1 head of leaf lettuce or romaine 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (optional) To make the dressing, mix together the sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste.

Cut the roasted peppers into 1/2-inch wide strips. Toss with two tablespoons of the dressing.

Add half the basil, and toss again.

Remove and discard the tough outer leaves from the lettuce. Wash and dry the tender leaves and tear into bite-size pieces. Toss with the tomatoes and remaining dressing and basil. Line a platter or a wide bowl with the lettuce and tomatoes. Top with the peppers. Sprinkle on the goat cheese, if using. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Advance preparation: The roasted peppers will keep for about five days in the refrigerator and for a week if you toss them with the dressing.

Annette Riherd believes organic farmers with small acreages are no different than large acreage wheat farmers. “They are both in the food business," Riherd said.

Annette Riherd matches her passion for growing food with her skill as she displays a basket of freshlypicked organically-grown strawberries.

The USDA’s definition of organic agriculture is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.

grow a crop, I plan to do it naturally organic. But, I don’t have a problem with traditionally grown food.”

Riherd believes people don’t understand what organic means and have misconceptions about organic farmers.

“Organic farmers with 20 acres of fruit trees and vegetables are not really any different than the traditional farmer growing 1,000 acres of wheat,” Riherd says. “They are both in the food business. I constantly hear organic food is a niche market. It’s actually just another segment of the industry.”

A proliferation of books by critics of our current food production system has prompted Riherd to make a few points exceptionally clear.

“Growing food is not easy,” Riherd says. “In an ideal world more people would grow their own food and understand how difficult this is. It is scary that some people want to completely do away with our food system. Our farmers and ranchers produce a safe, quality product at an affordable price. But we can always find a better way. That’s what scientists are doing every day as they seek to find new technology unlocking the secrets to higher production and quality.”

If you haven’t guessed by now, Riherd considers herself an advocate for agriculture.

“I have a passion for growing things,” Riherd says, “and that extends all the way back to my childhood working beside my family on the Kansas farm.”

O

klahomans are experienced with Mother Nature’s wrath, but her toll on the Sooner State would pale in comparison to the storm brewing if State Question 744 wins approval in November.

SQ 744, the so-called Hope Initiative circulated by the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) and signed by more than 230,000 voters, would dictate that Oklahoma spend the same amount per student as the regional average of the six surrounding states.

“A lot of people didn’t know what they were signing,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “There are a lot of them now that would like to have their signatures back.”

State Representative Leslie Osborn, who is leading the House Republican caucus campaign against the issue, agreed: “A lot of people who signed the petition did not know what they were signing. Circulators were just telling them something like ‘don’t you want to improve your children’s education’.”

Proponents and opponents agree that passage of the question would require a minimum of $850 million more in funding for common education annually.

Any agreement stops there, however.

Some estimates have that figure as high as $1 billion annually. And, that would be on top of the almost $2.5 billion in state funds allocated to common education already.

About 36 percent of the state budget now goes to common education.

When career tech, higher ed and all other education related agencies are included, that total jumps to about 54 percent of all annual state expenditures.

Rep. Osborn said SQ 744 would mean total state expenditures for all education would require up to 70 percent of the entire budget.

“Every other state agency would face massive cuts,” she said.

SQ 744 has no funding mechanism. The OEA claims normal growth in revenue will pay for it. However, in the last year alone, state revenues dropped more than 20 percent. Funding it would mean money will have to be shifted from other agencies or taxes increased, or both.

The Oklahoma Constitution says spending originates in the House of Representatives. SQ 744, an unfunded constitutional mandate, would force legislators to fund education before spending a penny on other agencies.

The proposal would strip oversight of the majority of the state budget from Oklahoma legislators, with lawmakers in Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas indirectly determining how much Oklahoma spends.

“SQ 744 cedes state sovereignty to the legislatures of surrounding states, and commits the state into a race of education spending that could destroy state government and the state economy,” said Spradling.

The crippled state economy has left an estimated $2 billion shortfall in Oklahoma’s budget. Passage of SQ 744 would lead to an even greater budget collapse.

“We shouldn’t put every other priority of state government at risk even for a priority as important as education,“ Spradling declared. “Every agency in the state would suffer at the hands of education.

“We are not anti-education. This,” he continued, “has nothing to do with education, but everything to do with how it is funded.”

“I am not anti-education, but I just don’t think people realize the impact it would have. It would,” said Rep. Osborn, “devastate Oklahoma’s infrastructure.”

SQ 744 also requires Oklahoma common education spending to increase each time the regional average grows. But if that same average declines, Oklahoma is not allowed to decrease its spending even during a revenue shortfall like the state is now experiencing.

12 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

Storm

Leslie Osborn, the first term district 47 state representative from Tuttle, is leading the House Republican caucus effort to defeat State Question 744. She says raising education spending to the regional average would be “absolutely catastrophic” for state government.

State Question 744 awaits voters – passage could devastate Oklahoma.

Advisory!

OFB President Mike Spradling is speaking out on behalf of members against State Question 744, and represents it in the One Oklahoma Coalition. Passage of the question could jeopardize ag sales tax exemptions and increase property taxes.

By Mike Nichols

Oklahoma has attempted to “fix” education funding for years. HB 1017, approved in 1990, collected $7.2 billion in taxes for education. Since then, taxes on cigarettes and alcohol have been funneled to education, and paramutual betting sends money to education. Casino gambling and the state lottery were the latest “fixes” for education spending.

Figures from the House Fiscal Division show appropriations for common education have increased by 26.6 percent between fiscal years 2001 and 2010, or an increase of $525 million in the time period. All education-related agencies saw an increase of 29.7 percent during the same time period.

“It doesn’t matter how much money education has,” declared Spradling, “it’s never enough. They need to find a way to live within their means. Education is just one component of being a successful state. Under SQ 744, one component would flourish and all others would suffer.”

“There are,” agreed Rep. Osborn, “other functions besides education.

There are really so many important things the state does. This would be absolutely catastrophic to state government.

“It’s never enough,” she continued. “Even if it passed, I don’t think it would be enough to suit the teacher unions.”

According to the National Education Association, Oklahoma teachers are ranked 42nd in the nation in salary. And the OEA says Oklahoma spends $7,615 per student annually, which is $1,463 less than the regional average.

However, Rep. Osborn said figures can be misleading.

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) reports when the cost of living in Oklahoma is considered, teachers here are ranked 19th in the nation in salary.

“It doesn’t cost as much to live in Tuttle or Oklahoma City. And,” said Rep. Osborn, “Oklahoma is one of only five states that pays 100 percent of each teacher’s health insurance premiums.”

And while OEA claims spending is $7,615 per student, OCPA put the actual per pupil spending at $10,942 in FY 2007. It indicated that figures for students enrolled in at least one career tech program ($136 million expended) are not included in the per pupil average as well as funds from agencies like the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Oklahoma Lottery Commission, and Commissioners of the Land Office that also collect revenues for public education.

Nobel-prize winning economist Milton Friedman called the OCPA report “a real public service.”

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 13

The Cato Institute, a non-profit Senate President Pro Tempore public policy research foundation headGlenn Coffee said SQ 744 is “one of the quartered in Washington, D.C., stated most dangerous things ever to go on bluntly: “Citizens drastically underthe Oklahoma ballot. It would require estimate current per student spending significant cuts in the rest of state and are misled by official figures.” government with no easy ability to While some might argue that SQ 744 recover those revenues.” is a Democrat versus Republican issue, House Speaker Chris Benge said statements from leaders in both parties SQ 744 “would be devastating to the strongly dispel the partisanship state budget. $850 million is either argument. going to be done by tax increases or Gov. Brad Henry, a Shawnee cuts to areas like health care.

Democrat, who has spent much of his “And,” Benge added, “it should be two terms fighting for better teacher pay noted, that just because you’re against and benefits and championing higher 744 doesn’t mean you’re against academic standards, publicly announced education.” his opposition in a Jan. 27 editorial in the Assistant Floor Leader Sen. Brian Daily Oklahoman.

Bingman said SQ 744 “will put our “I suspect right now that the state’s sovereignty into question and initiative will not pass. If it looks like it place unnecessary burdens on our state has momentum and may pass, I may budget. Tax increases and further speak out more publicly than I already budget reductions among critical state have,” said the governor. agencies will be likely in order to fund Speaking for the governor, Press this initiative that allows other states to Secretary Paul Sund told Oklahoma dictate Oklahoma’s budgeting Country that Henry believes “it is poor practices.

Gov. Brad Henry has spent much of his two terms fighting for better teacher pay and benefits. However, the Democratic policy to mandate spending percentage “SQ 744 in not a wise road for us to take governor is opposed to State Question 744. The governor feels it levels in the constitution” and that SQ 744 in light of the challenging economy we is poor policy to mandate spending levels in the Oklahoma would “tie the hands of lawmakers. It is a currently face,” he added.

Constitution, which SQ 744 would require. bad policy to write it into the constitution.”

The Oklahoma House of Representatives Opposite, bottom: Oklahoma Farm Bureau developed this post Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat seeking conducted an interim study in an attempt to card size handout that staff has been distributing. The handout the governor’s office, has called SQ 744 “well determine the ramifications of SQ 744 on outlines what the farm organization believes would occur if intentioned,” but a measure that would hurt the state budget and agencies. That study voters approve SQ 744 on Nov. 2. The question is one of nine on the general election ballot. other areas of education like early childhood found that budgets would be slashed and and career tech. She also said it would erode taxes rates would have to increase, or dollars for higher education and put more perhaps both. pressure on students with tuition and fee increases.

“It is appropriate for Oklahomans to know the full story before they go Attorney General Drew Edmondson, another Democratic gubernatorial the ballot box,” said Rep. Osborn. candidate, also opposes SQ 744. He questioned whether the measure In order to fulfill the minimum $850 million common education would be enforceable, and said money to fund it would come from the increase, lawmakers will have to look at income or sales tax increases as budgets of other agencies. high as 40 percent or possibly 20 percent across-the-board budget U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, a Republican candidate for governor, has reductions in other agencies. announced her opposition to the question.

