Fall 2010

Fall 2010

The Magazine Of The Oklahoma Farm Bureau

Inside: Inside:

Robbing Peter to pay Paul Wildfires on the Horizon?

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Oklahoma Country

Contents

Features 8

8 – Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

If the National Education Association and its subordinate Oklahoma Education Association campaign succeeds, voters will force lawmakers to “rob Peter to pay Paul” to fund State Question 744.

By Mike Nichols

14 – Wildfires on the Horizon?

Oklahoma has experienced more than its share of

14

wildfires the past several years, and weather so far this year has created almost ideal conditions for another fiery fall and winter.

By Mike Nichols

Columns

Departments

2 – Presidentially Speaking 4 – Executive Outlook 6 – Country Gardening

16 – All Around Oklahoma 33 – Country Kitchen 34 – Country Classifieds

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 The campaign for State Question 744 is well underway. Homeowners have a big stake in the issue since property taxes could go through the roof if the issue is approved Nov. 2.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 1

Presidentially

Speaking

By Mike Spradling President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies

Just do it!

W

ell just a few days left until Oklahomans will be able to participate in the most historical gubernatorial election in state history. Not only will Oklahomans have the opportunity to vote for a woman, but will elect a woman as Governor of Oklahoma.

There are many interesting races Oklahomans can participate in other than the governor’s race. Oklahomans will also have an opportunity to vote on a number of state questions. Many voters spend more time on getting acquainted with the candidates rather than educating themselves on the issues. This is one election where spending a little extra to know the consequences on passages of state questions would be worthwhile.

The passage of one state question in particular will be most detrimental to the financial stability of our state. The one I am referring to is State Question 744. Before I list some of the concerns Oklahoma Farm Bureau has about the passage of this question let me make it perfectly clear that Oklahoma Farm Bureau is in no way anti-education. Nor are we against funding education. Property owners, through the ad valorem tax process, have and will continue to fund a large portion of education. Farm Bureau’s opposition is not about the funding, it’s about the matter in which funding will be obtained and the consequences of its passage on state government.

The passage of this question would take the budgetary process out of the hands of our elected state legislators. The decisions of our state officials when it comes to our budget will be dependent on the actions of the six surrounding states and the amount they fund their education. You see State Question 744 would mandate the state of Oklahoma to spend, on each pupil, the average spent by the surrounding six states. This would include states with cities such as Denver, Kansas City, Dallas and Houston, where the cost of living is 2 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

hardly comparable. These states would determine how much money is spent per student, not the men and women we elect to oversee the state’s finances.

The billion-dollar deficit in this year’s state budget was made up by the use of rainy day funds and the use of stimulus money. 744 would mandate an additional $850 million to be spent on education in its first year. The estimates for the second year are $1 billion and by the third year economists put the figure at $1.3 billion.

Lawmakers said this year’s budget was very difficult to balance and next year will be more difficult. In order to make this budget balance most state agencies took a 12-14 percent cut.

744 will require an additional 20 percent cut in agencies and without the availability of the rainy day funds and additional stimulus monies in next year’s budget, sever cuts to our state agencies means sever cuts to services. We all remember the effects on the state of California with a sever budget short fall.

SQ 744 will be the first question on the ballot.

The last sentence of the question says the measure does not raise taxes, nor does it provide new funding for the new spending requirements. That is true and that is part of the problem. There was no thought from the originators of the 744 on how to pay for it nor does it earmark a funding source. Therefore, the state legislature is left with the challenge of what services, exemptions, agencies, higher education and career tech facilities to cut. SQ 744 only funds common education. It does nothing for career tech or higher education. And because of this, 744 can be very detrimental to rural Oklahoma. First, the agriculture tax exemption could be at risk adding additional cost to our bottom line. Second, ad valorem taxes could be on the rise once again increasing cost to our producers. Third, our agency, the Department of Agriculture, will be in line for additional cuts which will put many of our services and programs at risk. Fourth,

Oklahoma State University, our land grant university, could see substantial reductions in funding affecting programs in the Department of Agriculture. Fifth, in order to have a healthy rural Oklahoma we must have healthy rural Oklahomans. Just recently the legislature breathed life into the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Most of those graduates practice within a 200-mile radius of where they receive their degree. That means rural Oklahoma. Any cuts to the teaching hospital and college would have a negative effect on rural health for Oklahoman’s.

Many agencies have already raised fees in order to meet their financial shortfalls. One agency, the Water Resources Board, implemented a $50 fee on irrigation water wells.

O

klahoma Farm Bureau is a member of the One Oklahoma Coalition.

Organizations like the Oklahoma Chamber, the Oklahoma City Chamber, the Tulsa Chamber, Oklahoma Public Employees Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and American Farmers and Ranchers are just a few who realize the problems passage of 744 would bring to our state.

If you have kept up with the articles in The Daily Oklahoman or The Tulsa World you have read of their opposition to 744. Ask your state representative or you state senator to get their thoughts on this issue. When visiting with the candidates for state offices ask their opinion of 744. To learn more on 744 go to nosq744.com.

No matter how you decide, the most important thing you can do as a citizen of Oklahoma is make a well informed vote. Do your part. Get to know the candidates and educate yourself about the issues.

MOST OF ALL, GO TO THE POLLS, DO YOUR PART, AND VOTE!

THE FIRST “YIELD” SIGN WAS INSTALLED IN OKLAHOMA. WE’VE BEEN COVERING FOLKS WHO IGNORE IT EVER SINCE.

Sometimes, words just don’t mean the same thing in Oklahoma that they do in other places. Take this word “yield,” for example. The way a lot of Okies fly through intersections, “yield” doesn’t seem to mean anything at all. On the other hand, words like “commitment,” “service” and “neighbor” mean everything. To the agents at Oklahoma Farm Bureau, they mean we’ve got your back, even if you just blew through a yield sign and smashed into someone else’s. Just remember, the more you pay attention, the less you’ll pay for insurance.

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

Outlook

Executive

By Monica Wilke Executive Director Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies

Fall 2010 Volume 63 No. 4 Oklahoma Country (ISSN 1544-6476)

Convention time is here!

Farm Bureau Family,

C

onvention time is once again upon us! I cannot believe that my first year as your Executive Director has already passed. It has been an extremely busy year with many challenges. I appreciate all of you, our grassroots membership base, who have tirelessly served this organization for generations. Thank you for knowing and believing that Farm Bureau is not just an organization; it is a culture – a culture that represents all things honest, pure and true about this great state and country that we have the freedom to enjoy! It is for those reasons that your staff will honor you, our members, at our upcoming convention in November.

This year our annual meeting will take place in downtown Oklahoma City on November 19-21, 2010, with most of our activities taking place in the Cox Convention Center. We have added some changes to the convention for your enjoyment. We have more than doubled the number of vendors who will be present at the Farm Bureau Trade Show this year. Therefore, please make plans to attend before and after business sessions. Our Trade Show Committee has tailored our booths to your farming and ranching needs as well as your personal enjoyment! You will also have the opportunity to tantalize your taste buds with our wonderful Oklahoma commodities as you browse. Due to private and public regulations, we will be moving our trade show to the first floor along with convention registration. So, please look for signage in the convention center, directing you to your desired destinations.

As always, we will have a phenomenal line up of speakers for you. As you know, we are in an election year and; therefore, will have new faces leading our state and nation. Our opening session will begin by hearing from many of our newly elected representatives as well as great entertainment from our own Oklahoma youth.

On Friday evening, you will have a night on your 4 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

own to enjoy downtown Oklahoma City. At registration, our staff will assist you in planning activities you may be interested in while in the Bricktown area. This also will allow you as counties to get together for an evening of fun and fellowship on your own.

On Saturday, we will spend the day in business sessions, as you approve the policy that will guide your Public Policy staff through the upcoming political season. All of the resolutions that will be considered have been identified by you at your August area meetings, county resolution and annual meetings as well as the state resolution meeting. This age-old process that has proven successful for many years will once again allow the membership to draft the Farm Bureau “play book” that will be followed to move this organization forward.

On Saturday evening, we will honor Farm Bureau’s finest at our Awards and Recognition VIP Banquet. You will have the opportunity to enjoy great food and entertainment throughout the evening. Cowboy Humorist, Trent Loos, will be our featured banquet speaker, delivering a message that we will all want to hear. The State Farm Bureau Women’s Committee has planned an exquisite silent auction array where you will have the opportunity to bid on items throughout the evening. Please come prepared for an evening of informative enjoyment!

We will adjourn our convention properly by giving thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow, our Lord and Savior. This year’s vespers program will feature wounded Vietnam Veteran, Dave Roever, along with the musical entertainment of talented artist, Kathy Wampler. Dave’s message of hope, honor and perseverance is one that will stir your soul. You will not want to miss our time of worship.

I look forward to seeing you throughout the fall and in November. Thank you for your service to this organization and the culture that I love. It is a blessing to serve with you.

See you soon,

Monica

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

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 5

Country

Gardening

By Joe Benton

Extension Education, Ag & CED Pottawatomie County OSU Extension Service

Annual flowers for indoor use

A

nnuals by definition are plants that survive just one growing season. Some annuals are actually perennials or even woody shrubs in other parts of the country but, because they are not frost tolerant, cannot survive our winters. Many gardeners try to avoid the inevitable by overwintering some of their prized annuals indoors. Some annuals overwinter easier than others. For example, many gardeners successfully overwinter their geraniums from year to year.

Geraniums are popular bedding plants, blooming freely from May to frost. However, the first hard frost doesn’t have to be the end for your geraniums. Prune the geraniums back to 1/2 to 1/3 of their original height. Then carefully dig each plant and place in a 6-to 8-inch pot. After potting, water thoroughly and place the plants in a bright, sunny window.

Geraniums prefer cool indoor temperatures.

Daytime temperatures near 65 F and night temperatures around 55 F are ideal.

(Geraniums become spindly when grown in poor light and warm temperatures.) During their stay indoors, water the plants thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Occasionally pinch or prune the geraniums to maintain stocky, well-branched plants.

Another popular annual, impatiens, can also be grown indoors. Take stem cuttings from desired varieties in late summer. Root cuttings in perlite or coarse sand. After rooting, pot them into well-drained potting media. Because light duration is lacking during the winter months, place the potted plants in a bright, sunny location. If you do not have optimal light conditions, artificial lighting may be the answer. Impatiens that have spent the summer in containers can be pinched back leaving one-third of their

6 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

original height and brought indoors. This also applies for the popular New Guinea impatiens.

Fibrous begonias also make attractive interior plants. Because they have a fibrous root system, they can easily be dug from the ground and placed in containers for the winter.

Like the impatiens, trim the tops back to about one-third of their original height. Dwarf varieties are the most successful for indoor use.

Other annuals that can be propagated from stem cuttings include coleus, Joseph’scoat and verbena. Ornamental peppers, eggplant, and even kale can be grown in containers indoors.

Fuchsia can be overwintered in different ways. Cuttings can be taken from plants in late summer and rooted. The rooted cuttings are potted up and then placed in a bright sunny location and treated as foliage plants throughout the winter. Another method is to keep the plant over in a dormant state. Before a hard frost in the fall, place the containerized plant in a location that can be maintained about 40 to 50 F. Water the plant once a month to keep the wood from drying. In February, prune back to the old wood and place in a sunny location. Hard pruning will induce branching, which in turn will produce abundant flowers during the summer months.

These same methods can also be used to carry lantana through the winter as well.

M

any gardeners grow plants like bougainvillea and mandevilla, in hanging baskets or other containers during the summer. They can be brought indoors for the winter months. They often don’t flower indoors but will hopefully survive and bloom again next season. The bougainvillea should be trimmed back in the fall and placed in a cool location for the winter.

Keep the plant dry during this resting period.

In March, bring the plant to a warmer location

and begin watering. Though a challenge to get to rebloom, the effort is worth it. The cool temperatures and dry conditions give plants the rest period they need to rebloom. The mandevilla also requires dry conditions during the winter. However, it does not need as cool of temperatures as the previously mentioned plants. Keep at a minimum of 55 F.

