PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
OFB honors three legislators
2011 Legislative Session
OFB legislation on the move By Tyler Norvell, OFB Vice President of Public Policy
The 2011 legislative session began with the first State of the State address by Governor Mary Fallin. In her address the governor outlined many issues facing the state, but none larger or more important than the state’s budget shortfall, estimated to be $600 million. Governor Fallin proposed filling the budget gap by streamlining state government operations, consolidating agencies and cutting most state agencies' budgets from 3 to 5 percent. She also stressed the importance of agriculture in our state and for our economy. There were several pieces of legislation supported by Oklahoma Farm Bureau that were heard in committee. HB 1310 by Rep. Phil Richardson passed the House Agriculture, Environment, and Wildlife Committee, unanimously. It is the legislative vehicle carrying the compromise language between the OFB and the veterinarian community. HB 1310 calls for those performing (See page 2)
OFB to sponsor cattle sale during Farm Show Oklahoma Farm Bureau is sponsoring the Herd Builder Private Treaty Sale during the 7th annual Southern Plains Farm Show, presented by Midwest Shows, Inc. The sale is set for April 7, 8 and 9 at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. The sale, an expansion of the popular Bull Sale, will include all breeds - heifers, bred heifers, cow-calf pairs and more. The sale will be open to everyone attending the farm show for all three days of the show. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau is excited to offer producers the opportunity to showcase all breeds of beef animals,” said Thad Doye, OFB vice president of Field Services. “Producers can choose to bring a group of (See OFB to sponsor, page 2)
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February 25, 2011
Three state legislators received Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service Award during the farm organization’s annual leadership conference in Oklahoma City Feb. 21. The Meritorious Service award is presented to legislators who have a strong voting record for Farm Bureau issues and show support for rural and agricultural issues. The awards are based on a county Farm Bureau’s nomination and evaluation of the lawmaker’s adherence to the values and issues important to rural Oklahoma. Receiving the award were Reps. Leslie Osborn, Tuttle, and Steve Kouplen, Beggs, and Sen. Brian Crain, Tulsa. Rep. Osborn was instrumental in helping Farm Bureau and other rural groups defeat State Question 744, which could have increased property taxes. She is Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Vice Chairman of the Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources and Regulatory Services Committee. She also serves on the Agriculture, Wildlife and Environment Committee and Economic Development, Tourism and Financial Services Committee. Osborn was nominated by (See OFB honors, page 4)
Rep. Steve Kouplen
Rep. Leslie Osborn
Sen. Brian Crain
OFB Leadership Conference
ABOVE – From left: Tom Holcomb, Rep. Jerry McPeak, Dennis Kester and David Leatherwood shared a laugh during the legislative reception at Leadership Conference Feb. 21. See more photos online at www.okfarmbureau.org.
During Gov. Mary Fallin’s keynote address to OFB leaders, she proclaimed Feb. 21-25 as Farm Bureau Week and also became a Farm Bureau member.