According to the House Fiscal Staff, state income taxes would have to “As an Oklahoman, a mother and an elected official, I want to make be increased 34 percent overall from 5.5 percent to 7.35 percent to raise our schools better and I want every child in this state to get a good the $850 million. That would make Oklahoma’s income tax the highest in education. Unfortunately, SQ 744 doesn’t do that. this region and the 15th highest in the nation.

“What it does do is place an enormous unfunded mandate on the state A 38 percent increase in sales taxes from the current 4.5 percent rate at the worst possible time: right in the middle of a recession and a serious to about 6.2 percent also would generate the revenue. If that occurs, budget crisis,” Fallin continued. “If it passes, public safety, transportation Oklahoma’s sales tax would be the second highest in the region just behind and virtually every state agency will be forced to take massive budget cuts the 6.25 percent rate in Texas. to pick up the tab. That’s not good for Oklahoma, not good for our children, If taxes aren’t raised, which some consider unlikely due to passage of and in the long run, not good for public education.”

SQ 640 in 1992 to prevent the legislature from raising taxes without Sen. Randy Brogden, another Republican gubernatorial candidate, said approval from the voters or 3/4 of each house of the legislature, lawmakers SQ 744 would “have a terrible impact on the budget” and take control of would be forced to make budget reductions. the budget away from the legislature.

“Any tax increase would have to be voted on by the people,” said Rep. Sen. Andrew Rice, Democrat leader-elect for the 2011-12 session, said Osborn, “and it wouldn’t pass so that really leaves us only with cutting he believes opposition to SQ 744 comes from both sides of the aisle. budgets of state agencies.”

“It ties the legislature’s hands,” he added. “Fifty percent of the budget The study found that across-the-board cuts as high as 20 percent goes for education, so we have a pretty big commitment already.” would be necessary. Briefly, such budget cuts would: 14 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

Why Farm Bureau’s Involved!

W

hy is Oklahoma Farm Bureau involved in the effort to defeat State Question 744?

“The answer is simple,” said President Mike Spradling. “Voting delegates at our state convention adopted policy in opposition to the measure.”

That policy says: “We oppose State Question 744. This amendment to the Constitution would require the State to fund common education for each child up to the levels of surrounding states.

This should be a priority issue.”

Spradling listed the primary concerns OFB has with SQ 744. If it passes: • • There will have to be a way found to fund it. Agriculture’s sales tax exemptions could be in jeopardy.

• • Ad valorem tax increases could be another source of funding that could be looked at to meet the SQ 744 goals.

• • It would affect all consumers. The

Department of Agriculture has been reduced 10 percent already. The department could face cuts of 20 percent, which would affect all consumers in the state.

• • The OSU Osteopathic Medicine school in Tulsa sends many of its graduates to rural communities, where most establish practices and stay in Oklahoma. Cuts to higher education could cause those graduates to leave rural communities, which could result in residents leaving.

• • The College of Agriculture at OSU would face significant cuts.

Tyler Norvell, director of state affairs for OFB’s Public Policy Division, said the approval of the state question also would have other significant impacts on agriculture and the rural communities.

He said he believes passage of the question would result in increased fees for all permits related to agriculture.

It also would cause funds for rural economic

OklaHOMa FarM Bureau says

STOP STaTe

QueSTION

development and other agricultural programs to be discontinued.

And, Norvell said, funding for county roads and bridges would deteriorate.

OFB is a member of a coalition of opponents to SQ 744 that was formed in early April.

The group, called One Oklahoma Coalition, is an impressive list of agricultural interests, public employees, contractors and the business community. The members include OFB, the Oklahoma Public Employees Association, the TRUST Road and Bridge Coalition, the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and the State Chamber of Commerce.

The coalition supports improving education, but not by pitting different needs of the state against one another. It says if SQ 744 passes “Oklahoma’s families, businesses, people and children will suffer.”

How SQ 744 impacts agriculture: 1. Dramatic increase in property taxes.

2. The elimination of agriculture sales tax exemptions.

3. Increased fees for all permits related to agriculture.

4. Funding for rural economic development and other ag programs goes away.

5. County roads and bridges deteriorate.

See the reverse side to read why the state’s largest farm organization opposes this dangerous proposal.

Visit http://www.STOP744.COM to learn more about this issue.

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 15

Republic and Democratic frontrunners for the governor’s office have announced opposition to State Question 744. U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, a former Oklahoma state lawmaker and lieutenant governor, says the measure places an enormous unfunded mandate on state government at the worst possible time. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins called the measure “well intentioned,” but one that would harm education from early childhood development to colleges and universities. State Sen. Randy Brogden said the measure takes budget control away from the Oklahoma Legislature, and would “have a terrible impact.” State Attorney General Drew Edmondson questioned whether the measure would be enforceable, and said it would take money from other government functions to fund education.

Mary Fallin

Jari Askins

Randy Brogden

Drew Edmondson

• Cause the Department of Public Safety to lay off 221 of the state’s 811 state troopers.

President Pro Tempore Speaker of the House • Necessitate the Glenn Coffee Chris Benge release of 8,400 incarcerated in Department of Corrections facilities and the closing of as many as nine state prisons.

• A 33 percent increase in college tuition to make up for lost revenue as well as elimination of staff and faculty and course offerings.

• Because of federal matching funds, the Department of Transportation would have $395 million stripped from road projects, and nearly 200 bridges would be removed from the eight-year plan with a 20 percent cut.

16 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

Leaders of the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives on both sides of the aisle as well as rank and file members have come out in opposition to State Question 744. Speaker Chris Benge said SQ 744 “would be devastating to the state budget.”

President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee called the measure “one of the most dangerous things ever to go on the Oklahoma ballot.” Democratic Floor Leader Andrew Rice said Oklahoma has a “pretty big commitment” to education already with 50 percent of the budget committed. Assistant Floor Leader Brian Bingman said the measure would “allow other states to dictate Oklahoma’s budgeting practices.” Rep. Leslie Osborn, who is leading the House opposition to SQ 744, said all GOP House members are opposed and that “maybe half” of the Democrats are, too.

• The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (which operates the state’s Medicaid and Medicare programs) Democratic Leader-Elect Assistant Floor Leader would be cut $134 Senator Andrew Rice Senator Brian Bingman million with cuts in services and provider rates greatly reduced. Another $343 million in federal matching funds would be lost.

“Hijacking the state’s budget with a blind mandate is bad government,” concluded Spradling. “SQ 744 is a bad choice.”

“There are no guarantees the dollars SQ 744 hopes to raise would go to the classroom,” said Rep. Osborn in summary. “There are no stipulations on how it would be spent.”

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Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 17

Audrey Harmon, a kindergarten teacher at Morrison Elementary School, gives a presentation over her teaching methods using Ag in the Classroom curriculum at the Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom summer conference.

Below: Audrey is with her class at the buffalo ranch.

Harmon takes her students on different field trips to teach them about agriculture in Oklahoma.

18 â&#x20AC;˘ Oklahoma Country â&#x20AC;˘ Summer 2010

By Karolyn Bolay

Member Wins National Teaching Award Agriculture is incorporated into kindergarten curriculum.

W

hen you ask Audrey Harmon about her kindergarten students at Morrison Elementary School, her face lights up with excitement and pride. Because for her, teaching her students is more than just math or science; it’s about being able to incorporate her love for agriculture and learning as well.

Harmon, a Noble County Farm Bureau member, has used Ag in the Classroom teaching curriculum in her classroom for years. And her hard work has paid off, as she was recently a recipient of the AITC National Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award. Only five such awards are given to teachers nationwide.

As a nationally recognized AITC teacher, she presented her ideas to teachers from across the nation at the national conference in Baltimore, Md., in June. Harmon gave a workshop at the conference using the multi-media presentations she has incorporated into her classroom.

“I take lots of pictures to make the multi-media presentations,” Harmon said. “I take the Ag in the Classroom lesson and put the pictures with it to help keep the attention of my students.”

Harmon says the use of AITC for her curriculum and lesson plans has changed the dynamic of her classroom over the years.

“It brings the lessons to life for my students,” Harmon said. “It allows them to see that their food comes from the farm and not from just a grocery store.”

But it isn’t only the students that benefit from the use of the Ag in the Classroom curriculum. Harmon says it gives her the opportunity to be more flexible with her lessons.

“While it gives them lots of hands on experiences, it enables me to bring fun into the classroom,” Harmon said.

Curriculum and lesson plans for Oklahoma AITC are developed by teachers and approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

“The lessons cover reading, math, social studies, science and even art, so you can really take the lessons in any direction,” Harmon said.

The AITC lesson plans are not just for teachers with an agricultural background. They have the opportunity to learn about agriculture alongside their students and many are taking advantage of this opportunity.

“I have taught lessons about grapes, wind farms and different Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 19

agricultural areas that I may not have known much about,” Harmon said. “But, I could gain knowledge about these subjects from the background information given with the Ag in the Classroom lessons.”

The Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom program is a joint program between the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, and the Oklahoma Department of Education. Its main purpose is to educate children today about the food and fiber industries in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women have been active with the Audrey Harmon, a kindergarten teacher at Morrison Elementary School, helps her students mark their pumpkins at their trip to the pumpkin patch. Harmon uses the trip to teach her students about agriculture in Oklahoma. Harmon was recently a recipient of the National Excellence in Teaching Agriculture Award for her use of Ag in the Classroom.

20 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

AITC program for many years through donations and volunteering their time. Many Farm Bureau members across the state go into the classroom and help to teach lessons as well.

“My county Farm Bureau Women’s group gave me money to spend in my classroom to buy agriculture-related books for my students,” Harmon said.

When asked why other teachers should try Ag in the Classroom as part of their regular curriculum, a smile ran across Audrey’s face.

“Just jump in and try it,” Harmon said. “It’s just a more fun way to teach for the students, and they just love it.”

Harmon was previously recognized as the 2009 Oklahoma State Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and has taught for 10 years. She and her husband, Burton, reside in Morrison, with their children, Benjamin, Aaron and Jared.