B

efore bringing plants indoors for the winter, make sure plants are healthy.

Acclimate plants to their indoor environment well in advance of cool temperatures. Though frost may take the majority of our annual color, some can be brought indoors to brighten our winter months.

But before you bring plants indoors you will want to check for insects. Many garden pests are transferred indoors with houseplants and other plants brought indoors, where they move out to attack other houseplants or become nuisance pests. Inspect your plants and pots for insects and other invertebrates. Be sure to remove the plants from their pots, because beetles, slugs, pillbugs and centipedes will live in the soil around the base of the pot. Also check between the pot and the saucer, another favorite hiding place.

Inspect the foliage and stems closely for pests. Aphids, mealybugs and scales can all move indoors unseen on plants, where their populations can explode. If you find these insects, wash them from plants with a heavy stream of water or treat plants with an insecticidal soap. Always read product labels to make sure the soap is compatible with the plant you are treating. You may want to isolate treated plants from your other houseplants for a few weeks until you have determined the pests to be under control.

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Robbing Peter to pay Paul

By Mike Nichols

Robbing Peter to pay Paul is an old maxim tracing its origins to the works of English theologian John Wycliffe in 1382.

But if the National Education Association and its subordinate Oklahoma Education Association campaign succeeds, voters will force lawmakers to “rob Peter to pay Paul” to fund State Question 744 and add a 2010 footnote to the ancient adage.

“Oklahomans will see a lot of warm, fuzzy, cute ads,” said Jeff Wilson, campaign manager of the One Oklahoma Coalition, referring to the NEA’s $3 million spending blitz to buy a victory in the Nov. 2 election.

“They need to ask how do you expect to pay for this.”

SQ 744 would add a provision to the Oklahoma Constitution requiring the state to spend as much as the six-state regional average on each student annually. Oklahoma spends just over $7,600 per student while the six-state average is just over $9,000.

However, the measure does not provide any funding for the new common education spending requirements. It effectively would force lawmakers to “rob Peter to pay Paul” to fund common education before spending a penny on other agencies.

“This is about consequences,”’ said Wilson. “There’s no way to pay for this. The economy won’t grow enough to pay for it without raising taxes or cutting services.”

OEA has claimed normal growth in revenue will pay for the measure.

But, last year alone, state revenues dropped more than 20 percent. The

4

8 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

Oklahoma budget would be ravaged with passage of SQ 744. state budget shortfall is expected to be more than $1 billion in the upcoming year.

Oklahoma Policy Institute, a liberal-leaning think-tank that monitors state government, estimates the measure would cost almost $2 billion over the three-year phase-in period.

“We calculate that SQ 744 would require nearly $1.7 billion in increased funding exclusively for common education over its three-year phase-in period, at a time when the state must replace more than $1 billion in nonrecurring revenue in its base budget,” wrote OPI Director David Blatt.

“Since the measure doesn’t provide for any new revenues, passage of SQ 744 would ensure a severe funding shortage for all other functions of government that could be addressed only by deep budget cuts or substantial tax increases,” Blatt’s synopsis continued. “It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible” to implement SQ 744 without “imposing substantial cuts or tax increases.”

During a press conference Sept. 7 at the state Capitol, economists

Big Reasons to Vote No • No Oversight or Accountability of how millions of your tax dollars will be spent.

• No Guarantee that any new funding must be spent on children, books, computers, classroom needs or teacher pay raises.

• No Reforms in public schools of any type are in State Question 744.

• No Way to Pay for State Question 744 without massive tax and fee increases or without devastating budget cuts to all other state programs and services.

Governor takes emphatic position against SQ 744

from the state’s two top public universities criticized SQ 744, saying it would do more harm than good.

“It is hubris (excessive pride or arrogance) to suggest that you now know, here, today in 2010, exactly how it is that money should be spent for all time perpetuity,” said Alexander Holmes, chair of the economics department at the University of Oklahoma. Holmes worked under former Gov. Henry Bellmon two decades ago to develop the plan that increased education funding by $7.2 billion under House Bill 1017.

“The constitution needs to have in it fundamental principles. It should not,” he declared, “have in it mathematical formulas.”

Larkin Warner, Oklahoma State University regents professor emeritus of economics who served on the citizens committee that developed MAPS for Kids in Oklahoma City, said passage of SQ 744 would have “unintended consequences.”

He said it ultimately could harm education by traumatizing other state services.

“People supporting this ought to be thankful if this fails,” he declared, “because it will have a negative impact.”

Wilson, whose One Oklahoma Coalition is leading opposition to the onerous state question, also criticized proponents for having no plan of how the funds would be spent if the question wins approval.

“They’re basically saying just give us this money – just give it to us.

We’ve asked them for a plan and how they will use it. They don’t have any answers,” he said.

Wilson criticized the question, saying there are “no guarantees” how the funds would be spent, no accountability and no oversight.

“They’re just saying put the money in and we will do what we want with it,” he opined. “We don’t know what will happen.

“It would require a 35 percent increase in income taxes or a 38 percent increase in sales taxes or a $1,200 property tax increase for the average family of four. Taxes will have to be raised or state services cut, or both.”

He added that cuts could see 7,000 state workers lose jobs, and a 25 percent reduction in state services because the legislature would be forced to trim about $1 billion from the budget to go to common education.

“Roads will get worse. State services will dwindle. Prisons will be closed. Trooper numbers will be reduced. Not a single program would go unscathed except common education.”

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, a staunch supporter of common education, formally joined the debate on State Question 744 in a Sept. 21 Capitol new conference by announcing that he will serve as honorary chairman of One Oklahoma Coalition.

That coalition is opposed to the state question, which would require Oklahoma to increase its per pupil spending to the average of six surrounding states.

“I think the easiest thing for me would have been to sit on the sidelines and stay out of this debate,” said the governor. But he added: “This is the most important state question in 20 years. It is so important that I have agreed to serve as state chairman for One Oklahoma Coalition.”

Henry has been a robust supporter of common education throughout his two terms as governor as well as his 10 years as a state legislator.

“But I think this debate is so absolutely important, especially given the dramatic negative consequences with the passage of State Question 744.

“If this passes,” said Henry, “it will absolutely devastate the budgets of all critical areas in state government, and we just simply cannot allow that to happen.”

Raising Oklahoma’s common education spending to the regional average has been predicted to cost as much as $1.7 billion. The state question does not raise taxes nor does it provide any new funding for the mandated requirements.

“Without a revenue source, it would just absolutely be devastating to every other area of government at a time when we are slowly pulling out of this economic recession,” said Henry.

“SQ 744 will actually hurt education, ironically. It would actually result in reduction in funding for critical programs in higher education, in career tech and in our world-renown early childhood education program.“ The governor said his wife, First Lady Kim Henry, a former school teacher, also is against the measure.

“I can say unequivocally that Kim feels exactly the same way as I do.”

Governor Brad Henry made it clear Sept.

21 that he opposes passage of State Question 744 during a news conference in the state Capitol.

SQ 744 will destroy rural Oklahoma Small towns, family farms and ranches will face major risks if SQ 744 passes • Devastating property tax increases will hit farmers and ranchers if SQ 74 becomes law.

• Funds to help rural Oklahoma create jobs and increase economic development will disappear.

• Rural fire departments will face crippling budget cuts under SQ 744.

• Sales tax exemptions for agriculture likely will be abolished.

• Agriculture permit fees will go higher to replace lost revenue.

• Funds to repair rural roads and bridges will shrink.

• Severe cuts in funding for rural doctors and rural health care are likely.

The Oklahoma Policy Institute agreed.

The proponent’s campaign process already is in the hands of other “The only possible outcomes from adopting this rigid constitutional states, Wilson said. formula would be to cut funding for mental health, higher education, OEA’s money – some $3 million – for the campaign is coming from law enforcement, environmental quality, roads and other key state the NEA. priorities where Oklahoma also lags behind most other states, or to raise “Why,” asked Wilson, “does an organization that gets most of its taxes, or both. money from New York, Massachusetts, California and Washington, D.C., “This situation would necessarily require deeper budget cuts, tax care about what we do about public policy in Oklahoma so much increases or both, even assuming a strong economic turnaround.” that it will put in another $3 million on top of the $1 million for the “We would,” declared Wilson, “just be cutting a blank check. There petition circulation? are no results guaranteed. It’s not just about the money.”

“Do we want someone else telling us how to spend our money? I,” SQ 744 seeks to solve the state’s education problems with nothing but answered Wilson, “don’t think so.” money. A similar measure that increased education funding in Arkansas The Oklahoma Ethics Commission was asked to rule on the NEA failed to improve academic performance, and saw the consolidation of money, which comes from its Legislative and Ballot Initiative Fund, after 57 schools. Oklahoma students today outscore their Arkansas it forced the Oklahoma Public Employees Association to return a $15,000 counterparts on the ACT. contribution to the One Oklahoma Coalition.

Spending on education in Kansas has gone up 40 percent in the The Ethics Commission passed a rule earlier this year, which was past decade. But reading and math scores in the Sunflower State approved by the legislature, expanding a ban on transfers from one remain unchanged. political action committee to another to include out-of-state political A Kansas University study showed the massive increase in school action committees. funding has had “little evidence of improving student outcomes as The Ethics Commission took no action on the complaint after hearing measured by test scores.” evidence from both proponents and opponents in early September.

744 The KU study said in summary that there is a tendency to fund OklaHOMa Wilson said he views theHow EthicsSQ Commission’s decision not to rule on impacts agriculture: FarM education with the hope student achievement will increase. It theBureau question as a “huge travesty – a huge miscarriage of justice.” concluded by saying that one “rarely see(s) that happen. . .”

Commission is weak and playing to the OEA,” says “I think the Ethics 1. Dramatic increase in property SQ 744 would hand over sovereignty of the majority said state Representative Leslie Osborn, who is taxes. of the state’s budget, with lawmakers in the Arkansas, leading the HouseofRepublican 2. The elimination agriculture caucus campaign sales tax Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas against SQ exemptions.

744. indirectly determining how much Oklahoma spends. It “There isfees no doubt,” she declared, “that is out-of3. Increased for all permits related to agriculture. also requires Oklahoma common education spending state PAC money but the commercials will have 4.

Funding for they rural(the economic to increase each time the regional average grows while aired before Ethics Commission) decide development and other ag not allowing the state to decrease funding if the anything, they know that.” programsand goes away. regional average declines.

“Oklahomans should know,” said Wilson, “that if 5. County roads and bridges deteriorate.

“They (proponents) are saying it’s out of our hands this passes, it won’t be the last time they’re asked to now. It lets voters make education a priority in do the very same thing. They will be asked to do it Visit Oklahoma,” said Wilson. “I say they are right – it lets againhttp://www.STOP744.COM if this passes.

See the reverse side to read why the state’s largest to learn more about this issue. voters decide one time!

“Do we want to be the guinea pig? This will divide farm organization opposes this dangerous proposal.

“Then, it will be the other states who decide what we do afterwards. our state. It’s critical to find a solution – to find a way to work together It will take the process out of Oklahoma and put it in the hands of and make our state better and not fight among ourselves. other states.”

“We,” he concluded, “want to bring all our boats up at the same time.”

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Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 13

Conditions are ideal for another fiery fall and winter.

By Mike Nichols

14 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

O

On the Horizon

O

Oklahoma has experienced more than its share of wildfires the past several years, and weather so far this year has created almost ideal conditions for another fiery fall and winter.

Above normal rainfall that fell through mid-July created lush growing conditions for grass, weeds and trees. Rain was replaced abruptly by scorching heat and dry weather in mid-July and lasted through late August in most of Oklahoma.

“Those conditions have made the Oklahoma landscape a tinderbox, just waiting for a spark to be ignited,” said Justin Grego, Oklahoma Farm

Bureau safety director. “It’s not much different than we experienced last year when wildfires engulfed much of eastern Oklahoma County.”

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance Associate Claims Manager Gary Bucker concurred, saying the conditions now also are similar to those that existed when a multi-county area of the southern Oklahoma was ravaged by wildfires last year.