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Based retail contract July 15, 2010,BH withBackhoe, a suggested not included in suggested price. subject to change or cancellation without notice. ** Implementsretail that qualify for Offer the tractor discount include MWCanadian Mower Deck, RR The Rearinterest Finish Mower, Rotary TL 60 Rotary Tiller, BMonMounted Blade,date BS ofSnow Blower, RC price on a new 2WD Farmall 45ARotary tractorCutter, of C$21,003.30.

Customer provides down payment of C$4,203.30 and finances balance of C$16,800.00 at a rate of 0.00% annum for 60 months.

Work EZDeck, Disk Harrow, Work EZ Finish Rake, Work EZ Box Blade, or Work the EZ Broom, Rear Blade.

Ask Rotary your Case IH dealer forper details. **Implements that qualify for the tractor discount include MW Mower RR Rear Mower, BR Rotary TL Tiller, BM Mounted Blade, There will be 60 equal monthly installment payments of C$280.00 starting on August 15, 2010. The total amount payable will be C$21,003.30 which includes finance charges of C$0.00.

BS Snow Blower, BH Backhoe, RC RotaryTaxes, Cutter, Workdelivery, EZ Disk Harrow, EZnotBox Blade, or Work EZOffer Rear Blade. your Case IH dealer for details. freight, set-up, additional options or Work attachments included in suggested retail price. subject to changeAsk or cancellation without notice. ** Implements that qualify for the tractor discount include MW Mower Deck, RR Rear Finish Mower, BR Rotary Broom, TL Rotary Tiller, BM Mounted Blade, BS Snow Blower, BH Backhoe, RC Rotary Cutter, Work EZ Disk Harrow, Work EZ Rake, Work EZ Box Blade, or Work EZ Rear Blade. Ask your Case IH dealer for details.

CaseLLC. IHAlland Capital are and registered of CNH LLC. www.caseih.com © 2010 CNH Capital America rightsCNH reserved.

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© 2010 CNH Capital America LLC. All rights reserved. CNH Capital and Case IH are registered trademarks of CNH America LLC. www.caseih.com

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 21

All Around

Oklahoma

May storms devastate cars, homes

W

hat the hail?

Yes, hail and tornadoes on May 10 and 16 likely will be the most costly in state history.

Southwest Insurance Information Services reported insured losses would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, commenting that insurance companies doing business in Oklahoma “will consider this a major catastrophe.”

An estimate by ISO’s Property Claims Services unit, released in early June, said the May 10 tornado outbreak will cost insurance companies $595 million.

The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner’s

office reported that claims from the May 16 hail and tornadoes likely will exceed those from the May 10 storms. If that’s the case, total damages will exceed $1 billion statewide.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance Claims Vice President Richard Newberry said the company saw almost 8,000 property and auto claims filed as a result of the two storms.

“On both storms, we’ve had about 5,500 property claims and 2,100 auto claims reported,” he said.

Newberry estimated that the combined losses from the two storm events would be about $85 million in property and another $10

million in autos for Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

“It will,” he said, “be much larger in numbers reported and dollars than the May 3, 1999, tornadoes.”

Those storms 11 years ago racked up about $24 million in claims for the company. Total insured and uninsured loss statewide from those deadly storms was $1.41 billion.

The Claims Department worked non-stop since the May 10 tornadoes to handle the massive number of claims.

Newberry said his personnel along with those from other state Farm Bureaus worked claims for 19 consecutive days without time off.

OFB Administrative Services Vice President Robert Peeler’s home near I-40 and Choctaw Road, which was insured by Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance, was destroyed by the May 10 tornado. The state Department of Emergency Management reported that 282 homes were destroyed by tornadoes on May 10 alone. About 5,500 properties covered by Farm Bureau Insurance were destroyed or damaged from the May 10 and 16 hailstorms and tornadoes, resulting in an estimated loss of $85 million.

22 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

Claims Physical Damage Specialist Mike Jenkins talks with an insured about the hail damage to her vehicle at the drive-in claims event held in the Bricktown district of Oklahoma City.

Claims personnel averaged looking at 260 cars per day at the first drive-in claims event held in Oklahoma City. The estimated loss to Oklahoma Farm Bureau insureds’ vehicles from the May storms in the state was $10 million.

“We had about 170 people working 19 days straight,” said Newberry.

Claims personnel were up-to-date on a daily basis with the first 1,500 to 2,000 claims filed from the May 10 tornadoes and hailstorms.

The tornadoes and massive hailstorms of May 16 more than doubled the original number of claims, and nearly were overwhelming.

The May 16 storm that hit the Oklahoma City metro with up to baseball size hail actually caused more widespread damage than the tornadoes.

At the same time, Alfalfa County and Pottawatomie County also experienced major damages from hail and accompanying storms.

To help service insureds, Newberry said drive-in hail claims events were held in Oklahoma City, Shawnee, Cherokee and Fairview.

During the first multi-day drive-in event in Oklahoma City, Newberry said appraisers and adjusters averaged about 260 cars per day.

Many vehicles had broken windows and windshields – rendering them almost too damaged to be driven – along with extreme damage to the bodies. Several vehicles were total losses.

And while some vehicles brought in carried fewer dents and dings from the hailstorms, today’s escalating repair costs sent many

Top: Louie Deonier, appraiser supervisor for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance Claims Department, records the VIN number from this car during a drive-in hail claims event held in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown at a large body shop. The new Buick LaCrosse, which still had a paper tag and only about 1,500 miles on the odometer, was a total loss.

Gov. Brad Henry is accompanied by a representative of the Oklahoma Emergency Management team as he views damages from the May storms. The governor asked for federal disaster assistance for many counties hit by the storms during May. The disaster assistance delivers a wide range of programs including funding for temporary housing assistance and low-interest loans for renters.

estimates above policy deductibles.

The Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner’s office said state-based companies will be hit harder by the May storms than regional or national companies that collect premiums in states that haven’t been hit by damaging weather. 9671811 “There was a very serious series of storms, and insured losses continue to rise,” said Marc Young, assistant insurance commissioner. “We had an absolutely horrendous month of May.”

– by Mike Nichols Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 23

All About Safety OFB Safety Specialist Dusty Applegate, right, is interviewed by Channel 6 newsman Craig Day about ATV safety as photojournalist Todd Ruffin shoots the video for the afternoon news. The teens attending the Safety Seminar heard Applegate speak about ATV safety and watched an ATV safety video June 7. In about a two-week period in late May and early June, five Oklahomans died as a result of ATV accidents. Tulsa’s Channel 6 and Oklahoma City’s Channel 9 ran Day’s report on the 5 p.m. newscast June 7.

Applegate told the newsman that youngsters think “it won’t happen to me. And that’s what we’re trying to bring to light is yes it can. It (an ATV) will kill you deader than a hammer and it doesn’t care.”

Micah Martin, an OFB safety specialist, speaks to teenage campers at the 43rd annual Safety Seminar about the dangers of power take offs on farm equipment. Safety staff members used a mannequin later in the session to show the teens how quickly a person can become entangled in a PTO and what can happen if an operator is pulled into the PTO shaft. The session on farm safety dealt primarily with tractors and other pieces of equipment used on today’s farms.

The 30 campers also spent June 8 on the ROPES Course near Stillwater to learn the importance of team building.

Central Rural Electric’s Jim Austin used a special display to help illustrate the potential dangers of electricity to the nearly 30 campers at the June 7-9 Safety Seminar at Tatanka Ranch northeast of Chandler. The 43rd annual Safety Seminar provided an opportunity for the teens to receive specialized instruction on a variety of safety topics, ranging from farm safety to this electrical safety session to ATV safety to the dangers of oil field sites. Farm Bureau’s popular DUI Prevention program and a new program demonstrating auto rollover dangers also were on the agenda.

24 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

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Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 25

OFB continues support of Youth Expo exhibitors

O

klahoma Youth Expo honored Oklahoma Farm Bureau for the ninth consecutive year with the Volume Buyer Award prior to the March 22 Sale of Champions.

President Mike Spradling accepted the honor in the sale ring at the State Fairgrounds Arena in Oklahoma City. The award recognizes the organization, business or individual that purchases the most animals during the Sale of Champions.

Farm Bureau has been the top volume buyer each year since 2001.

When the dust settled following the auction at the Youth Expo, which was organized in 1915, Farm Bureau paid premiums on 31 of the 205 animals making the sale. That number was five more than the organization paid premiums on at the 2008 auction.

More than $800,000 came in during the Sale of Champions, which marked the end of the 11-day OYE that has become the largest junior livestock show in the world.

That amount does not include add-ons for the animals in the premium sale. The $800,000-

26 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

plus figure was on top of the nearly $1.5 million in awards and scholarships that were handed out during the 11 days to the more than 7,000 students who had entries in the show.

Farm Bureau joined forces with Blue and Gold Sausage, Bank of Western Oklahoma and American Farmers & Ranchers to purchase the grand champion barrow. Brianna Robinson of El Reno FFA received a $20,000 premium for her 265-pound Hampshire barrow.

Farm Bureau also was a part of a combine that made the top bid for the reserve grand champion market goat, which was exhibited by Mercedes Hardin of Hennessey FFA. Farm Bureau, Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma and Oklahoma Youth Expo paid an $11,000 premium for the 105-pound wether goat.

Farm Bureau was the purchaser of the silver chalice going to the exhibitor of the grand champion steer, Bailey Buck of Madill FFA. The 1,311-pound crossbred steer brought a $50,000 premium from a combine of seven bidders.

Other prize-winning animals Farm Bureau paid premium money on included:

• The 1,295-pound breed champion Hereford steer exhibited by Rylee Straka of Canadian County 4-H. • The 258-pound reserve breed champion crossbred barrow exhibited by Blake Goss of Canute 4-H. • The 249-pound reserve breed champion Poland China barrow exhibited by Gabriel Rogers of Tuttle 4-H. • The 1,295-pound third place Angus steer exhibited by Sydney Johnston of Sapulpa FFA. • The 154-pound third place crossbred lamb exhibited by Garrett Goodwin of Tonkawa FFA. • The 97-pound tenth place wether goat exhibited by Tyler Boles of Asher FFA. • The 249-pound third place Duroc barrow exhibited by Kolby Slater of Alva 4-H. • The 133-pound fourth place Suffolk lamb exhibited by Mylah Testerman of Hollis 4-H. • The 132-pound fifth place natural color lamb exhibited by Draven Smith of Waynoka 4-H. • The 1,290-pound fifth place Maine steer exhibited by Bryce Bulling of Mulhall-Orlando FFA.

Left: Oklahoma Farm Bureau representatives are pictured with the grand champion Hampshire barrow at the March 22 Sale of Champions. Farm Bureau joined forces with Blue & Gold Sausage, Bank of Western Oklahoma and American Farmers & Ranchers to pay a $20,000 premium on the 265-pound barrow, which was exhibited by Brianna Robinson of El Reno FFA. Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) honored Oklahoma Farm Bureau for the ninth consecutive year with the Volume Buyer Award March 22. OFB President Mike Spradling accepted the award from Bob Funk, chairman of the board of directors of the OYE, prior to the beginning of the Sale of Champions at the State Fairgrounds Arena. The award honors the organization, business or individual that purchases the most animals during the Sale of Champions. OFB has been the top volume buyer in the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 auctions.

• The 280-pound sixth place Duroc barrow exhibited by Ty Davis of Walters 4-H. • The 135-pound seventh place natural colored lamb exhibited by Kolton Schuelein of Deer Creek-Lamont FFA. • The 149-pound ninth place crossbred lamb exhibited by Lane Newlin of Burlington FFA. • The 1,334-pound seventh place Shorthorn steer exhibited by Baylor Bonham of Newcastle 4-H. • The 254-pound tenth place Hampshire barrow exhibited by Jamie Baumgardner of Chisholm FFA. • The 280-pound thirteenth place crossbred

barrow exhibited by Weston Kay of Altus FFA. • The 140-pound twelfth place crossbred lamb exhibited by Daniel Goodwin of Tonkawa 4-H. • The 158-pound sixteenth place crossbred lamb exhibited by Jaleigh Oldenburg of MulhallOrlando 4-H. • The 1,295-pound eleventh place crossbred steer exhibited by John Nelson of Chickasha 4-H. • The 1,275-pound twelfth crossbred steer exhibited by Chauncey Beckner if Altus 4-H. • The 1,283-pound sixteenth place crossbred steer exhibited by Sheldon Rounds of Leedey FFA. • The 1,210-pound seventeenth place crossbred steer exhibited by Larissa Jett of Balko FFA. • The 265-pound sixteenth place crossbred barrow exhibited by Braden Wagoner of Altus FFA. • The 280-pound eighteenth place crossbred barrow exhibited by Dylan Pryor of Navajo FFA. • The 243-pound twentieth place crossbred barrow exhibited by Owen Lingle of Tuttle 4-H. • The 129-pound seventeenth place crossbred lamb exhibited by Chad McGolden of Fairview 4-H. • The 183-pound nineteenth place crossbred lamb exhibited by William Maltbie of Burlington FFA. • The 147-pound twenty-second place crossbred lamb exhibited by Jalyn Willis of Keys FFA.

Eight awarded $1,000 scholarships by OFB

O

klahoma Farm Bureau and Affiliated Companies and its Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee awarded eight $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in May. The eight, who must pursue a career in

agriculture at an Oklahoma institution of higher learning and be a full-time student, filed applications with county Farm Bureau offices for the scholarships.

One student in each of the nine state board of director districts was eligible to receive the $1,000 scholarship.

Harper County’s Tyler Price received the scholarship in district one. He is the son of Steve and Zola Price of Laverne. He graduated from Laverne High School in May, and plans to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue an animal science degree.

Kiowa County’s Brian Null received the scholarship in district two. He is the son of Scott and Janice Null of Hobart. He graduated from Hobart High School in May. Brian plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agribusiness.

Grady County’s Clarissa Fulton received the scholarship in district three. She is the daughter of Jay and Diane Fulton of Chickasha. She graduated from Amber-Pocasset High School in May. Clarissa plans to attend Oklahoma State University and hopes to be a veterinarian.

Johnston County’s Fred A. Chapman IV received the scholarship in district four. He is the son of Eric and Tracie Chapman of Sulphur.

He graduated from Dickson High School in May. Fred plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agribusiness economics.

Haskell County’s Tyler Patterson received the scholarship in district five. He is the son of Glenn and Mary Patterson of Keota. He graduated from Stigler High School in May. Tyler plans to attend Oklahoma State University and hopes to be a veterinarian.

McIntosh County’s Brooke Ramsey received the scholarship in district six. She is the daughter of Randy and Christie Ramsey of Checotah. She graduated from Checotah High School in May. Brooke plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agriculture education.

Woods County’s Cooper Eden received the scholarship in district seven. He is the son of Arly and Janet Eden of Freedom. He graduated from Freedom High School in May. Cooper plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major in agribusiness.

Lincoln County’s Justin Smith received the scholarship in district nine. He is the son of David and Glenda Smith of Chandler. He graduated from Chandler High School in May. Justin plans to attend Conners State University and major in agriculture education.

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 27

Southwest Farm Show

What to expect from health care reform this year

N

Oklahoma Farm Bureau had a prominent presence at the April 15-17 Southwest Farm Show at the fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. It had an informational booth inside one pavilion, and OFB’s Safety Services took its fire safety trailer and DUI prevention equipment. Safety’s Dusty Applegate and Faustine Curry of Edmond, who donned DUI simulation goggles, prepare for a drive in the DUI prevention go-cart. OFB and WW Livestock Systems sponsored a private treaty cattle sale at the show, featuring several breeds. A potential buyer is pictured reading pedigree information on one pen of cattle. It was the first time OFB helped set up a private treaty cattle sale at the farm show.

28 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

o matter your stance on the new health care reform policy, you will be affected.

Eileen St. Pierre, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension personal finance specialist, said most of the legislation will go into effect by 2014.

“This includes the mandate that most Americans must have health insurance by this date or pay a penalty,” St. Pierre said. “But many don’t realize that parts of the legislation go into effect this year.”

St. Pierre said small businesses will be immediately eligible for tax credits for up to 35 percent of premiums if they offer coverage to their employees. There will be some restrictions such as on the number of employees, the average wage and the amount of the premium covered by the employer. The tax credit will rise to 50 percent of premiums in 2014.

For those who are uninsurable, effective June 21, a new high-risk insurance pool will be established until 2014 to offer coverage to those with medical problems who have had trouble obtaining insurance in the past.

“There will be quite a few provisions that kick in six months after the law’s passage on Sept. 23, including children under the age of 19 can’t be denied coverage because of preexisting conditions (the rest of us have to wait until 2014),” she said. “Your policy can’t be cancelled because you get sick, there will be no more lifetime limits on insurance policies and limits on annual benefits will be restricted.”

New graduates who have had a difficult time finding employment or have found employment with little or no health insurance can stay on their parent’s insurance plan until they are 26 years old.

Also, insurers are required to provide information on how they are spending your premiums.

St. Pierre said by January 2011, insurers will be required to spend 85 percent of large-group and 80 percent of small-group plan premiums on health care or to improve health care quality, or return the difference to you as a rebate.

“There is no shortage of opinions regarding the new health reform law and how we will pay for it,” she said. “There’s a general sense of fear and uncertainty about this legislation. The best way to overcome fear is with education.

Become an educated consumer.”

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!

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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

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catalog and store prices.

Call 877-202-2594

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

QualSight

Call 888-641-0420

Preferred LASIK Pricing

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

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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!

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 29

HAPPINESS IS FREE FOOD This legislative staff member was all smiles after going through the serving line at the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee March 30 Farm City Festival. More than 500 staff members and legislators made their way through the serving line on the first floor rotunda of the state capitol to fill their plates, trays or boxes with homemade goodies prepared by county Women’s Committee members for the annual event. The state Farm Bureau Women’s Committee hosts the special luncheon for lawmakers and their staffs to emphasize the major role agriculture plays in the Oklahoma economy.

OFB sponsoring cattle sale at Tulsa Farm Show

O

klahoma Farm Bureau is sponsoring the Herd Builder Private Treaty Sale during the annual Tulsa Farm Show, which is presented by Midwest Shows, Inc. The sale is set for Dec. 9-11 at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds in Tulsa.

An expansion of the popular bull sale, this private treaty sale is open to all breeds. It will include heifers, bred heifers, cow-calf pairs and more offerings.

The sale is open to everyone attending the farm show for all three days of the event.

“Oklahoma Farm Bureau is excited to offer producers the opportunity to showcase all breeds of beef animals,” said Thad Doye, Field Services vice president. “Producers can choose to bring a group of animals or just one individual. This sale is a unique and great marketing tool for all producers.”

Cattlemen interested in offering animals should call Doye at 405-523-2307.

Health certification by a licensed veterinarian must be provided for all animals.

Owners should be present throughout the sale, and will be responsible for the feeding, watering (water tub and water source will be provided) and stall upkeep.

More information about the sale will be posted on the OFB website as it becomes available.

30 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

Child-rearing expenses increased only slightly, according to an annual report released by the USDA.

Child born in 2009 will cost $222,360 to raise

A

griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released USDA’s Expenditures on Children by Families, which finds that a middleincome family with a child born in 2009 can expect to spend about $222,360 ($286,050 if inflation is factored in) for food, shelter, and other necessities to raise that child over the next 17 years.

This represents less than a one percent increase from 2008, the smallest increase this decade, which likely reflects the state of the economy. Expenses for child care, education, and health care saw the largest percentage increases related to child rearing from 2008, whereas expenses on transportation actually declined. This decline in transportation expenses on a child mitigated the increases in the other expenses.

This report, issued annually since 1960, is a valuable resource to courts and state governments in determining child support guidelines and foster care payments. For 2009, per child annual child-rearing expenses for a middleincome, two-parent family ranges from $11,650 to $13,530, depending on the age of the child.

The report by USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion notes that family income affects child rearing costs. A family earning less than $56,670 per year can expect to spend a total of $160,410 (in 2009 dollars) on a child from birth through high school. Parents with an income between $56,670 and $98,120 can expect to spend $222,360 and a family earning more than $98,120 can expect to spend $369,360. In 1960, a middleincome family could have expected to spend $25,230 ($182,860 in 2009 dollars) to raise a child through age 17.