“A long period without rain increases the risk for wildfires,” said Grego, who also serves as a firefighter with his local volunteer fire department in Seminole County. “We’re currently averaging about two

Wildfires like this one could be a frequent site in Oklahoma this fall and winter.

Grass, weeds and foliage thrived with above-normal rainfall through mid-July only to become a tinderbox with scorching temperatures and dry weather persisting for about the next six weeks.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 15

calls per week on wildfires, and conditions are ideal for even more.”

While last year’s most widely publicized wildfires engulfed suburban areas of eastern Oklahoma County, Grego said people living in rural areas surrounded by fuels like foliage and grass usually are at a greater risk.

“Those surroundings create a greater danger, and firefighters can’t get to rural areas as quickly as those in cities simply due to the distance involved. Protecting your home from wildfire is your responsibility,” he declared. “Don’t assume firefighters can save your structure or protect your property.”

G

OFB Safety Director Justin Grego is a volunteer firefighter with the Strother Fire Department in rural Seminole County. He says there are several measures homeowners can take to lessen the risk of wildfires consuming their dwellings.

Homeowners discovered last year that wildfires can consume their dwellings despite the best efforts of firefighters. OFB Claims Department recommends that homeowners keep an inventory of their belongings in a secure location in case disaster strikes.

16 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

Grego said homeowners need to take precautions to protect their own property. He recommended that all homeowners create a “defensible space” around their homes and property.

“All vegetation is fuel for a wildfire, but this doesn’t mean your landscape has to be barren. To reduce your risk, you need to modify or eliminate brush, trees and other vegetation near your home. The greater the distance is between your home and the vegetation, the greater the protection.

“This defensible space is your area where the vegetation has been modified and maintained to slow the rate and intensity of an advancing wildfire. It also creates an area for fire suppression operations to occur.”

Grego recommended that homeowners keep the volume of vegetation in a 30-foot zone around their dwellings to a minimum. Those whose homes are on a hill need a larger zone since fires spread more rapidly uphill.

He also said other combustibles like wood piles, patio furniture and covers, and outdoor grills should be kept at least 30 feet from the dwelling and other structures.

“Roofs are especially vulnerable in a wildfire. Embers and flaming debris can travel great distances, fall on your roof and start a new fire.”

Things like removing vines from the walls of a dwelling, moving shrubs away from the side of a house and keeping tree limbs removed within 15 feet of the ground are recommended. The lawn should be mowed often to keep the grass at a maximum of two inches. Guttering also should be kept clean of combustibles like leaves.

“Watch grass and other vegetation around your driveway, which is a source of ignition from auto exhaust systems,” Grego said. “Clear your driveway area of leaves, brush, evergreen cones, dead limbs and fallen trees.”

While prevention measures can be taken, Grego said there still are occasions when wildfires might threaten residents. He recommended that all residents have their address clearly posted so firefighters and emergency personnel can find the location in an emergency.

“Make sure your address is visible from both directions, and be sure to keep brush and trees cut back so the address stands out.

“And,” he concluded, “when weather permits be sure to keep your garden hoses connected to a water source. In some instances, homeowners can defend their property until emergency personnel arrive.”

Buckner said the Claims Department also suggests homeowners compile an inventory of all items in their home, complete with either photographs or video. In a worst-case scenario, the inventory and photos are invaluable to both the insurance company and insureds when a claim must be filed.

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Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 17

All Around

Oklahoma

Lengthy ballots await general election voters 11 state questions will be presented

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klahoma voters could suffer from eye and hand fatigue after casting ballots in the Nov. 2 general election.

In addition to congressional contests, races for governor and lieutenant governor, state lawmakers and other state officials plus county contests, the fate of 11 state questions rests with the electorate.

A synopsis of the 11 state questions on the ballot (with Farm Bureau’s policy position) and the order in which they will appear follows: • SQ 744. A yes vote would mandate the state spend up to $1 billion more per year on common education to meet a regional average.

This would be done by raising taxes 32 percent statewide or cutting all other state agencies and services by at least 20 percent each. OFB policy opposes this question.

• SQ 746. A yes vote makes voters show proof of identity – voter ID. AFBF policy favors this question.

• SQ 747. A yes vote would make all statewide elected offices have a term limit of eight years except Corporation Commission, which would be 12 years. OFB policy favors terms limits for state elected officials, which are presently not under term limits.

• SQ 748. Every 10 years redistricting is done by the legislature. If it fails to act, a commission does the job. A yes vote changes the number of people on the commission from three to seven, and makes it bi-partisan with the lieutenant governor as the non-voting chairman. OFB currently has no policy addressing this question.

• SQ 750. A yes vote would require fewer signatures on initiative and referendum petitions. The last election with the governor on the ballot, instead of the last election with the president on the ballot, would be used to determine the signatures needed.

OFB currently has no policy addressing this question.

• SQ 751. A yes vote makes English the common language of Oklahoma. OFB policy favors this question.

• SQ 752. A yes vote modifies the Judicial Nominating Commission, which recommends candidates to the governor to appoint.

18 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

Currently, it is made up of 12 (six non-lawyers appointed by the governor and six lawyers appointed by the Oklahoma Bar Association).

This measure adds two non-lawyer members appointed by the speaker of the House and the president pro-tempore of the Senate.

OFB currently has no policy addressing this question.

• SQ 754. A yes vote would ensure that the appropriations and budgeting process set up by the Oklahoma constitution stays the way it currently is. It would stop unions or government agencies from demanding that they be funded in a different of higher way. OFB policy favors

this question.

• SQ 755. A yes vote forbids Oklahoma courts from using Sharia (Islamic) or international law to decide cases in our state courts. OFB currently has no policy addressing this question.

• SQ 756. A yes vote allows Oklahoma residents to opt out of federal health care. OFB policy favors this question.

• SQ 757. A yes vote increases the rainy day fund from 10 percent to 15 percent of certified funds from the previous year’s state budget.

OFB currently has no policy addressing this question.

Agricultural research yields great returns for state farms

O

ver the summer, I was honored to visit the Kinder family farm in Cotton County.

Believe me, this is a family farm, with Jimmy Kinder, his wife Trudie, their two sons and several grandkids all pitching in.

One of the couple’s sons, Jimmy Wayne Kinder, showed me some of the sophisticated equipment that makes the farm more efficient – and environmentally friendly. With their liquid

fertilizer cart, they can do in-row fertilization, just as the seed goes into the ground. Now they can get the same crop yields with one-third of the fertilizer.

And they’ve reduced the runoff of nutrients into their streams and other water sources.

The visit reminded me of what the federal Congressman Tom Cole chats with Cotton County farmer Jimmy Wayne Kinder, right, during a summertime visit to the Farm Bureau member family farm near Walters.

®

government should – and shouldn’t be – doing.

The regulatory frenzy from the EPA isn’t doing any good for farmers, the environment, or the economy. Neither are the blizzard of federal spending and the mountain of federal debt. With a federal budget of $3.55 trillion, a record federal deficit of $1.4 trillion, and a national debt of $13 trillion, and a failed stimulus program that costs $787 billion, the federal government is proving that we cannot spend our way out of a recession.

However, relatively modest investments in agricultural research and education help our farmers become even more productive, to the benefit of all Americans and the entire world.

That’s because agriculture is essential to the economies of our district, our state and our nation, and agricultural scientists and American farmers have a proven record of making the most of investments in research and education.

There are 14,000 farms and ranches in the Fourth Congressional District and more than 80,000 throughout Oklahoma, contributing more than $6 billion to our state’s economy.

Throughout the nation, American agriculture is the most productive in the world, feeding the nation and much of the world at a lower cost than ever before in human history.

For almost a century-and-a-half, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research and extension programs have helped American farmers to improve their productivity with the latest technological advances. Conducted at the nation’s land-grant universities, including Oklahoma State University and Langston University, these programs cover such important subjects as food safety, child nutrition, soil conservation and water quality.

While Congress has been splurging on spending of almost every kind, the stimulus program and the entire federal budget have been shortchanging agricultural research and education. Although $10 billion was included for research programs in other areas, not a penny was dedicated for competitive research at the USDA. Federal funding for agricultural research has stayed at the same level – about $2.1 billion – since 2005. The USDA admits that, because its budget is under-funded, its Agricultural Food and Research Initiative (formerly known as the

National Research Institute) had to reject an eye-popping 84 percent of the meritorious research proposals that were submitted in 2006 and 78 percent in 2007.

Too much of the taxpayers’ money is being wasted. But intelligent investments in agricultural education and research will reap a bountiful harvest for our economy, our environment, and a growing global population that needs the food that American farmers produce so efficiently and inexpensively.

— By Congressman Tom Cole

Annual convention is set for November 19-21

O

klahoma Farm Bureau’s 69th annual convention is scheduled Nov. 19-21 at Oklahoma City’s Cox Convention Center.

The Friday-Saturday-Sunday meeting will tend to the business of the state’s largest farm organization as well as set policy to help mold the future of the state and nation.

Three state directors plus the delegates for the 2011 American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting will be selected. Farm Bureau Women also will select three district members as well as a state chair.

Top state awards to counties and individual members also will be presented throughout the annual meeting and competitions, such as the Discussion Meet, will be held.

At the early September press time, the schedule was: The opening session begins at 1:30 p.m.

Friday. Invitations have been extended to Oklahoma’s new governor and lieutenant governor. Several county awards will be presented during the session along with the secretary and journalist of the year awards.

The tradeshow held in conjunction with the annual meeting has been expanded and will be housed in Exhibit Hall 1 on the first floor of the Cox Center. Everyone is encouraged to visit the expanded tradeshow, which will be open from

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING To all county Farm Bureaus of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau: You are hereby notified that Oklahoma Farm Bureau will convene in annual session Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. in the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City. This is the annual meeting of the delegate body. See that your delegates are properly certified and in attendance to represent your membership. This meeting will continue until all business is transacted.

Board of Directors

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. Notice is hereby given of the annual meeting of the Policyholders of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company to be held in the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, commencing at 8:45 a.m. at which time a report of the activities of our company during the past fiscal year will be submitted together with a report of the financial position of the company; and at which time any and all other activities of the company may be presented and considered.

Board of Directors Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 19

10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the convention’s first day, with 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours on day two. It will host a variety of vendors promoting agricultural businesses and associations, along with other retail vendors.

Those attending will have a free evening to explore popular Bricktown and Oklahoma City locales Friday evening.

Nov. 20 activities begin with the annual policyholders meeting followed by a general session. The general session will focus on setting policy for 2011. Delegates for the next AFBF annual meeting also will be selected.

Various YF&R and Farm Bureau Women’s functions follow the general session adjournment at noon. When the general session reconvenes at 2:15 p.m., results of caucuses for state director districts three, six and nine will be announced. Delegates will

hear various reports, be introduced to the Discussion Meet winner and finish resolutions before adjourning for the day.

A reception for Ag Fund donors is scheduled at 5:30 p.m.

A silent auction opens at 5:30 p.m. in Ballrooms A-E. A variety of merchandise will be offered in the auction, with proceeds going to the OFB Legal Foundation.

The annual banquet begins at 7 p.m.

Several of the organization’s top individual and county awards, such as Farm Family of the Year and Distinguished Service plus the John I. Taylor and Lewis Munn, will be presented following dinner.

Sixth generation agriculturist Trent Loos, a well-known radio and television personality, will be the featured speaker that evening. His radio programming includes daily Loos Tales

and Rural Route plus weekly Loos Tales TV programming. Loos also is a regular columnist for Feedstuffs newspaper. He operates a cattle ranch in central Nebraska.

Nov. 21 activities begin with breakfast for county presidents, FBW chairmen and leaders in the legislative arena.

The Vespers and Memorial Session begins at 9:15 a.m. Noted speaker Dave Roever, the founder, chairman and president of the Roever Evangelistic Association of Fort Worth, Tex., will deliver his message of hope. He will be accompanied by association vocalist Kathy Wampler.

Oklahoma’s new U.S. Congressman in the fifth district also has been invited to attend the morning’s session.