Housing costs are the single largest expenditure on a child, averaging $70,020 or 31 percent of the total cost over 17 years. Child care and education (for those with the expense) and food were the next two largest expenses, accounting for 17 and 16 percent of the total expenditure. The estimates do not include the costs associated with pregnancy or the cost of a college education. In addition, some current-day costs, such as child care, were negligible in 1960.

The report notes geographic variations in the cost of raising a child, with expenses the highest for families living in the urban Northeast, followed by the urban West and urban Midwest. Families living in the urban South and rural areas have the lowest child-rearing expenses.

One bright spot is that expenses per child decrease as a family has more children. Families with three or more children spend 22 percent less per child than families with two children. As families have more children, the children can share a bedroom, clothing and toys can be handed down to younger children, food can be purchased in larger and more economical packages, and private schools or child care centers may offer sibling discounts.

FSA County Committee are nominations open !"8,%4!0?,4540)7!-40-,4$@!A%1$B 234'&/056+0(&!76.&3&#$C&89:;#&35)&<$=>?&@AB:$" ! #$!%!&&'()*+,!-%$. " Attaches easily to your ATV or riding mower. /0)!),,+12!34#1.2 even 2"-thick saplings — with up to 17 HP of V-Twin power!

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armer and rancher candidate nominations are open for county Farm Service Agency (FSA) committees. The nomination period continues through Aug. 2, with the election taking place between Nov. 5 and the close of business Dec. 6.

“I encourage all producers to participate in the nomination of county committee candidates by the Aug. 2 deadline,” said USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We would like as much participation as possible since county committees provide a vital link and a voice for landowners, farmers and ranchers to have opinions and ideas heard at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

With better participation in recent years, we also have seen a trend of increased nominations of minority and women producers that we hope will continue.”

To be eligible to serve on a FSA county committee a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate.

Producers may nominate themselves or others and organizations representing minorities and women also may nominate candidates. To become a candidate, an eligible individual must sign the nomination form FSA-669A. The form and other valuable information about FSA county committee elections are available online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/elections.

Nomination forms for the 2010 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 2.

FSA county committee members make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other important agricultural issues. Members serve threeyear terms. Nationwide, there are about 7,800 farmers and ranchers serving on FSA county committees. Committees consist of three to 11 members who are elected by eligible producers.

FSA will mail ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 5. The ballots are due back to the local county office either by mail or in person by Dec. 6. Newly elected committee members and alternates take office Jan. 1, 2011.

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Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 31

USDA report shows significant decline in soil erosion on cropland; dramatic increase in developed acreage

A

griculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that soil erosion on cropland declined by more than 40 percent during the past 25 years, while more than one-third of all development of U.S. land occurred during the same period.

The information was contained in the latest National Resource Inventory (NRI) for NonFederal Lands, which was released during an event marking the 75th anniversary of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the agency charged with ensuring private lands are conserved, restored, and more resilient to environmental challenges.

“The NRI results are significant because they provide a scientifically-based snapshot of the nation’s natural resources and the ability to track trends in natural resource use and condition,” Merrigan said. “The NRI provides a wealth of information that can be used by agricultural and environmental policymakers to make informed decisions about the nation’s natural resources.”

development isolates tracts of former farmland, which degrades wildlife habitat and makes agricultural production inefficient.

• There were 325 million acres of prime farmland in 2007, compared to 339 million acres in 1982. The acreage of prime farmland converted to other uses such as development during the 25-year period is greater than the 1 4/28/10 11:04 combinedAFBF_SOIL_EROSION.pdf area of Vermont and New Hampshire

and almost as large as West Virginia.

• The total area of developed land in all states, except Alaska and Hawaii, is approximately equal to the combined surface area of Illinois, Iowa and Michigan. Land that was newly developed between 1982 and 2007 covered an area slightly larger than Iowa. The largest increase in development was 10.7 million AM acres between 1992 and 1997.

SOIL EROSION IN DECLINE Wind and Water

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Key findings from the NRI include: • Total cropland erosion (sheet, rill and wind) declined by about 43 percent, from more than 3.06 billion tons per year in 1982 to about 1.72 billion tons per year in 2007. The reduction reflects NRCS’s emphasis on working with producers and landowners to reduce erosion.

Most of the soil erosion reductions occurred between 1987 and 1997.

• Cropland acreage declined from 420 million acres in 1982 to 357 million acres in 2007, a 15 percent decrease. About half of this reduction is reflected in enrollments of environmental sensitive cropland in USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program.

• About 40 million acres of land were newly developed between 1982 and 2007, bringing the national total to about 111 million acres. More development occurred in the southeast than in any other region. For the NRI, developed land includes rural transportation corridors such as roads and railroads as well as urban and built-up areas which include residential, industrial, commercial and other land uses. The findings on development are important because CY

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32 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

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EPA restricts phosphine use in residential areas

D

ue to a misuse in Utah that resulted in the death of two children, the Environmental Protection Agency has made major changes to the phosphine label, according to Dr. Jim Criswell, Oklahoma State University pesticide coordinator.

“These changes will impact all phosphine that has not been sold and will greatly change the burrowing animals use pattern,” said Criswell.

All uses for burrowing pests, like gophers and moles, in residential areas are prohibited in the new label rules. In addition, the buffer zone for use around buildings that are or may be occupied by humans or domestic animals increases from 15 feet to 100 feet.

“OSU’s Pesticide Safety Education Program suggests that if you are using phosphine to manage gophers or moles in residential areas

to stop that use,” Criswell said.

Phosphine products used to manage gophers and moles are formulated as tablets and pellets that are rapidly transformed to highly toxic phosphine gas when exposed to moisture.

Indoor use of phosphine products has long been prohibited, but the EPA ruling prohibits them from being used around all residential areas, nursing homes, schools, day care facilities and hospitals.

The products can only be used outdoors for control of burrowing pests on agricultural lands, pasture and rangeland, golf courses and athletic fields and other specific nonresidential institutional and industrial sites.

The products cannot be applied within a 100foot buffer zone of a building that is or may be occupied by people or domestic animals.

Criswell said if the products are used in athletic fields and parks and other out-of-door sites frequented by people, the applicator must post signs with the word DANGER plus a skull and crossbones and the words DO NOT ENTER, FIELD NOT FOR USE. “OSU recommends that those using phosphine fumigant in residential settings change to other methods for controlling burrowing pests,” said Criswell.

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You’ve seen the polls on TV, in newspapers and magazines, but do you know where or who the people are who participate? They are people like you!

The majority of the studies are conducted through a market research panel, like www.ResoluCall us today to learn more about tionPanel.com. Resolution Research, which owns metal building solutions that best and hosts ResolutionPanel.com, is an established suit your farm. company in Denver, Colo., launched nearly 20 years ago by Oklahoma native and Oklahoma State graduate Nina Nichols.

Nichols invites you to join her research panel and 1.800.643.5555 provide your opinions on a wide array of subjects HeritageBuildings.com such as education, hunting, sports, food tastings, cell phones and other technologies, healthcare and much, much more!

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info@re-search.com 800-800-0905 Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 33

New report: Humane Society shortchanges state pet shelters

I

n a new report released entitled “Not Your Local Humane Society” the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom highlights the failure of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to share its millions in public contributions with underfunded pet shelters in Oklahoma.

HSUS’s advertisements actively promote the public misperception that it serves as the national umbrella group for local dog and cat shelters. From 2006 to 2008, HSUS raised more than $288 million, but contributed less than $7 million of that total to hands-on pet sheltering organizations nationwide.

Shelters in Oklahoma received only $13,833.

“Not Your Local Humane Society” is available at www.HumaneWatch.org, the Center’s watchdog website that reports on HSUS’s activities.

SURPRISED to hear the Humane Society of the United States shares less than 1 percent of your donations with local pet shelters?

SO WERE WE. The dog-watchers need a watchdog.

Join the discussion at:

HUMANEWATCH.ORG

HUMANEWATCH.ORG

Keeping a watchful eye on the Humane Society of the United States

CCF ran full page ads of the one shown above in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal in May. CCF is a nonprofit watchdog organization that informs the public about the activities of tax-exempt groups, and is raising the ire of HSUS.

34 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

In a February poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation, 59 percent of Americans said they believe HSUS “contributes most of its money to local organizations that care for dogs and cats.” However, HSUS has no affiliation with Oklahoma’s local humane societies.

“Not Your Local Humane Society” includes an accounting of all grants to pet shelters made

by HSUS during the years 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The data is drawn directly from the animal rights group’s nonprofit tax returns. While donating just $13,833 to humane societies and other pet shelters in Oklahoma during those three years, HSUS spent nearly $280 million on salaries, lobbying, advertising, fundraising, and other expenses.

“The Humane Society of the United States has a serious identity crisis,” said David Martosko, the editor of www.HumaneWatch.org and the Center’s Director of Research. “HSUS rakes in millions every month from Americans who believe their donations will trickle down to pet shelters near where they live. But this isn’t happening. Because HSUS sucks so much money out of local communities in Oklahoma, real humane societies here are forced to cut programs and euthanize adoptable animals.”

Full page ads from the nonprofit CCF appeared in May editions of The New York Times and the Washington, D.C., edition of The Wall Street Journal, highlighting the failure of the HSUS to donate a significant amount of its members’ contributions to America’s underfunded dog and cat shelters.

The HSUS has become the animal rights industry’s most powerful player, avoiding significant public scrutiny for decades. CCF believes that HSUS donors will be surprised to learn that in 2008, less than one-half of one percent of HSUS’s budget consisted of grants to the hands-on “humane societies” that deal with the task of sheltering unwanted pets.

“HSUS is a humane society in name only,” said Martosko. “The Humane Society of the United States raises tens of millions of dollars annually from Americans who believe their donations filter down to local pet shelters, directly improving the lives of dogs and cats. But instead, their donations support a huge staff of lawyers and lobbyists, bloated executive pension plans, exorbitant fundraising expenses, and PETA-style propaganda campaigns.”

Know someone who would be great for YF&R?

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now a great young farmer or rancher?