A memorial ceremony for Farm Bureau members will be a part of the Sunday morning session, which concludes the annual meeting.

New regulations help ensure healthy cattle

A

new state regulation will help control the spread of trichomoniasis in Oklahoma cattle, an illness that can cost our cattle industry millions of dollars.

The new regulation added to the existing Oklahoma Cattle Trichomoniasis Program was put into effect July 1, 2010, and will be fully enforced Jan. 1, 2011.

Dr. D.L. Step, Oklahoma State University

Cooperative Extension veterinarian, said trichomoniasis is a venereal disease in cattle.

"There has been a rise in trichomoniasis in Oklahoma cattle, which is a disease that can have a devastating effect on the cattle industry," Step said. “This new regulation was put in place in an effort to protect the Oklahoma cattle producer.”

Dr. Rod Hall, Oklahoma Department of

Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Animal Industry Services Trichomoniasis Program director, said the new legislation involves the change of ownership of a bull within the state of Oklahoma and will require a negative trichomoniasis test within 30 days prior to change of ownership.

“Change of ownership can come through private or public sale, lease, trade or barter,” Hall said. “Exceptions to this mandatory testing include bulls less than 24 months old that can be certified as virgin bulls; bulls consigned directly to slaughter; and ‘cutter bulls’ that will be fed for slaughter only.”

Regulations were already in place regarding bulls entering Oklahoma from other states.

These bulls must be tested negative for trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry and be identified with an official identification device. Acceptable ID are silver metal USDA tag, 840 RFID tag, registration tattoo or brand if accompanied by a copy of registration papers.

Again there are some exceptions to this mandatory testing, including bulls less than 24 months old that can be certified as virgin bulls; New Oklahoma legislation involving the change of ownership of a bull within the state will require a negative trichomoniasis test within 30 days prior to change of ownership. Bulls are the focus since they are the reservoir for the disease. Contact your local veterinarian for more information on testing.

20 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

bulls consigned directly to slaughter; rodeo or bucking bulls that travel to an event and then leave the state.

Three negative culture tests at least one week apart or one negative PCR test meets the Oklahoma trichomoniasis testing requirements.

If a bull tests positive for trichomoniasis, he must be sold for slaughter only or castrated. The owner of the herd of origin will be notified. The herd owner will be advised to contact their veterinarian for assistance in managing and eradicating the disease in their herd.

“Bulls infected with trichomoniasis carry the protozoan in their reproductive tract,” Hall said.

“The disease is transmitted from bull to cow during the breeding process. Typically, infected cows will abort early in the pregnancy and be temporarily infertile.”

While cows can be temporarily infertile, they can eventually clear themselves of the disease with four to five months of sexual rest. There is a vaccine that can be administered to cows to help prevent the disease. Bulls, however, will remain infected and there is not an approved treatment or vaccine for bulls. Infected bulls also will continue to appear and act normally.

Step said that the primary impact of trichomoniasis is on female cattle, but the Oklahoma Trichomoniasis Program regulations focus on bulls since they are the reservoir for this disease.

The economic impact on the cattle industry is devastating. There are approximately 2.4 million breeding female cattle in Oklahoma. On average there is one bull for every 20-25 cows.

Based on that number, Hall estimates there are about 96,000 bulls in the state.

“I believe we can conservatively assume we have a 3 percent infection rate in Oklahoma bulls. If each infected bull is exposed to 25 cows with a 15 percent calf loss, it would result in 10,800 calves lost,” he said.

“At $500 for each calf, the cattle industry would face a total loss of $5.4 million annually.

In a herd with a compact breeding season, a trichomoniasis infection can decrease calving percentages by up to 50 percent. This is devastating for a calf crop.

“I encourage Oklahoma cattle producers to contact their local veterinarian for more information on trichomoniasis and how to get their bulls tested,” Step said. “The test can save cattle producers thousands of dollars in the long run.”

Contest attracts 13 farm families

T

hirteen Oklahoma families have been nominated by their county Farm Bureaus for consideration as the 2010 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year.

The winning family will be announced during the 69th annual meeting of Oklahoma Farm Bureau in Oklahoma City in November.

The winning family will receive an expensepaid trip to the 2011 American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Atlanta, Ga., and other prizes.

The annual Oklahoma contest honors the farm family who best represents farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture.

Farm families nominated, listed in county alphabetical order, are: • Leslie and Carol Gore of Adair County.

The family’s operation consists of 800 acres with pasture, crops and timber along with an established 100-head cow-calf herd. They’ve also recently started a stocker operation.

• William and Grace Wessels of Alfalfa County. William rented his first land as a sophomore in high school in 1954. Today the operation covers more 5,000 acres, with wheat, grass and stocker cattle being the primary enterprises along with some sod sales.

• Kerry and Debbie Givens of Comanche County. The couple met at a FFA function and dated throughout high school before marrying in 1973. Today’s operation consists of 180 acres owned with 800 acres of native grass and 80 acres of bluestem for hay leased. They have 85 commercial cows along with a bucking stock herd for rodeos.

• Kenneth and Debby Fisher of Creek County. Their farm has been in the family since 1905 and remains a family operation today with crops and cattle, include corn, soybeans and wheat and stocker cattle. Kenneth also operates a feed store business.

• Lawrence and Paula Sawatzky of Custer County. They have been farming together for 21 years. Today, the farm consists of 2,675 acres with wheat and grassland in addition to an 88-head cow herd.

• Lloyd and Dorothy Henry of Garvin County. The couple moved to the family farm in 1966 after completing college. The original 94

acres has grown to 624 today with another 1,600 leased. They have wheat, alfalfa and sudan hay along with soybeans plus a 350-head cow herd.

• Tommy and Diane Beach of Jackson County. The operation began in 1984, when Tommy rented his wheat farm. He purchased his first farm in 1992, three years before the couple married. They have about 700 acres of cotton ,500 acres of heat and 100 acres of hay plus a 100-head cow herd and 500-600 head of stockers each year.

• Dennis and Lisa Vermillion of LeFLore County. The Vermillions were raised on farms and both were active in 4-H and FFA, raising and exhibiting livestock. They purchased 80 acres in 1993 and today have 85 acres where they produce 500,000 broiler chickens annually.

They also have about 100 cows on additional acres in a family partnership with his parents.

• Elmer and Patricia Tuxhorn of Major County. Soon after they married in 1971, they began their cattle operation on a 480-acre farm staked by grandparents in the Land Run of ’89.

That original farm is supplemented with 640 acres of leased land. The primary enterprise is a 64-head cow herd, with some land in hay production.

• Ronnie and Dianna Pevehouse of Muskogee County. On the farm since being married in 1977, today’s operation consists of 450 acres owned and an additional 200 rented where they run a 200-head cow herd and bale 150 acres of Bermuda grass hay.

• Steve and Denise Kienholz of Noble County. Steve began his farming operation in 1975 with wheat and stocker cattle on leased land. Wheat and stockers are still on today’s large farm plus a 100 commercial pairs. Corn and soybeans have been added along with forage crops.

• Will and Roberta Rhynes of Pontotoc County. On the farm for 35 years, the Rhynes have grown their ranch to 4,800 acres around the original section and is home to a large cowcalf operation with 450 black and black baldy cows bred to Hereford and Angus bulls.

• Kenneth and Charlene Thornbrough of Washita County. After 51 years on the farm, health issues have forced a change in farming goals and rented land was given up. Cropland was placed in the Conservation Reserve Program in 1993. Kenneth still maintains fences and keeps busy cleaning up unwanted trees on the farm.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 21

Farm Bureau to host booth, cattle sale at Tulsa Farm Show

O

klahoma Farm Bureau will participate in the 17th annual Tulsa Farm Show with both an informational booth and sponsorship of the Herd Builder Private Treaty Cattle Sale.

The Farm Show and sale are scheduled Dec. 9-11 in the Quik Trip Center-Expo Center, Tulsa State Fairgrounds. Both admission and parking are free.

The show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday with Saturday opening at 9 a.m. but closing at 4 p.m.

Farm Bureau will once again have its large booth in the northeast quadrant, upper level, of the Quik Trip Center. The booth will feature the Safety Department Fire Prevention Trailer along with many other safety programs. Information on Farm Bureau’s many service-to-member programs will be available to those stopping by

22 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

the booth for a visit.

In addition to the Fire Prevention Trailer, the Safety Department plans to run various safety videos. One special area to be featured is fourwheeler safety, with different videos presented to visitors.

Safety Director Justin Grego said he plans to have a four-wheeler on display in conjunction with the video along with the safety equipment and proper attire riders should wear when on a four-wheeler. That equipment and attire all riders should dress in when riding includes a crash helmet and eye projection along with shoes without laces, and brightly colored long sleeved shirts and long pants.

“We are one of the original participants with the Tulsa Farm Show,” said Field Representative Robin Landrum, who has manned the organization’s booth each year. “We started with

them that very first year, and have watched the show grow in attendance each year.”

The Herd Builder Private Treaty Cattle Sale is a new addition to the Farm Bureau presence at the show. The private treaty sale, sponsored by both OFB and WW Livestock Systems, is open to all breeds, and will include bulls, heifers, bred heifers, cow-calf pairs and additional offers.

The sale is open to every attending.

It is being hosted at the Tulsa Farm Show after the Farm Bureau-sponsored private treaty sale at the Oklahoma City Farm Show in April proved successful for both sellers and buyers.

“We are excited to offer producers the opportunity to showcase all breeds of beef animals,” said Thad Doye Field Services vice Mayes County Director Jerry Koelsch visits with Field Representative Robin Landrum, right, in this file photo from a previous Tulsa Farm Show.

president. “Producers can choose to bring a group of animals or just one. This is a unique and great marketing tool for our cattlemen.”

Cattlemen interested in offering animals at the event should contact Doye at 405-523-2307

by Nov. 24. There are fees for participation in the sale. Bulls are $100 while heifers and bred heifers are $50 and cow-calf pairs are $75.

Health certification by a licensed veterinarian must be provided for all animals in the private treaty sale. Owners should be present throughout the sale, and are responsible for the feeding, watering (a water tub and water source will be provided) and stall upkeep. Animals must be delivered between 3 and 6 p.m. on Dec. 8.

The Tulsa Farm Show is produced by Midwest Shows, Inc. of Austin, Minn., which produces seven farm shows including those at Peoria, Ill.; Tulsa; Vermillion, S.D.; two in Sioux Falls, S.D.; Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Oklahoma City.

“We’re making every effort to make the Tulsa Farm Show a complete and unique salute to agriculture where active farmers and ranchers can evaluate agricultural products and services,

pick up valuable information and enjoy a great time socializing with others involved in the industry,” said Ron Bormaster, show manager.

More than 300 exhibitors will display the latest in agricultural equipment, feed, seed, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, medications and services. Live action horse training clinics with Craig Cameron and livestock equipment demonstrations also are scheduled daily.

Two nominated for YF&R award

T

wo county Farm Bureaus have submitted nominations for the YF&R Excellence in Agriculture Award that will be presented at the 69th annual convention in Oklahoma City in November.

The award recognizes successful young people 35 or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupations are not farming or owning an agricultural business. The award is based on their involvement in

agriculture and participation in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other community organizations.

The winner receives four-wheeler ATV plus a trip to the AFBF convention in Atlanta, Ga., to represent Oklahoma in the national contest.

• Jason and Rachel Schneeberger of Ponca City were nominated by Kay County Farm Bureau. He is Ponca City firefighter and she works as a library media specialist in Arkansas City, Kan. They own a 125-head cowcalf ranch, farm 500 acres and operate a custom hay business. They serve on the Kay County YF&R Committee.

• Jeff and Sarah Weeks of Shawnee were nominated by Pottawatomie County Farm Bureau. Jeff is eastern region coordinator for the Oklahoma Agritourism program and Sarah serves as a 4-H youth development educator with the OSU Extension Service. The couple purchased her great-grandmother’s farm in 2003 and now runs 75 head of cows on it and some leased pastureland. They serve on the Pottawatomie County YF&R Committee, and Jeff serves on the county board of directors.