Someone who cares about his or her work and rural lifestyle? They’re the ones who are always willing to go the extra mile to help someone out? Now it’s your turn to help them – and the whole agriculture industry – by introducing them to Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program.

The YF&R program helps young producers prepare for their future with leadership development and personal growth.

Opportunities such as leadership conferences, held annually at the state and national levels, allow young agricultural leaders to serve the industry, build their skills and have fun. More than 700 young farmers and ranchers gather during the national conference every year to network and learn from the best of the best.

On top of all that, YF&R members have a chance at winning a new Dodge Ram pickup truck. Three national winners this year will receive a Dodge Ram, courtesy of Ram Trucks, to showcase top competitors in the Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag contests. National winners will also receive paid registration to the 2011 YF&R Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 5-7.

National runners-up in the Achievement Award will receive a CASE IH Farmall 31 tractor courtesy of Case IH. National finalists in the Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag each will receive a $6,000 savings bond and a Stihl Farm Boss, courtesy of Stihl.

OK-FIRE Planner benefits Oklahoma residents, communities

M

illions of acres of Oklahoma land are burned every year through prescribed burning and wildfires. As a program of the Oklahoma Mesonet, the state’s automated weather station network, OK-FIRE provides a tool that is beneficial for all types of fires.

The Fire Prescription Planner is one of the many products on OK-FIRE, a weather-based Web site for wildland fire management.

“OK-FIRE has many applications, but the main ones are wildfire, prescribed fire and smoke management,” said J.D. Carlson, fire meteorologist in the department of biosystems and agricultural engineering in Oklahoma State

University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The tool can be found by visiting http://okfire. mesonet.org. After selecting the Fire Prescription Planner icon, users will be faced with a screen where criteria for variables of interest, such as temperature, relative humidity, smoke dispersion conditions, wind speed and dead fuel moisture can be entered.

After entering the desired conditions, Fire Prescription Planner users select a nearby Mesonet location, and then view an hourly forecast table out to 84 hours based on the North American Model of the National Weather Service.

The forecast table will have sections colored red for the hours when the specific conditions are not met, and green for the hours when they are.

“It’s important to keep checking the planner as the time of interest approaches, as there is a lot more uncertainty the farther out in the 84-hour forecast period you go,” Carlson said.

Many public officials have found the planner to be quite useful.

“The Fire Prescription Planner has served as a valuable tool to NRCS and our clients,” said Steve Glasgow, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service state grazing land specialist. “It enables us to better assist our clients in planning their prescribed burns by giving us the ability to establish specific burn conditions and look into the future for appropriate burn days.”

The OK-FIRE program has seen a steep acceleration of usage as the “hits” for 2009 increased 423 percent over 2008.

“I visit with producers about the possibility of burning their pastures for brush control or this winter about using prescribed fire to turn the ground black to encourage earlier grass growth in light of dwindling hay supplies,” said Marty Montague, OSU Extension specialist in Choctaw County. “I use it at least once a week.”

The planner can also be used by fire departments to check upcoming dangerous times when a wildfire could occur.

“We do use the planner here at the fire department,” said Carl Hickman, Mustang Fire Department Fire Chief. “We look at it everyday to determine whether or not we will allow citizens, in certain areas of town, to burn.”

Depending on the criteria entered, the planner shows users good windows to burn, or

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Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 35

just as importantly, windows of time where there is high fire danger.

“I use the Fire Prescription Planner when talking to rural fire department personnel with regard to the level of fire danger when the dead fuel moistures are low,” said Montague.

OK-FIRE is not open to just public officials, as many private landowners have used the planner themselves.

“I’ve been using the prescription planner for about a year now and find it a useful tool in the

decision making process for prescribed burns or any other activity which wind is a variable,” said Woodward County landowner David Story.

For new Fire Prescription Planner users, there is a HELP icon at the bottom of the table in Step 1. Also, each variable listed in the table has a link to more information.

Users should also note that OK-FIRE training workshops will be offered in the fall throughout the state; information should be available on the OK-FIRE home page in late summer.

Controlling mosquitoes for your acreage, yourself With a bit of due diligence, you can reduce the mosquito population and chances of getting bitten by the pesky insect.

B

esides bothering you, mosquitoes can wreak havoc on your acreage and livestock.

Standing water attracts mosquitoes, so identify areas or objects on your acreage that can hold water for more than a few days. Even small containers such as flowerpot saucers and cinder blocks can serve as mosquito habitats.

Fill these areas with soil or cement. Or you can drain, discard or treat the area or object with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bt infects and kills mosquito larvae.

Another option for mosquito control is mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis). Used worldwide for mosquito control, these fish are most effective when used in man-made bodies of water that do not connect with natural waters.

36 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

The use of insecticide sprays or outdoor foggers provide another option, however, sprays and foggers may provide only a temporary reduction of the adult mosquito population and have no lasting effect.

For your personal protection, try to avoid areas where mosquitoes are at high densities. If you are in a situation where there are biting mosquitoes, be sure to wear a hat or head net, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.

When mosquito densities become very high, you may want to apply mosquito repellent. The most effective repellents contain DEET. The repellent should be used on your clothing and not put directly onto your skin. Depending on the wind, temperature and humidity, repellents may only be effective for about four hours.

Giving Back: FAPC donates to Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma “Five hundred thousand Oklahomans will wake up today and wonder where their next meal will come from. Oklahoma ranks as the sixth hungriest state in the nation, but thanks to donors, volunteers and advocates, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is ‘Fighting Hunger...Feeding Hope.’”

T

his excerpt from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma tugs on the hearts of many Oklahomans, including specialists from Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center.

Thanks to the approval of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, the FAPC can now donate perishable food products to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and has since donated 600 pounds of ground beef to the non-profit organization.

This action allows the FAPC to forgo disposing the meat and other perishable food items through sealed bid or public auction and simply donate the surplus directly to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

“The FAPC’s mission is to add value to Oklahoma,” said Chuck Willoughby, FAPC manager of business and marketing relations.

“We are honored to have this opportunity to add value to people’s lives beyond our day-to-day activities of assisting manufacturers, processors and entrepreneurs.”

Most of the meat generated from FAPC and the department of animal science is sold through FAPC’s Cowboy Meats. However, before the OSU/A&M Board of Regents approval, if these products were not sold in a timely manner, they had to be discarded, according to OSU Policy 3-0126 – Disposition of Surplus Property.

The FAPC estimated a $3,700 inventory loss in 2001 and a $6,900 inventory loss in 2003 because of discarded items.

“All in all, we have done a pretty good job of selling meats from research and teaching activities, but we want to have this option to donate when the need or opportunity arises,” Willoughby said.

Because of this and a request from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the FAPC asked the OSU/A&M Board of Regents to

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consider the donation of perishable food items to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma but under strict guidelines that provide accountability and demonstrate responsible inventory management and stewardship of OSU resources.

“This OSU initiative will help many Oklahomans who are struggling to put food on their table, and for that, we are extremely grateful,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank. “Since the recession hit, we’ve experienced a significant increase in demand. In July 2009 alone, we distributed 3.1 million pounds of food - the most ever distributed in a single month in the 30-year history of the Regional Food Bank.”

Since its inception in 1980, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma has distributed more than 293 million pounds of food worth more than $468 million. In fiscal year 2008, the Food Bank distributed 25 million pounds of food, enough to feed 63,600 Oklahomans every week.

However, its greatest need continues to be protein products.

“This is a win-win situation,” said OSU President Burns Hargis, who helped establish the Regional Food Bank and has served as the organization’s president. “The FAPC will be able to make use of perishable food surplus in a timely manner and help meet a need in our statewide community, which extends the teaching, research and extension mission of the university.”

The Board’s approval also allows the FAPC to handle the meat processing for individuals and businesses that may want to make a donation to the Regional Food Bank.

“The Food Bank often will have individuals and business entities who are willing to donate live animals and/or meat in need of further processing but have difficulty finding processors to donate their services,” Willoughby said. “Thus, the FAPC would like to consider providing the processing services of live animals and/or meat donated to the Food Bank when such activity fits the current needs of the teaching, research and extension programs and does not over burden current FAPC resources.”

The Regional Food Bank is a private nonprofit organization that acts as a link through which the food industry and community may donate food and other goods. The products are then distributed to more than 700 charitable feeding programs and schools in 53 central and western Oklahoma counties.

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’05 Kawasaki Z1000, 4,062 miles, garage kept, super clean, ready to ride, saddlebags, full set of riding gear included, $4,950. 806-323-2113. ’03 Ford diesel 4-door 4x4, 145,000 miles, new tires, shocks, batteries, XLT model, $12,500. 405-783-4284. ’06 Dodge Ram 1500, 68K miles, automatic trans., SLT model. 405-314-2260, 580-273-5046. ’84 Ford F150 reg. cab, lwb, super nice, all original, straight 6, very dependable, perfect truck, $1,200.

Shawnee, 405-214-8122. ’92 F250 4x4 diesel, auto, XLT, complete new air conditioning system, runs/drives great, $3,950. 405-238-6958. ’88 Chevy 4x4 3/4-ton, 350, auto trans., trade for mobile home or sell for $2,000. Home 918-456-6568, cell 479616-0141. ’62 Ford welding truck w/3 tool boxes w/winch, also has anvil, no welder w/truck, 1-ton, $500 OBO. Home 918667-3680, cell 405-488-8124. ’70 Porsche 914 sports car, mid-engine, hardtop/ convertible, runs good, drives fast, body rough, you finish cosmetics, $4,500. Edmond home 405-348-4469, cell 405-317-8175. ’94 T-100 Toyota 4x4, runs good, $2,000; ’85 Toyota 4-speed PU, 2wd, service body, engine blown, $275; ’88 Toyota PU, 4-speed, 2wd, AC, blown HG, $400.

405-382-0589.

Steel truck bed, 13x8 w/sideboards, good condition, $150. 405-282-4919. ’29, ’30 2-door sedans, $10,000 each; ’52 F3 Ford pickup, $5,200; ’83 Chevy Blazer, $3,500. 620-221-4853. ’99 FL70 Freightliner, 3126 Cat engine, 201 HP, 6-speed trans., AirRide suspension, 230-inch wheelbase, 5th wheel, fair tires, 48-inch sleeper, 198,000 miles, runs good, great for hauling cattle, hay, etc., $6,500. 918-367-9351. ’69 3/4-ton pickup in fair condition, needs TLC, $1,200 OBO. 918-782-3304, 455-2125. ’06 Ford Escape XLT, black exterior, 2WD, all options, cloth interior, 81K, like new tires, battery, brakes. 918810-3557. ’81 Olds Regency, blue, $1,000; ’85 Pontiac 6000 4-door, white, $800. Serious inquiries only at 405-224-1222. ’07 Chevy Silverado Z71, black 4-door, 4x4, 7-inch lift kit, 20-inch wheels, LT325/60R tires, Pioneer stereo system, tube running boards, 40,155 miles. Woodward, 580-256-4776. ’99 Ford F250 XLT, 4x4, 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, 1-owner, 289,000 miles, Maveric grill guard, $7,500.

405-388-1046. ’73 Ford pickup parts – short bed, cab, 2 doors, dark brown paint, good condition, $400 OBO. 405-799-1971. ’81 VW pickup, gasoline w/5-speed transmission, new headliner, seat covers, inside trim, real gas saver, $2,100. Pinkston 123@aol.com Great car – ’06 Sebring convertible, emerald green, auto, power windows/locks, keyless entry, 43K. 580332-8445, 559-9921.

FARM EQUIPMENT Two used Firestone 18.4R42 radial all traction tires, tread is 35-40%, would make excellent duals, $500 for both. 405-850-1005.

8N Ford tractor, restored condition, $2,150. 918-5364965, 440-3284. ’48 JD M original paint, totally rebuilt motor, $4,500; cedar lumber for rooms, furniture wanted; want ’67 Camero already redone; 2 antique beds. Atoka, 580889-5519.

38 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

’73 1170 Case tractor, 6,030 hours, PTO, cab, no 3-point, new rear tires, $4,900. Manchester, 580-541-2326. ’93 Kamatsu dozer, D-31P20 6-way blade; ’89 Case 1550 dozer, tilt ripper, A/C heat, farm use on both, good condition. 405-383-2211, 834-6572. ’83 2090 Case tractor w/front-end loader, good rubber, w/cab, $15,000, used in hay field, retiring. 580-450-5730.

Miscellaneous farm equipment, implements to sell, too many to list. Please call Kaye for more information, 405-321-6419.

Old iron wheel wagon frame. 580-355-1228.

15’ Sunflower disk, single fold, good disks, $2,000; 36’ Crustbuster springtooth, hyd. fold, 2-bar harrow attached. 580-548-3261. ’86 TD 12 Dresser dozer, great shape w/new engine, pads, chains, torque converter, 10-foot blade, 3-speed power shift, great ranch dozer, $25,000. 918-456-1523.

Lincoln welder/generator, electric start; 3/4 HP submersible water pump; 220-volt tankless water heater; 3-point 5-foot King Kutter box blade. 405-213-6448. ’04 Easley 6x16 stock trailer, loaded, excellent condition, was $11,995 new sell for $8,500; Danauser post auger w/9- & 12-inch auger, $2,250; JD 5/16 moldboard plow, $1,000. 580-861-2121.

463 Ford New Holland turbo tractor, 750 hours; 5-wheel hay rack, 3-point. 918-352-3063.

Push blade, spray rig for H Farmall. Okemah, 918623-6688.

SC 2-pt. NF, recent Pt, runs good, $2,500; 230 2-pt. NF, new rings, new tires, $3,000; 340 2-pt. NF, recent Pt, new rings, gd. tires, $2,500; B Farmall w/belly mower, runs good, good tires, $1,400. 918-352-2966.

8N Ford tractor, 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 truck, bad motor, good trans./tires, $1,500 OBO. Bixby, 918-366-7444.

Kelly Ryan 5x14 remix feeder wagon w/scales, auxiliary discharge elevator, exc. cond., extra parts. 918-967-8435. ’94 Fruehauf 52x102 flat trailer, good for farm use; ’80 Int. 2-ton truck w/good steel 20’ flatbed. 405-258-6569.

LIVESTOCK 4-year-old AQHA gelding, rides quiet in pasture, tracking calves in round pen, Doc Bar, Driftwood, Hancock, Tio Red, $950; hand made roping saddle, $875. 580-723-4258.

Reg. Beefmasters for sale at all times. Heifers, bred cows, pairs. 580-286-0942, glenwhis@earthlink.net Trail riding mules, 7-13 years old, blacks, dunns, sorrels, 14.2 hands. George Wilkie, Claremore, 918-341-7764.

Reg. Beefmaster bulls, cows, show heifers, great pedigree bloodlines, many are polled, red, dunn, black.

See them at doubledeucebeefmasters.com or call 918253-8680, 557-6923 cell.

Young heavy bred black cows, $950 each. Home 580549-6222, cell 678-5759.

Corriente steers, heifers, ready to rope. 405-214-8772.

Reg. Blonde D’Anquitaine bulls, beautifully developed, extremely gentle, easy to work with, very good bloodlines. Ed Moss, Hulbert, 918-772-2844, Jamesmoss78@hotmail.com Angus bulls, 9-18 months old, Angus business 52 years same location. 580-456-7241.

Reg. Limousin bulls, several bloodlines, all black. 580363-7996.

Polled Charolais bulls, 14 months, $1,250 each; 2 Corriente heifers, 900 lbs., with polled bull since Oct., $400 each; 4-year-old AQHA gelding, rides quiet in

pasture, $950. 580-763-7345.

Reg. NDGA Nigerian dwarf goat kids, $100 does, $50 bucks, available late May. Sand Springs, 918-245-6785.

Peruvian horses – world’s smoothest ride. Beautiful, proud, elegant; show, parade, trail; smooth as silk gait, no bounce ride. Mares, geldings, top bloodline stallions, $3,500 up. 405-799-7070, okay to leave message.

Miniature horses, donkeys for sale plus miniature horse tack including new easy entry cart and leather harness. 405-381-4500.

Double Tough Harlan linebred buckskin Harlan at stud plus linebred Harlan colts. 918-762-3769, kbarger@cowboy.net AQHA, APHA sons of Dash for Cash, Fire Water Hit, Raise A Jet, Jet of Honor, grandson of Frenchman’s Guy at stud plus others with lots of color. Shipped semen available. Studs, mares, foals for sale. Bedonna.com, 580-471-4040.

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

Serviceable age Angus, Maine bulls; small square wheat straw; John Deere 21-foot draper header; used sweeps & disk for yard ornaments. 405-381-4307.

Reg. Polled Hereford bulls, 15 months, PW Victor Boomer P606, Remitail Online 122L genetics; also a few reg. cow/calf pairs; hay rake. 580-332-2468.

Reg. Paints – selling off most of herd including studs, mares, fillies, many black/white, many choices, reasonable prices for well bred stock. 405-262-8499.

Show steers, heifer prospects. Our spring borns look great out of popular AI sires such as Heat Wave, Irish Whiskey. Brower Land & Cattle, 405-831-1632.

Reg. Limousin bulls – homozygous black, bred for low birth weights. James Fork Limousin, 918-654-7378.

Black cows – all have good teeth & are short bred, spring calving; ’72 box trailer, 45’ for storage. 405-258-6559.

Young black Simmental bulls, 6 fall-born heifers, a couple of show prospects, prices start at $775. 580-258-0080.

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

ATTN: OFB Travelers callme4europe.info Von Bears Travel Ph. 918-583-4141 or 888-416-4141 Ask for Linda (OFB member) 40-inch rocking motorcycle, handcrafted heirloom for child; small rocking chair, both made from oak, walnut, cherry. 405-336-8303.

Cream separator, wrenches, cream and milk cans, feed store scale; carburetors, all makes, models; deer, steer & buffalo skulls. 405-808-2897.

Armstrong Services – general pest control, residential/ commercial, weed, insect control, bare ground, free estimates. 580-229-6291.

Heavy-duty fire pits, 24-41 inch diameter, planter 30-41

inch, rendering pots, etc. See at blttanks.com under pro-duct list, built at BLT Tanks LLC, Kingfisher. 405375-4189.

Upright grand piano, blonde wood, decorative front, approx. 100 years old. Donald Ray Jenkins, 580-938-2777.

Earn money, survive this crisis. Report saves, earns money. Mail $5 to Boyd Corbett, POB 39, Bennington 74723.

3-piece cherry wood ’30s bedroom suite, good condition; ’30s dresser w/vanity seat, 2 nice pedestal tables, chairs; off-white rocking chair, nice; HP scanjet 5P5E. 405-469-4194.

Own your own business, build residual income using the Internet. Kmosley.com or 405-503-7768.

5-foot pine trees, $10 each, you dig; AKC Pomeranian 2-year-old male tri-color party, small, very pretty. 405878-6697.

Raleigh Technium 440 10-speed bike, needs new tires, service; IBM correcting Selectric III typewriter. 405692-8707.

Norm’s Heating & Cooling, OK Lic. #41540. 918-639-5794.

2 tents/tepees, complete w/poles, laces, stakes & ropes, bought new ’07, been stored since ’08, painted, VHS instructions, $1,200 each. 918-689-3881.

Focus 32 tanning bed, 220-volt bed, approx. 4 years old, in great condition, $1,500. 580-471-5695. ’98 Basshound 10.2-ft. harbor boat, live wells, padded swivel fishing chairs, fully wired, 6 HP Yamaha outboard, like new. 918-252-7536.

MPI portable satellite TV antenna by Winegard for use on RVs, warranty transferable, $175. 405-348-2881.

Huge silver dollar collection, $5-$25 each; Buffalo nickels, $1 each; Indian head pennies, $2 each; Kennedy half-dollars, $1 each. 405-519-0934.

2 complete sets of equipment for escort vehicles. 214695-6512.

Crochet names for any occasion, finished w/border, $5 per letter. 580-563-9470. ’72-inch antique drop-leaf table w/3 chairs, $500. 918233-7021.

Ramsey Termite & Pest. Free estimates. 405-598-2083.