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Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 23

SQ 744, estate taxes big topics at area meetings

M

ore than 500 county Farm Bureau leaders attended the August Area Meetings across Oklahoma, setting the stage for the onset of the annual grassroots policy development process.

The county leaders met with state directors and members of the state staff to discuss issues that are addressed in county resolutions submitted for consideration by the delegate body at the state convention in November.

Issues adopted by the delegate body there become organizational policy.

The most common issue addressed during each of the 12 area meetings held was State Question 744. Farm Bureau already had policy opposing the question, which would require the state to fund common education for each child up the levels of surrounding states.

The measure does not provide any funding mechanism to pay for the new spending, which now has been estimated to be a minimum of $1 billion per year. Passage of the question would require cutting all state agencies and services by at least 20 percent or a tax increase of at least 32 percent statewide.

Farm Bureau leaders, while expressing their

support for common education, expressed concerns that a 20 percent percent reduction in state agency budgets and a like reduction in services would devastate Oklahoma. They also noted that it would be highly unlikely that a tax increase would be instituted since a state initiative passed in 1992 requires a vote of each house of the legislature, or approval by a vote of the people of the state.

Leaders fear, if the measure is approved, that lawmakers will be forced to eliminate long-standing sales tax exemptions in Oklahoma to help fund the measure. Concern also was expressed about property tax rates being increased dramatically to pay for the measure as well as substantial increases in all state fees 9604929.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau is a member of the One Oklahoma Coalition, which is working to defeat SQ 744. Leaders were told that the National Education Association has funneled $3 million to Oklahoma to push for approval of the question, and were urged to speak up in their communities against the measure and explain the consequences of its approval to voters.

State Director Charles Sloan watches as Farm Bureau leaders register for the District 6 area meeting in Muskogee Aug. 10.

More than 40 members attended that meeting.

Farm Bureau State Women’s Committee member Beverly Delmedico reviews women’s activities of the past year with those attending the area meeting Aug. 10 in Muskogee.

24 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

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lthough 2010 is an estate tax-free year, under a tax law passed in 2001, the tax returns on Jan. 1, 2011, with a top rate of 55 percent and a $1 million exemption. With such a low exemption, as many as 10 percent of farms and ranches whose owners pass away could owe estate taxes next year, according to the Agriculture Department.

The Farm Bureau leaders said that a higher exemption and lower rates would give farmers and ranchers a better chance to remain in operation when transferring from one generation to the next.

Nationally, Farm Bureau has called on Congress to provide a permanent estate tax provision that would increase the exemption level to $5 million, and adjust it for inflation, and reduce the maximum rate to 35 percent.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders agreed that as farmers and ranchers they must continue to stand by their goal of eliminating death taxes, which amount to little more than double taxation since the income is taxed first when it’s earned and again when it is transferred to heirs.

State Director Larry Boggs welcomed Farm Bureau leaders to the district 5 area meeting in McAlester Aug. 19. About 70 members from throughout the district attended.

OFB Field Representative Lane Jeffrey reminded members at the District 5 area meeting in McAlester about changes in the format of the upcoming state convention. He also advised cattle producers that Farm Bureau was sponsoring a private treaty cattle sale during the December Farm Show in Tulsa, and urged those with animals to sell to participate.

Brian Knowles, district 5 YF&R member, gave an overview of the past year’s activities of his group to the McAlester area meeting audience. He also asked leaders to consider establishing YF&R committees in their counties.

OFB Field Representative Robin Landrum reminds members attending the District 9 area meeting Aug. 13 at the Creek County Fairgrounds that their vote does make a difference in elections.

Jodi Simmons, district 6 YF&R member, reports about the activities of the young farmers group during the past year to those attending the District 6 area meeting Aug. 10.

State Representative Brian Renegar, who also serves on the Pittsburg County board of directors, listens to a question during the Aug. 19 area meeting in McAlester. He told the leaders that legislators take notice when issues presented to them have the backing of Farm Bureau policy.

OFB Regulatory Affairs Director Marla Peek addresses a potential policy development issue with leaders attending one of the 12 district meetings.

OFB Public Policy Vice President Lori Peterson reviews policy development issues contained in the 2010 Policy Development book with the 40-plus attending the District 6 area meeting Aug. 10 in Vinita.

State Director Phyllis Holcomb outlines the evening’s agenda for the members attending the Aug. 13 area meeting at the Creek County Fairgrounds at Kellyville.

OFB Director of State Affairs Tyler Norvell gestures as he goes over issues raised by the 70-plus members attending the Aug. 13 area meeting at the fairgrounds in Kellyville.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 25

Former director inducted into Hall of Fame

F

ormer Oklahoma Farm Bureau Director Wade Rousselot has been inducted into the Oklahoma Eight-Man Football Coaches Association (OEMFCA) Hall of Fame.

Rousselot served on the OFB Board from 2001 to 2004, before resigning to seek the District 12 House of Representatives seat. He won the office, and has maintained his seat in each ensuing election.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the OEMFCA summer awards banquet at the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Carter Student Union Ballroom in Miami.

“I am awfully proud to be inducted,” said Rousselot. “It is a great honor.”

Stacey Satterwhite, an OFB Insurance agent, said Rousselot was instrumental in securing Farm Bureau sponsorship of the OEMFCA during his tenure on the state board of directors.

“He (Rousselot) is kind of the guy that helped get Farm Bureau involved,” said the Ottawa County FB agent.

“I couldn’t have done it if I hadn’t been on the OFB board at the time,” said Rousselot.

Satterwhite said Rousselot not only was instrumental in securing the Farm Bureau sponsorship, but convinced his late father,

Robert, who served on a local Rural Electric Cooperative board of directors, to push Touchtone Electric Cooperatives to become another prime corporate sponsor.

The sponsorships allow OEMFCA to host the annual eight-man all-star football game for Oklahoma’s best players. That game has been held annually on the NEO campus in Miami for the last eight years after being played in Alva since 1973.

Rousselot said the sponsorship allowed the game to be moved to the NEO campus and “worked out for the good of the kids. I’m awfully proud to get it moved to NEO.” Satterwhite, a former eight-man football player at Welch who went on to star as a defensive tackle at Oklahoma State University and played with the Denver Broncos, was inducted into the OEMFCA Hall of Fame a few years ago and remains active in the annual allstar game and its associated activities.

He said the Farm Bureau sponsorship Rousselot helped secure also is used by the OEMFCA to provide scholarships to the most deserving players in the eight-man high school football ranks, which have grown from 72 teams to 78 teams in the last few years in Oklahoma.

Rousselot was elected to the Farm Bureau board Nov. 18, 2001, at the organization’s 60th annual meeting. He represented members in 12 counties in northeastern Oklahoma as the district six director.

He remains active in Farm Bureau today, serving as president of the Wagoner County board of directors. He has been a member of that county for more than 30 years.

Rousselot and his brother, Jason, own and operate Gray Oaks Ranch near Wagoner. It is a large commercial cow-calf operation.

In the state House, Rousselot served as assistant Democratic floor leader during the last session. He served as vice chairman of the Human Service Committee and sat on the Energy & Utility Regulation Committee.

He was reared on the family ranch, and graduated from Okay High School in 1977.

He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College for two years and walked on to play varsity basketball there before enrolling at Oklahoma State University. He graduated from OSU in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in animal science.

Rousselot and his wife, Margie, have a daughter, Leliah.

Photo courtesy of Jim Ellis, Miami News-Record

Former Oklahoma Farm Bureau Director Wade Rousselot, center, accepts the plaque inducting him into the Oklahoma EightMan Football Coaches Association (OEMFCA) Hall of Fame from the group’s president, Mike Thompson.

Also pictured are OEMFCA officers, from left, Trent Holt, David Zachary and Jim Kerbo. Rousselot also presented the two Oklahoma Farm Bureau $1,000 scholarships to outstanding players during the summer awards banquet at Miami.

The recipients were Austin McKeon of Welch and Colby Marler of Oaks.

26 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

Social Security shortage outlook worsens with funds gone by 2037

T

he Social Security Board of Trustees has released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds and the long-range outlook remains unchanged.

The combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2037, the same as projected last year.

The trustees also project that program costs will exceed tax revenues in 2010 and 2011, be less than tax revenues in 2012 through 2014, and then permanently exceed tax revenues beginning 2015, one year earlier than estimated in last year’s report.

The worsening of the short-rage outlook for the Social Security Trust Funds is due in large part to the recent economic downturn.

In the 2010 annual report to Congress, the trustees announced: • The projected point at which the combined Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2037 – the same as the estimate in last year’s report. At that time, there will be sufficient tax revenue coming in to pay about 78 percent of benefits.

• The projected point at which tax revenues will fall below program costs comes in 2010.

Tax revenues will again exceed program costs in 2012 through 2014 before permanently falling below program costs in 2015 – one year sooner than the estimate in last year’s report.

• The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year long-range period is 1.92 percent of taxable payroll – 0.08 percentage point smaller than in last year’s report.

• Over the 75-year period, the Trust Funds will require additional revenue equivalent to $5.4 trillion in present value dollars to pay all scheduled benefits.

“The impact of the current economic downturn continues to be felt by the Social Security Trust Funds,” said Michael Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “The fact that costs for the program will likely exceed tax revenue this year is not a cause for panic but it does send a strong message that it’s time for us to make the tough choices that we know we need to make.”

Other highlights of the trustees report include:

• Income including interest to the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $807 billion ($667 billion in net contributions, $22 billion from taxation of benefits and $118 billion in interest) in 2009.

• Total expenditures from the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $686

billion in 2009.

• The assets of the combined OASDI Trust Funds increased by about $122 billion in 2009 to a total of $2.5 trillion.

• During 2009, an estimated 156 million people had earnings covered by Social Security and paid payroll taxes.

• Social Security paid benefits of $675 billion in calendar year 2009. There were about 54 million beneficiaries at the end of the calendar year.

YF&R is bridge to your future

Y

ou’ve always loved agriculture, from participating in 4-H and FFA as a kid to getting involved with agricultural organizations in college. But now that you’re a young adult, how do you jump into professional activities on the next level? Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program can be your bridge.

YF&R helps producers between the ages of 18-35 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 other young leaders.

And if that doesn’t tempt you, how does the

chance at winning a new Dodge Ram pick-up truck sound? Three national winners this year will receive a Dodge Ram, courtesy of Ram Trucks, to showcase the best of the best in the Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag competitions. 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.

Go ahead and take the next step. Allow YF&R to be the bridge towards your future as a leader in the agriculture industry.

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Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 27

USDA launches Conservation Loan program

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griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the launch of a Conservation Loan (CL) program that will provide farm owners and farm-related business operators access to credit to implement conservation techniques that will conserve natural resources.

“This will give farmers who want to implement conservation measures on their lands a chance to do so by providing assistance with their up-front costs,” said Vilsack. “In return, these producers will help to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable and organic agricultural practices.”

CL funds can be used to implement conservation practices approved by the Natural

Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), such as the installation of conservation structures; establishment of forest cover; installation of water conservation measures; establishment or improvement of permanent pastures; implementation of manure management; and the adaptation of other emerging or existing conservation practices, techniques or technologies.

Direct CLs can be obtained through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices with loan limits up to $300,000. Guaranteed CLs up to $1,112,000 are available from lenders working with FSA. For more information on the Conservation Loan program, contact a local FSA office or visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov.

Member serves on USDA advisory committee Ryan Luther and his wife, Marcy, are pictured in the file photo on the ATV they received as winners of the 2006 Excellence in Agriculture Award.

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griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the appointment of the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers.

The Committee advises the secretary on ways to develop programs to provide coordinated assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers while maximizing new farming and ranching opportunities. It also works to enhance and expand federal-state partnerships to provide financing for beginning farmers and ranchers.

"Beginning farmers are a key to

21st-century agriculture and I look forward to working with this committee to help ensure that," Vilsack said. "These new agricultural entrepreneurs are the cornerstone to a vibrant rural America and to the future of all of agriculture. I will look to this committee to provide guidance to me as we prepare recommendations for the 2012 Farm bill."