Horse-drawn visa-a-visa, built in Okla. in ’97, black with red wheels, upholstery, conv. top, tail & signal lights, kerosene lights, shafts/tongue. Pics available via email.

918-762-3114.

Kelly Haney limited edition prints, some lithographs and artist proofs, a few framed. Approximately 75 to choose from. 580-743-2980.

Stanley Home Products, Fuller Brush. Degreasers, germicides, lotions, brooms, brushes, colognes, all house, personal combs, bathroom cleaners, vitamins.

580-497-2249.

Propane tanks rebuilt, 250-gal. $350; 500-gal. $500.

Warranty, like new tanks, other sizes, prices, conditions available. Salvage tanks at reasonable prices for smokers, pipe, fire pits, etc. 405-375-4189, blttanks.com Jewell Tea Autumn Leaf design dishes, 65-piece collection, sell for $475. 479-783-0783.

Certified mobile home appraisal. 918-520-4666 cell; 918-224-7839 home.

Several thousand watermelons for sale 4 miles north of Konawa. 580-925-2443.

600 joints of 2 7/8 pipe, 90¢ to $1.30 per foot. 405-627-3920.

Small square bales Midland 99 Bermuda, fertilized & sprayed for weeds. Anadarko, 405-933-0956.

Corner whirlpool Jacuzzi, like new, $2,000, retails for over $5,000. Glass computer table, $100. 405-833-8992, 580-857-2660.

Hobby, craft wood – red cedar, pine, oak, walnut. Thick slabs available. 405-820-0618.

Need extra money? Would like someone to sell my paintings, jewelry, etc. on the Internet. 405-878-6697.

Two heavy steel pipe racks, $250; several hundred feet of plastic irrigation pipe plus big pump, $250. 918-446-8076.

McGee Construction in Davis – carpentry, concrete work, demolition, stem walls, basements, bobcat work, storm cellars. Tony McGee, 937-844-3319.

Butcher block table – overall height 30”, block top 24x30x11, clean, $350. 405-751-1773, 630-7739. ’86 Mercury outboard motor w/gas tank, steering wheel controls. 918-245-5796.

Kelly’s Monuments, Henryeta, 918-652-7248. Biggest selection in county, best prices, custom designs, personal touches, check us out before you buy.

Delphinus Rural Library Initiative – learn to create yours as you helpme build mine. 918-289-6349, Box 303, Lamont 74643.

Eagle claw tub – has about 5-inch chip in back corner, with all feet; Pep. sink has all original faucets. $250 for tub, $150 for sink, OBO. 405-390-5053.

Mobile Homes, RVs ’90 23-ft. Winnebago, self-contained, sleeps 6, 63K, exc. condition overall, no leaks or rust, new exhaust system, tires, awning. Must see to appreciate. Coy, 580-3710457, 371-1946 cell.

’02 Newmar Dutch Star, 35’ MH, gas, Workhorse chassis, Vortec engine, 2 slides, 6-K generator, satellite dome w/seeker dish, new queen mattress, lots of storage, 56K miles, $44,750. 918-949-6453.

29’ Hi-Lo Classic 1999, extra clean/economical, 16’ A&E awning, queen bed, all appliances, AC works, power hitch, sway bars, stabilizer included, $10,000 OBO. 580-622-3404. ’99 Fleetwood 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 28x56, 1 owner, to be moved. 918-484-5859 after 5 p.m. ’08 Sportsman 310FK, TT, loaded, 2 slides, kitchen, king bed, most options, never shoes or smoke, like new kept under coverr, 1 acre near lake. 918-453-0664. ’72 Shelmar 14x72 mobile home in Stillwater’s Park West – 2-bedroom, 2-bath, dishwasher, washer/dryer, covered porch, $9,000. 405-756-6708.

PETS Deer – white tail male free to a good home, 3 years old, a pet, bottle-fed at 2 weeks, have papers. 405-878-6697.

ACA Chihuahua pups, long and short hair, shots, wormed, family raised, $200-$250. 580-363-1813, 763-2875.

Toy Aussies, ASDR, CKC, 2-year health guarantee, s/w, puppy pack. 580-747-5537, chb_aussies@yahoo.com Registered black mouth cur pups, black and tan color, $100 OBO. 580-678-4518.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis, pups and adults, serious inquiries only. sugarcreekacres.com, 405-826-3096.

Blue, Red Heeler pups born 4-18, good working parents on site, $75. 405-821-7992.

ACA registered Shih Tzu pups – they are loved. 580432-5401.

ASDR miniature Australian Shepherds, AKC Pembroke Welsh Corgis available. 580-775-2678.

Real Estate Very nice 3-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath brick home, 1,245 sq. ft. on 2 lots, 2-car garage, 24-ft. above ground pool w/wrap around deck, covered patio, $130,000. Glenpool, 918798-3336.

Corner lot for sale or lease, 5th & Walnut in Duncan; also have land for lease for cell towers in Stephens County. 580-255-5335, leave message.

Secluded cabin in Flint Ridge – 2-bedroom, 1-bath, metal roof, hardi-plank siding, 3/4 wrap around porch, hardwood floors throughout, appliances stay, furnishings negotiable, $79,000. For pictures eoquin@ tds.net

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 September 15, 2010.

Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010 • 39

Country

Kitchen

New York Strip Roast

• 1 (2 1/2 pound)(approximate) Certified Angus Beef ® New York strip roast • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon kosher salt • 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground pepper 1. Preheat oven to 500ºF. Place roast, fat side up, in roasting pan fitted with rack. Rub roast with olive oil and season all sides with salt and pepper.

2. Place in oven for about 12 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 300ºF and continue cooking about 15 to 20 minutes per pound depending on desired doneness.

3. Loosely tent roast with foil and let stand 15 minutes. Slice roast across the grain.

Smoky Country-Style Ribs ­ • 3 pounds pork country-style ribs • Garlic salt Freshly ground black pepper • 1 cup catsup • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar • 1/2 cup chili sauce • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar • 2 tablespoons liquid smoke • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Sprinkle ribs with garlic salt and freshly ground pepper. Combine remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally; keep warm.

Place ribs, rib bones down, on rack of a shallow roasting pan. Baste with sauce. Bake at 325 degrees F. for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, turning and basting with sauce every 30 minutes. Cut into serving-size portions. Bring remaining sauce to a boil and serve with ribs.

40 • Oklahoma Country • Summer 2010

2-bedroom, 1 1/2-bath, appliances, AC/H, large wood deck, breezeway w/mother-in-law apt. (1-bed, 1-bath), appliances. Eufaula, 918-695-8739.

60 acres pasture land in north Logan County, $120,000.

Ochs Real Estate, 405-519-6982.

520 acres, 150 a/c, good home, good barn, new corral, creek, good fences, some mineral rights. Good Earth Land Co., 918-689-3166.

Acreages east of OKC from 1 1/4 to 10 acres, many with well and septic, manufactured homes okay. Owner finance, Milburn O/A, 405-275-1695.

Garage door company in McCurtain County, $150,000, self-owned, no debt, owner willing to train new owner; shop building for sale only with purchase of home located next to business. 580-286-7902.

SW 1/4 sec. 15-5-10, Hwy 19, 157.13 acres, steel corral, 2 grain bins, barn, 60 acres base, watershed backup, good fishing. Cyril/Apache hwy., 575-289-3465, 405274-2530.

Storm shelter business – aluminum forms, all related items on trailer, 8x8, 8x10, 8x14, fast return on investment. Waukomis, 580-603-0063.

Home on 1.23 acre, 1,400 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, CHA, wood stove, metal roof, vinyl siding, front & back porches, $89,000. Westville, 918-723-4608.

3-bedroom brick house with 1 1/2 baths, 2-car garage, 1,174 sq. ft., fenced backyard, shade trees, in Wewoka, reduced to $30,000. 405-273-4481.

78 acres, trees, farm pond, grassland, 6 miles south of Blanchard, $2,800/acre. 405-485-8664, 222-2521, 863-7879.

A-frame home on SH 18 just 4 north of Meeker, completely remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath, CHA, stove, dishwasher, disposal, built-in cabinets, well, 8 x 16 storage, $85,500. 580-868-2256.

5 or 10 acres w/brick home, 3/2 w/2-car garage in south central OK, 60x60 metal barn/shop, 20x24 insulated metal shop/storage bldg., well, cellar. 580-812-1302.

Own your own lodge – 70 acres, lake/river view, almost new 2,600 sq.ft. cabin, $429,900. Bev, Cochran R.E., 918-458-5888.

Brick home in Glenpool – 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath, fireplace, 2-car garage, patio, on 2 lots, vinyl siding, energy efficient windows, 24-ft. above-ground pool.

918-798-3336.

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 mineral rights, producing or non-producing. 580-223-0353, 800-687-5882.

Old American Indian items wanted such as beadwork, pottery, baskets, jewelry, photos, rugs, cradles, clothing, etc. Pay top dollar. 405-454-3420.

Want photos, info, stories, family histories in re Jesse, OK, from Indian Territory to present for Jesse history.

580-265-4415.

Want Harley Davidson Hummer motorcycle or parts for one. 405-640-8188.

Want to purchase used, 2-bedroom mobile home. 405729-4326.

Collector paying cash for antique fishing lures, tackle; also old Coke machines, signs. Troy, 800-287-3057.

I buy old Model A & T vehicles, body parts; ’55-’57 Chevys, parts, any shape. 918-689-7477.

The Hugs Project is in need of donated clean fabric.

We sew needed items such as pajamas for wounded warriors in Iraq. 580-256-6609.

Want S&W 38 special pistol or 16-guage shotgun.

Westville, 918-723-4603.

Feeding and clothing the world ...

one farmer at a time.

This is what counts for Chad and Danielle Budy: wheat harvest. As the combine rolls through their Woods County wheat fields, a year’s worth of hard work and dedication are counted. Some years the rains come, the weather holds and they make a crop. Other years they look to the sky for relief. No matter how this year’s crop turns out, they’ll be back in the field in September, planting for the promise of next year.

® Oklahoma

Farm Bureau

2501 N Stiles • Oklahoma City, OK 73105 • www.okfarmbureau.org

®

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