OFB member Ryan Luter of Morrison is an incumbent member of the Committee. He is a member of Noble County Farm Bureau, where he serves on the county’s board of directors.

ATTENTION:

DENTURE Strength of rural economy, growth of farm SUFFERERS exports aid nation on road to recovery

A

griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that two USDA reports which show the strength of the overall rural economy and growth in agricultural exports improving are “encouraging news.”

The secretary said the report show that while agriculture struggled through difficult economic times, that the hard work and resilience of America’s farmers and ranchers have helped put American agriculture on the road to recovery.

“After declining more than 20 percent in 2009, all three measures of farm sector earnings experienced a rapid rebound and are forecast to rise in 2010.”

Net cash income is expected to rise more than 23 percent to $85.3 billion – the second highest on record and above its previous 10-year average; Net farm income has rebounded, up 24 percent from 2009, when demand for agricultural products fell worldwide due to the global recession; and Net value added, at $127.3 billion, is expected to be up $15.2 billion from 2009, and remain 17.7 percent above its 10-year average.

“Other indicators also point to a sustainable recovery: farm asset values are projected to increase by 2.5 percent in 2010, as are equity values. And average farm family household income is projected to reach more than $81,000 in 2010 – up 5.8 percent from 2009.

“And this recovery is sector-wide. While an increase in the value of livestock production accounted for much of the upward movement, the value of dairy production rose by 26.2 percent; the value of meat animal production is up 14.6 percent, and the value of poultry and egg production rose 8.4 percent. And commercial farms and intermediate farms are all expected to have higher average net cash income in 2010 than they did in either 2009 or 2008. Rural residence farms will have lower net cash losses.

He said a host of factors contributed to the strong and rapid recovery. Successful implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill passed by the U.S. Congress as well as the Recovery Act provided strong support for American agriculture.

“We have maintained a strong safety net for the agricultural economy by providing farmers and ranchers across America with direct support, disaster assistance, technical assistance, support to struggling industries, and access to credit. At the same time, we worked to build a stronger agricultural economy for future generations of Americans by investing in research, maintaining fair markets, and promoting marketing policies that will keep American agriculture the most productive and successful in the world.

“Another factor driving this recovery is an increase in income from exports. What’s more we expect to sustain this important progress.

The outlook going forward into fiscal year 2011 is even more promising, showing $113 billion in agricultural exports.

“Increased agricultural exports – especially of grains and meat – have helped drive this rebound. It helps create important income opportunities for producers as well as the offfarm jobs that are so critical for strengthening economies in rural America. In fact, every billion dollars in agricultural exports supports over 8,000 jobs and generates an additional $1.4 billion in economic activity.”

And, the secretary said, the importance of the underlying values of rural America and its farmers and ranchers to the resilience of the agriculture sector are not to be forgotten.

“American agriculture entered the recession with very little debt relative to the rest of the economy – and farm sector debt is expected to decrease in 2010. A strong belief in the value of hard work positioned our farmers to capitalize on the economic recovery. And, American agriculture has improved on its incredible productivity and adaptability – embracing new research and innovation like few other sectors of the American economy.

“As the rest of the American economy climbs out of the recession, American agriculture is helping lead the charge. As they have time and time again, American farmers and ranchers stayed resilient and are working to support a foundation of economic prosperity for the rest of the nation.”

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Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 29 10HBS000 Oklahoma Country_2-361x4-8_4c_fnl.indd 1

5/7/2010 9:38:27 AM

Grocery business leader appointed to FAPC Industry Advisory Committee

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grocery business leader has been Mills took a tour of the FAPC facility and appointed to the Industry Advisory met with FAPC Director Roy Escoubas and Committee of Oklahoma State Vice President, Dean and Director of OSU’s University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Products Center.

Resources Bob Whitson.

The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of In addition, Mills had the opportunity to Representatives appointed Allen Mills, meet with several faculty and professional staff president and chief strategy officer of Reasor’s members of the FAPC to discuss the areas of Inc., to the committee. expertise within the center.

“We are pleased to have Mr. Mills on our “The tour was a very educational Industry Advisory Committee,” said Roy experience,” Mills said. “Oklahoma should be Escoubas, FAPC director. “The FAPC will very proud to have such an excellent program benefit from his experience and leadership in to help Oklahoma businesses.” the grocery industry.”

As president and chief operating officer of Mills said he is enthusiastic about the Reasor’s, Mills oversees the financial well being opportunity to work with the FAPC and other of this Oklahoma-owned company. members of the committee.

Mills is responsible for the corporate and “This is a great program,” Mills said. operational responsibilities, including “I am honored and excited to serve on the marketing, information technology, cellular advisory committee.” service, security and construction, for all The newest advisory member visited the Reasor’s facilities.

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30 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

Allen Mills

until 2007, when Reasor’s became an employeeowned company. Today, Reasor’s has 15 supermarkets and two convenience stores, and employees more than 3,000 people in northeastern Oklahoma.

Mills has worked for Reasor’s since 1969. He began in the business as a student temporary employee and then went on to serve as a supervisor, store manager, district manager, vice president, senior vice and now president and chief strategy officer.

“My career with Reasor’s has exceeded my wildest dreams,” Mills said. “Reasor’s is a great company, and I am fortunate to be a part of it.”

Mills has served on numerous committees that he believes will help him in his new role as a member of the Industry Advisory Committee.

Some of these positions include board member and chair of the Oklahoma Grocers Association, founding member and chair of the Oklahoma Grocers Education Foundation, member and chair of the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce, and recipient of the Spirit of America Award.

Mills received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and psychology from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah in 1970.

Mills resides in Tahlequah with his wife, Regina, and has one daughter, Michelle, and son-in-law, Mike.

“We are looking forward to Mr. Mills contributing to our Industry Advisory Committee,” Escoubas said. “His opportunity of working essentially every position of responsibility in the Reasor’s business shows his knowledge of the retail grocery industry. He will definitely be an asset to the committee.”

State’s delegation gets AFBF award

T

he American Farm Bureau Federation has honored all seven members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation with its “Friend of Farm Bureau” award for their sustained and exemplary support of farmers and ranchers.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau nominated the delegation for the award, which recognizes members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, for outstanding agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies.

“We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work with these outstanding legislative leaders,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “They understand our needs and have a positive response to our issues.”

Receiving the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award are U.S. Sen.’s Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn, and Rep.’s Frank Lucas, Mary Fallin, Dan Boren, Tom Cole and John Sullivan.

The Oklahoma farm organization will recognize the delegation at its state convention Nov. 19-21 in Oklahoma City.

absurd,” said First District Oklahoma Congressman John Sullivan.

“At a time when our economy is struggling, the government should not be creating obstacles that restrict business activities,” Spradling said.

“Agriculture is using modern production methods such as no-till farming, to reduce dust as much as practical, but to achieve a zero-dust environment is impossible.”

“We are pleased our Oklahoma congressional delegation supports our efforts to fight this unnecessary proposal.”

Delegation opposes EPA regulations

T

he Oklahoma congressional delegation has signed a letter protesting the EPA’s proposed regulations on dust particulate matter. The EPA is proposing dust particles be regulated under the Clean Air Act. The proposal would severely restrict any activity that adds dust to the air.

“Farming activities kick up dust. It is impossible to stop it,” said Mike Spradling, Oklahoma Farm Bureau president. “Simply driving on a dirt road could potentially violate the EPA’s regulations. If the regulations are approved, this would establish the most stringent and unparalleled regulations of dust in our nation’s history.”

The letter urges EPA Secretary Lisa Jackson to use common sense and refrain from causing extreme hardship to farmers, ranchers and other resource-based industries throughout rural America.

“Despite sound science proving the current regulation of dust is acceptable, the EPA and Obama Administration are pursuing steps that could mean a farmer is violating law by creating dust from driving his tractor. It’s just Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 31

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With recent changes to workplace benefits, it’s more important than ever for consumers to take more control of their financial future.

In the past, Americans could count on a pension plus Social Security to get them through their retirement years. Today, people change jobs more often, may feel less secure in their employment, rely on dual incomes, and feel the need to take more responsibility for their own retirement funds due to the uncertainty of pensions and Social Security.

In fact, Social Security benefits are taking on less significance in retirement plans as the funds are diminishing and the age at which one can begin to receive full benefits is higher (age 65 if born in 1937 or earlier; age 67 if born after 1937).

According to the Social Security Administration, retirees age 65 and older receive income from the following sources: • 36.7% = Social Security • 27.8% = Earnings • 17.9% = Other retirement benefits, including IRA and 401(k) • 14.9% = Asset income • 2.1% = Other sources • 0.6% = Public assistance Many of today’s consumers, particularly between the ages of 30 and 55, are looking for ways to financially protect their families and/or businesses from the uncertainties of life. But they also want to put money away on a tax-advantaged basis to provide a future source of income.

Country

Kitchen

Universal Life insurance can provide the best of both worlds – financial protection for a family or business upon death, or a future source of income that consumers can depend upon.

“The cash value accumulation of Universal Life insurance can provide a source of income for an unexpected event, such as the loss of job or a home repair, or can help supplement a person’s future retirement years,” said Rich Kypta, executive vice president, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company. “Plus, consumers can tailor their coverage and premium payments to meet their insurance needs, and adjust their policies as their lives change.”

Universal Life insurance continues to be an attractive product for many consumers. Its flexibility, tax advantages and guarantees have withstood the test of time. Plus, the Overloan Protection Rider prevents the policy from lapsing, which protects a consumer from having to pay an incurred income tax. And the Waiver of Surrender Charges Rider allows a consumer access to policy proceeds without a surrender charge if he/she experiences a total disability or chronic/terminal illness.

For more information about Universal Life insurance or to access easy-to-use insurance and financial calculators, consumers can visit Farm Bureau Financial Services online or contact a Farm Bureau agent. The agent can make it simple for consumers to have the protection and peace of mind they need for the future.

Leaky Cauldron Soup

• 1/2 pound Certified Angus Beef ® round steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes • Flour for dusting • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes • 3 15 1/2-ounce cans beef broth • 1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni • 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables • Salt and pepper to taste 1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Dust with flour; pat off excess. In an 8-quart pot or Dutch oven, heat oil, and cook beef until browned. Add onions and garlic; lower heat and simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Add tomatoes and broth to meat mixture; bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 20 minutes.

3. Add macaroni and vegetables; simmer 15 minutes more.

Smoky Pasta and Bean Soup ­ • 6 slices lean smoked bacon, diced • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 1 rib celery, finely chopped • 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed • 1/8 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes • 2-1/2 cups drained canned white beans • 6 cups chicken broth • 3/4 cup macaroni or other small pasta shape • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional In a large deep skillet, saute bacon until some fat is rendered; add onion, celery, carrot, garlic and red pepper to skillet and saute until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, cook and stir occasionally for 10 more minutes.

Stir in beans; add broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add macaroni and continue cooking until pasta is tender, but still firm, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately with Parmesan cheese if desired; or cover, refrigerate and reheat gently to serving temperature.

Oklahoma Country • Summer Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 33

Country

Classifieds AUTOMOTIVE

’85 Buick Skylark, runs good, $2,000; ’73 Dodge RV, runs good but needs some elect. work, $2,000; two rocking chairs, $50; loveseat, $50. 580-932-4061. ’57 Chevy 4-door parts car including both bumpers, bracket; also ’69 Ford Ranger, runs and shifts good, no rust. 580-367-9890, 920-3947.

4 Model A Ford engines, parts. 580-363-0599. ’60-63 Corvair pickup mirrors, hub cabs, head light rings. 405-224-4469. ’05 Harley Davidson Sportster 883, 4,200 miles, black/ silver w/sissy bars, saddle bags, $5,500. 580-923-7788. ’02 Honda VTX 1800C, windshield, backrest, Power Commander K&N force air intake, Cobra exhaust, new Dunlop tire. Ocelata, 918-639-0091, 639-2344. ’86 GMC S15 4x4, fuel injected 3.8 automatic, body needs work, needs mechanical work but should run, make offer. 405-455-2378. ’70 Porsche 914 mid-engine sports car, hardtop/ convertible, runs good, needs TLC, extras, can deliver, $2,500. 405-348-4469. ’64 1/2 Mustang convertible, blue white top, 6-cyl. auto, new tires, many new parts, $16,500. Spiro, 918-962-2065. ’98 Dodge Grand Caravan SE w/Braun Enter Van II mobility conversion, 141,000 miles, $3,450. 405-250-3249. ’06 Mustang, deep blue, automatic, enhanced Pony package, V6, 42,000 miles, $12,800. 405-786-2478.

Used ’50s and up trucks, cars; 2 old houses to be moved or torn down. 580-298-6846. ’79 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais – Hurst W30 package, 452 engine, 46,000 original miles, good original paint, wheels, collector’s car, $8,500. 405-374-9286. ’77 T-Bird, 428, A/C, restored, 4,400 miles afterwards, Michelin tires, metallic maroon w/white top, $7,000 OBO. 580-868-2256. ’99 FL 70 Freightliner, 3126 Cat engine, 6-speed transmission, air ride suspension, fair tires, sliding 5th wheel, 48-inch sleeper, runs good, 196,000 miles, $6,500. 918-367-9351. ’01 Chevy extended cab, 4x4, 103,000 miles, 6.0 motor, runs good, no body damage, $5,800; ’65 Ford LDT 4-door hard top, 390 engine, auto transmission, very good motor, $2,500. 405-672-0048.

Propane-powered ’99 Ford F250, factory equipped for propane/gasoline, 19,000 actual miles, $7,995. Russ Casey, 918-733-4887. ’55 Chevy 4-door, nice, $6,500; horse walker, 25-foot arms; ’86 Chevy pickup, SWB, $2,500.405-428-0177.

One of the nicest in the country – 1987 Porsche 944, needs nothing, turbo, very, very fast, 78,000 miles, $11,000 OBO or will trade for older Corvette. Bill, 405520-3892.

FARM EQUIPMENT ’48 LA Case tractor, good paint, factory propane, runs good, fair rubber. 580-726-2389, cell 530-0228. ’51 JD M tractor in excellent condition, shedded, original, $3,250; ’62 JD 4010, 3-point, adj. wide front end, new 18.43H tires/tubes, propane, $5,950. 405-614-3332.

Massey Ferguson 271 tractor includes front-end loader (quick attach) and front hay spike, 60 HP w/1,250 hours, in good shape and runs well. 918-785-2914.

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 pit, etc. 405-375-4189, blttanks.com 3-axle combine trailer, $1,250. Manchester, 580-541-2326.

Tanks: 3 12,000-gal., 10,000-gal. on skid. Tanks come

34 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

with pump, dispensers. Make offer. 940-632-9560, 580342-6742 after 5 p.m.

Kelly Ryan remix feeder wagon, 5x14 w/scales, auxiliary discharge elevator, extra parts, no rust, new drive sprockets, clutch. 918-967-8435. ’93 Komatsu D-31-P dozer, excellent condition. 918448-1033.

Old grain binder, salvage, $35. 918-782-344.

14-ft. grain auger w/electric motor, 4-inch diameter, like new, $260. 903-243-6402.

Allis Chalmers XT 190, excellent condition, has 3-point.

405-519-0775, 893-2361.

Super C, new paint, 2-point; B belly mower; 240, new paint, 2-point; 2 Cubs w/belly mowers; H, doesn’t run; 235, new paint, new tires, new rings; Super A, belly mower, new paint. 918-352-2966. ’80 Caterpillar D5B, low hours, excellent undercarriage, power shift, straight blade w/tilt, well maintained, farmer owned, $30,000. 405-850-1005.

John Deere 4420 diesel combine w/cab, ser. # 450195, good engine, like new 23.1-26 cane/rice 8-ply tires, like new 3-rib steering tire, 216 grain header. 918-967-2290 after 6 p.m. ’46 model International Farmall tractor, runs good, $3,000; Stihl chain saw, runs good, $300; steel truck bed, 14 feet long by 8 feet wide. 405-282-4919.

10,000 feet of soaker hose, new in 500-foot rolls, 5¢ per foot; 20 55-gallon barrels, $7.50 each; ’83 Case 2090 tractor, make reasonable offer. 580-450-5730.

LIVESTOCK 4 beautiful alpacas, now registered, $1,300. 405-382-0589.

Secretariat look-alike: 7-year-old registered gelding, A.P. Indy grandson, great hunter-jumper prospect, make offer. 918-343-6198, 289-8029.

Great looking big Texas Longhorns, 7 cows, 1 bull, 4 calves. Meat leaner than fish. 918-775-3334.

Bred heifers, 50 head, black, black baldies, 20 head f1 tiger stripes, heifers are bred to registered low birth weight Angus bull, will start calving Feb. 1, 2011. 580927-5648.

Black Angus bulls – 4-year-old Traveler, 18-month-old Precision, 18-month-old Traveler, 27 bulls 8 to 15 months old, 8 different bloodlines. 580-456-7241.

Gray Brahman bull, 3-year-old, very gentle, $1,250. 405756-7905, 756-5489.

Show goats born in March and April, reg. Boer, wormed, shots, dehorned. Lincoln welder, 250 elec. start; submersible water well pump, 3/4 HP; tankless 220-volt hot water heater. 405-213-6448.

Thoroughbred gelding – would make good therapy horse, real gentle, rides/leads, has raced, asking $500.

918-426-3828.

Reg. male Boer goat, $200; 2 Kawasaki jet skis on triple trailer, as is, $1,500. 405-255-9411, 990-7300.

Reg. Polled Hereford bulls, 7-18 months old, PW Victor Boomer P606, Remitall Online 122 L genetics, choice of 2 4-year-old personal herd sires. 580-332-2468.

Linebred Harlan colts by Double Tough Harlan out of Harlan bred mares. 918-762-3769, kbarger@cowboy.net 8-year-old gray stud, Son Sugar, Tonto Cord bred, pasture broke, gentle but not broke, produces roan and gray colts, raises good ranch horses, $2,000. 580-545-3539.

Serviceable age Angus, Maine bulls, will F.T.; small square wheat straw; JD 21-ft. drapper header, kept in barn; cleaned wheat, call for variety. 405-381-4307.

18 reg. Texas Longhorn pairs, all WR breeding, color and horns; 18 reg. Brangus pairs, all one brand. 405822-0075.

Several nice horses, junior high or high school rodeo, priced from $1,500 to $25,000. Ted, 580-497-2802, kimzey@dosonteleco.com AQHA, APHA horses – stallions, broodmares, yearlings, foals. Cutting, race, barrel bloodlines, lots of color, see at bedonna.com. Payments considered. 580-471-4040.

Black Corriente bulls, extremely low birth weights, excellent first calf bulls, gentle, ready. 918-405-6715, 465-2260.

Young black cows – calve Nov. thru Feb., $925. 580-5496222, 678-5759.

Blue roan grandson of Dash for Cash standing at stud, many prospects for sale, beautiful horses w/great minds, barrels or roping or any discipline. 918-691-9102.

Beefmaster bulls, females, developed on forage, bred for the 6 essentials, foundation genetics, practical cattle w/performance. Simon Creek Beefmaster, 580668-2523.

Rabbits – New Zealand Whites, Flemish Whites, Flemish Giants, Checkard Giants, Netherland Dwarfs, Lionheads, Mini Rex. El Reno, 405-317-3047.

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

Show steer, heifers prospects out of our top donors, and top AI sires such as Heat Wave, Monopoly, Irish Whiskey, Jazz. Brower Land & Cattle, 405-831-1632.

Peruvian horses – mares, geldings, stallions, top bloodlines, show, trail and parade. Nothing their equal for smoothness, excellent temperament, $3,500 up.

405-799-7070.

APH black/white stud, 11 mares, 1 gelding, yearlings, weanlings. Many black/white, excellent lineage, one or all, make offer. 405-262-8499.

Cows – 2-6 years old, 2-4 months bred; storage trailer; ’80 IH 2-ton flatbed truck. 405-258-6559.

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) Round bales Bermuda, 18 percent, sprayed/fertilized, $55; seasoned firewood, $60/rick. 405-899-7919, 795-3677.

MinnKota 55-lb. thrust 12V bow mounted trolling motor, $150. 580-256-6327.

Tear down, remove for salvage log house in Hydro area.

580-347-2772, cell 670-0232.

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

Order yours today – one-of-a-kind handmade all leather boot top purses, memorials also available from your boots. Call for details. 580-761-0255, 362-2972.

Life size Indian chief mannequin, very old, 6-feet tall, with ceramic face, hands, authentic headdress, clothes, $750. 918-689-3881.

Crochet names for any occasion, finished with border, $5 per letter. 580-563-9470.

Hail damage? Bob’s Auto Hail Repair, 12360 N. MacArthur, OKC, free estimates. Paintless dent repair.

405-590-7222, bobsautohailrepair.com Business opportunity – earn extra money, low start up costs. If $1,000-$5,000/month interests you, call Roy at 580-695-2195.

Yamaha Clavinovz 88-key digital piano, includes builtin stand, speakers, pedals, bench, $1,600 firm. 405-9331529, leave message.

40-inch rocking motorcycle, hand crafted heirloom for child; small rocking chairs for child made of oak, walnut, cherry. 405-366-8308.

Very old 60-inch round oak table; two 15-inch saddles, like new. 918-371-5863.

Seven-foot slate pool table, rack, cues, bridge, brush, light fixture, cue holder, $700. 405-834-2433.

French oval crystal regulator clock, 1890 clock is one of a kind with cloisonné, $4,000. 918-689-3881. Photo bigriveremporium.com English bone China service for 12, Earlswood pattern, $2,000. 405-273-2096, 630-4112.

Two turkey houses, 50x320 and 50x480, to be torn down. David, 918-207-5418, after 4 p.m.

Mountain bike, giant ATX 890 Mantou, new, silver, extra supplies, helmet. Paid over $1,000, take $500 OBO. 405-946-8764.

Bible quilt, 90x68, each of 20 squares depicts scene from Bible, ball point paint, machine quilting, asking $300. 918-967-3737.

Save big online. Free Genie download at myshoppinggenie.com/wishingwell. Watch 2-minute movie and click get Genie now.

3x5 outdoor polyester U.S., Oklahoma flags, $8 each postpaid. 405-221-7107.

3 cemetery lots in Ada at Memorial Park, $1,000; 6 lots for $1,800. 580-421-9079.

Premium green alfalfa hay in small square, round bales, small stems, leafy off new planted irrigated fields. 580-554-4474.

Hay – 4x5 round bales of fertilized Bermuda, $30 each; mixed Bermuda, $25 each. 405-449-3479, 659-7656.

500-gal. propane tank, $425; 10 acres in South Rock Creek district, $5,800 per acre; pecan wood, you cut it you can have it. 405-878-6697.

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

Gram’s Tasteful Memories cookbook, 434 recipes; or Gram’s Second Helping recipes, 450 recipes. $16 each of $30 for both, postpaid. 918-789-2726.

Salvage propane tanks, 24-48-inch diameter, 3/16-3/8inch thick, 4-24 feet, good culverts, stock feeders, water, pressure tanks, etc. 405-375-4189, see prices, products at bltanks.com.

52-gal. auxiliary L-shaped fuel tank, $125; tire on rim, fits Ford dually, LT215/85/R16, new $75; 2 tires, LT265/70R17, $25 each. 405-924-5572.

Small square bales of Midland 99 Bermuda, sprayed and fertilized, no stickers. Anadarko, 405-933-0956.

Pronto M-71 Sure Step wheel chair, easy turn around, charger built in, good condition, $250. 918-652-7248.

Earth Stove fireplace insert w/blower and ceramic window on door, VGC, $400 OBO. OKC, 405-390-1936.

Kelly’s Monuments, biggest and best selection in Okmulgee County, all work done in our shop, custom designs, check us out before you buy. 918-652-7248.

Antique 5-piece settee, $1,500; 1800s antique violin, copy of Strad, $1,500; antique banjo, $300; antique guitar, $300. All good condition. 918-465-3825.

Handmade cedar log headboard, footboard and side rails for queen mattress, includes frame, $350; matching lamp, $40; custom recurve bow, 45-lb. draw weight and half-dozen arrows, $200. 405-761-6876.

Free shipping Mary Kay Cosmetics. View current products at marykay.com/asmith12. Order online, email anact@netcommander.com or 580-920-2155.

100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Free Service: I assist families w/options for independent living, assisted living, memory care, etc., in Sperry, Skiatook, Collinsville, Owasso, Claremore, Catoosa.

918-671-2299.

Approximately 300 feet of 2 3/8-inch pipe, various lengths; 2 3/8x7-ft. posts, $5 each; 4-inch x 7-ft. $7 each, all used; 2 3/8 pipe, $1/foot. 405-262-2758.

I have just written and published a 483-page autobiography, “Memoirs of a Pioneer Okie of Wagoner County – 1933-2009.” $24.97. Details at Pioneerokie@ yahool.com, 918-485-5178.

Armstrong Services – general pest control, residential/ commercial, weed, insect control, bare ground, free

estimates. 580-229-6291.

Delphinus rural library initiative – learn to create a subscription library. Write Lawrence at Box 303, Lamont 74643 or call 918-289-6349.

100-year-old building bricks, palletized, 30¢ each, you haul. Wister, 918-655-3126.

Earn money, learn wisdom fast – impress family, friends. New deal has best info., people needed urgently. Send $5 to Boyd Corbett, POB 39, Bennington 74723.

Mobile Homes, RVs ’06 24-ft. Road Runner travel trailer, 5th wheel. 580265-4479. ’99 29-ft. Hi-Lo Classic, extra clean, hard body no canvass, 16-ft. AE awning, queen bed, everything works, power hitch, sway bars, stabilizer included, $10,000 OBO. 580-622-3404. ’03 Everest 5th wheel; ’08 Goldwing Roadsmith trike.

606 N. Broadway, Checotah 74426. ’00 Itasca Suncruiser, 37.5-ft., garden tub, kitchen booth, queen bed, sleeps 6, Ford V10, $49,500. 580-5042707.

22-ft. pop-up, A/C, heat, king bed, refrigerator, microwave, radio, LED TV, sleeps 7, awning. Tuttle, 405-550-0387.

PETS Need a cowdog? Check out cowdogworld.com AKC reg. English Mastiff pups, champion bloodlines, gentle yet great guard dogs. Call for prices. 918-618-4044.

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

Cats – barn cats or pets, most already fixed. Serious inquiries only, can deliver or meet halfway. 405-3796468, 834-5860.

AKC reg. Schnauzers, 6-month-old phantom females $200 each or $350 for both. 580-399-8104.

ACA reg. Poms, Shihtzus, Chihuahuas – small sizes, family spoiled, S/W health guarantee, $200-$400. 405584-0675.

Goldendoodle pups, beautiful, smart, no shedding, home raised w/super dog training, $700. okiedoodledandy.com, 580-272-3029.

AKC English Bulldogs born 9-7-10, home raised,

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 December 15, 2010.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010 • 35

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION 1. Publication Title: Oklahoma Country 2. Publication Number: 1544-6476 3. Filing Date: September 16, 2010 4. Issue Frequency: Published in January, April, July and October.

5. Number of issues published annually: 4 6. Annual Subscription Price: $1.00 members; $15.00 non-members 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 2501 North Stiles Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma 73105-3126 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: 2501 North Stiles Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma 73105-3126 9. Full names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor, and managing editor: Publisher: Oklahoma Farm Bureau, 2501 North Stiles Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3126 Editor: Mike Nichols, 2501 North Stiles Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3126 Managing Editor: Mike Nichols, 2501 North Stiles Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3126 10. Owner (if owned by a corporation, its name and address must be stated and also immediately thereafter the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names and addresses of the individual owners must be given. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, its name and address as well as that of each individual must be given. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, its name and address must be stated.)

Oklahoma Farm Bureau 2501 N. Stiles Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105-3126 NON-PROFIT CORPORATION. 11. Known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates) The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has not changed during preceding 12 months 13. Publication name: Oklahoma Country 14. Issue date for circulation data below: Summer 2010 15. Extent and nature of circulation A. Total no. copies (net press run) (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 150,045 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 155,208 B. Paid and/or requested circulation 1. Paid/requested outside-county mail subscriptions stated on Form 3541 (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 149,069 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 154,236 2. Paid in-county subscriptions (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 0 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 0 3. Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other non-USPS paid distribution (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 0 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 0 4. Other classes mailed through the USPS (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 0 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 0 C. Total paid and/or requested circulation (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 149,069 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 154,236 D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail) 1. Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 776 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 772 2. 0 0 3. 0 0 4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 200 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 200 E. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 976 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 972 F. Total distribution (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 150,045 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 155,208 G. Copies not distributed (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 0 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 0 H. Total (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 150,045 (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 155,208 I. Percent Paid and/or requested circulation (average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months): 99.3% (no. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date): 99.3% I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete.

– Mike Nichols

36 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2010

playful, healthy. Dad is a miniature. Stud service available. Checotah, 918-284-5462.

Real Estate Childcare center – building, equipment, business, turnkey opportunity in nice small town atmosphere, licensed for 30, $68,900. 580-925-2479.

80 acres hunting land in Cherokee County, _-mile spring creek runs through it, 1-acre campsite, secluded hunting cabin sleeps 8, lots of deer, turkey, 2 food plots, $148,000. 918-868-2846, 207-8904.

40-acre fenced ranch & kennel, immaculate property & house for sale by owner in Boswell, $219,000. 580-3177418, windyglensighthounds.com Big, small land and rural homes, Shanklinrealty.com, Sherm Shanklin, Sherman@Shanklinrealty, 918-5214696, Re/Max of Green Country.

Norman – Heatherington Hts., 3-bed, 2-bath, 2 living & 2 dining areas, FP, 2-car garage w/opener, brick, large lots, storage building. 918-946-8764, 305-8469.

Very nice 4-bed, 1.5-bath home, 2,244 sq.ft., large living area, large master bedroom, 21+ acres, pond, fenced, barn, $139,500. Paden, 405-932-4307.

12 acres land south of Lawton, surface rights only, secluded home site, water meter, $25,000 + closing.

580-875-3693.

Horse property w/1,200 sq.ft. home on 5 acres, $130,000; 20 acres, $170,000, 1,200 sq.ft., detached garage, fenced, Shawnee. 405-990-2253.

10 wooded acres near Tahlequah, building site w/1,200 sq.ft. livable metal garage, 12x16 metal outbuilding, 10x16 shed, well, natural gas, rural water available, $59,000. 918-348-6622.

160 acres, ’05 18x80 Clayton mobile home, pond, deer, turkey, 2 catch lots, cross fenced, working cattle ranch, 7 west of Antlers in SE OK, $2,000/acre. 580-298-5315.

2,000 sq.ft. shop, 2050 sq.ft. 4/2 plus office on 15 acres w/pond, outbuildings, $198,000. More properties available, owner/broker. 918-749-8874, 313-7653.

1,340 sq.ft. house to be moved, 3-bed, 1 _-bath, new roof, laminate flooring in LR/DR, vinyl siding, stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator included, $25,000 cash. 405-527-9231.

240 acres, all in Bermuda, 5 ponds, Boggy River on north side, 16x75 barn, in SE Atoka County. 580-8895609.

10 acres 3.5 miles west, 1 north of Dustin in Hughes County, $25,000 or owner may finance w/appropriate down. 918-448-0365.

5-bed, 3-bath home on 3 acres w/nice tress, fenced back yard, 2 car lots extra, Tuttle Schools just out of Tuttle city limits; 80 acres for sale. 405-381-3537.

20x40 shop building w/bathroom, wood flooring, could be made into small house; 6-bulb tanning bed w/extra bulbs. 580-239-2963.

3-bed, 1-bath 1,100 sq.ft. home, remodeled, 18 east of Marlow, 1 south on 18 mi. rd. 580-467-7064.

Durant – Lake Texoma – 70 acres, nice 3-4-bed, 2.5bath home w/improvements, 3 ponds, cross fenced, beautiful barn w/apartment, joins Lake Texoma Corps.

580-513-5407.

76x14 single wide mobile home on 3 lots in corner, 3-bed, 2-bath, 2-car garage carport, fenced yard, completely remodeled, $26,000. Earlsboro, 405-273-1659.

Ranch for lease – long term lease on 2,000 acres pasture, hay meadows, pipe corrals, cube bin, scales.

350 cows on ranch for sale. Jack, 903-785-0001.

30 acres M/L Tahlequah w/3,800 sq.ft. home built in ’05, barn, good fence, cross fenced, pond, rural water, water well. Bev Cochran & Associates, 918-831-9434.

Two 550-acre well-improved ranches, also 2,700-acre ranch w/mineral rights. Good Earth Land Co., 918689-3166.

25 acres w/pond, 25% wooded, good hay, at 3W and US 177, $45,000. Jim, 580-759-8828 after 5 p.m.

263 acres finest bottom land, 3 ponds, 2 hay barns, 2 sheds, metal grain bin, heavy-duty corral, creeks surround, 1,500 sq.ft. house, will divide, 15 SW of Purcell. 405-735-3323.

5 or 10 acres near Lake Murray w/3-bed, 2-bath brick home w/2-car garage, 60x60 metal barn-shop, 20x24 metal insulated workshop, pipe fencing, cellar, hobby greenhouse, $249,000 or $269,000 w/10 acres. 580-8121302.

Great home in mid-town Tulsa, 1,036 sq.ft., 3-bed, 1-bath, carport, detached 1-car garage, fenced yard, new roof in June 2004, 4056 E. 22nd Pl. $89,500. 918742-8304.

1/2-acre lot Oakview/Texoma w/’02 5th wheel under 25x40 cover, 2 outdoor living areas, outdoor shower, 8x12 storage building, 1.3 miles to beach area, $35,000 OBO. 405-823-5899, 527-5853.

Keystone Lake area – 2/3-bedroom, 1-bath lake home, winter view, 1 fenced acre w/2 drive-thru gates, large boat shed, storm shelter, carport, $54,500. 918-242-3186.

Five 80-acre tracts on SH 9 only 4 minutes from Fort Cobb Lake, from $1,995 per acre. Ideal location for horse ranch; ideal soil for grape vineyard; some timber.

405-643-2884, cell 580-759-6038.

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.

ATTN! We pay cash for mineral rights, Royalty Interests and Overriding Royalty Interests. Call Mark. 817-946-6983.

Want to buy water front lot near lake. 580-889-6412.

Collector paying cash for old Winchester rifles, Colt revolvers. Alan, 580-255-7500, 467-0405.

Want good man age 75-85 that likes to dance. 918339-4376.

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

Want old visible 10-gal. gas pumps, petroleum signs, farm equipment signs, oil lease signs, oil lobsters. 580639-2776.

Want items from the Midland Valley or Oklahoma City Ada & Atoka railroads. 580-332-8220.

Want a gentle Welsh pony for a 6-year-old to learn to ride and care for, pony must be sweet and gentle. 214202-0331, 214-908-1618.

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

Want to buy 20 to 40 acres of open land in southern Delaware County. 918-723-4603.

Want to buy 1-ton diesel truck, single cab, ’01 or newer, in good condition. 580-320-0508.

Want to buy long sections of heavy duty I-beam. 580456-7616.

Feeding and clothing the world ...

one farmer at a time.

Paul and Melinda Fruendt know a good root system is fundamental to their cropsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; development. This understanding of the importance of roots is why the Fruendts are Oklahoma Farm Bureau members. Their ideas, and the ideas of farmers and ranchers from all 77 counties, are the foundation of Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy. Paul and Melinda know the importance of the grassroots decisions that will shape Oklahoma agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future. They know the importance of good roots. ÂŽ Oklahoma

Farm Bureau

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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