July 1, 2011 by Matrix Digital Media Inc

PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU

July 1, 2011

Irish Secretary of Agriculture and Food visits Oklahoma First Secretary of Agriculture and Food from the Irish embassy in Washington D.C., Dr. John Dardis visited Oklahoma for the first time last week to learn about Oklahoma agriculture. Hosted by Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Dardis learned about Oklaho-

From left – First Secretary of Agriculture of Ireland Dr. John Dardis tours the Oklahoma City Stockyards with Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb and State Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese.

Production Advantage workshop sets agenda Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s new technology training workshop should prove to reach members of all skill levels thanks to an informative and diverse schedule developed by the OFB Field Services division. The training seminar is designed to help members improve and expand their operations through a better understanding of new technology and computer competency. Space is limited for the event. To register, call Kelli Beall at (405) 523-2470 or email her at kelli.beall@okfb.org. Thursday, July 28 9 – 9:30 a.m. 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. 9:45 – 10 a.m. 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 – 4 p.m. 4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Friday, July 29 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 12 – 1 p.m. 1:15 – 2 p.m. 2 – 3 p.m.

Welcome with coffee and doughnuts Intro to Glogster with Burton & Audrey Harmon Farm Bureau website with OFB Communications Web soil survey with JD Dennis Lunch and Stand Up and Speak with Holly Carol Green Seeker technology with Dr. Brian Arnall EZ-Ranch software

Feeder Packer Insight with Dr. Peel, Kelly Raper Lunch and Feeder Packer wrap-up Marketing Training with Lane Broadbent Debriefing, planning and survey

ma’s cattle and dairy industries, farming practices, and agricultural research and also toured several agricultural facilities in the state including Braum’s Dairy and the Oklahoma City Stockyards. Lt. Gov. Lamb said the mission of the Irish oﬃcial’s visit was to develop a relationship with Ireland that explores economic development and research opportunities in agriculture. “Like Oklahoma, Ireland has deep roots in agriculture and rural development,” Lamb said. “Building a relationship with Dr. Dardis and Ireland will showcase our heritage and what Oklahoma has to oﬀer the agriculture industry worldwide.” The Irish secretary is a fifth-generation farmer who grew up on a cattle operation. He now raises wheat and has an educational background in plant breeding. In addition to Oklahoma’s livestock and grain industries, Dardis said he also has an interest agricultural research. “One of the mandates I have here is to strengthen our relationship with universities and you can’t do better than Oklahoma State University and production agriculture,” he said. With three years of his term remaining, Dardis said he anticipates a long-lasting relationship with Oklahoma focused on improving trade, food security and other agricultural issues.

FB Women preparing for state conference The annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau State Women’s Conference is just around the corner. Scheduled for July 8-9, in historic downtown Bartlesville, women will participate in breakout sessions, listen to guest speakers and enjoy dinner and entertainment.

Supreme Court rules against federal GHG nuisance suits On Tuesday, June 21, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Clean Air Act displaces any right to seek common law abatement of greenhouse gas emissions through the federal courts. In American Electric Power v. Connecticut, the Court reversed a Second Circuit Court of Appeals decision allowing the nuisance cases to proceed. The Supreme Court ruled that because the Clean Air Act gives the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to regulate GHG, federal common law rights to pursue nuisance claims against emitters are preempted. The cases were filed by states claiming that GHG emissions from several power plants constituted a “public nuisance,” which could subject emitters to controls placed by a court. If allowed to stand, this would allow nuisance suits against any emitters (including farmers and ranchers), exposing them to expensive and time consuming court cases and potential liability. The Supreme Court decision removes that cloud but does not address whether such suits would still be precluded if Congress were to preempt EPA regulation of GHG. Farm Bureau supports H.R. 910, which would strip EPA regulatory authority over GHG.

Member Benefits

Stephens County dinner

• Beltone Hearing Aid Centers – Oﬀers members a free, no obligation hearing evaluation plus a 15% discount on hearing aid purchases. Call 800-BELTONE. • Delta Dental Plan of Oklahoma – Oﬀers members a 5% discount on its comprehensive dental care program. Call 877-433-5821. OFB highlights a few benefits in each issue of Perspective as a reminder of the savings available to OFB members. Find a complete list of savings online at www.okfarmbureau.org.

OFB Calendar FBW Summer Conference July 8-9, 2011 • Bartlesville Contact: Marcia Irvin, (405) 523-2405 OSU Big Three Field Days July 19-21, 2011 • Stillwater Contact: Chris Kidd, (580) 228-4001 Farm Family Application Deadline August 15, 2011 • Oklahoma City Contact: Marcia Irvin, (405) 523-2405

COUNTY LEGISLATIVE EVENTS RIGHT – Sequoyah County held its annual legislative picnic June 16, at Lake Tenkiller where members dicussed public policy for the coming year. Pictured from left to right are Sequoyah County Farm Bureau president Charles Sloan, State Sen. Jim Wilson and State Rep. Ed Cannaday.

Sequoyah County picnic

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Online Monitor the latest Farm Bureau and agricultural news and information online at www.okfarmbureau.org. Currently online: • August Area Meetings – Policy development season is on its way, and the August Area Meetings schedule is now set. A list of meeting times and locations for OFB’s nine districts is available. • Agricultural News – Visit OFB’s “News” page for local, state, national and international agricultural headlines. With the latest press releases, picture galleries and Ag-First radio stories, you can stay current on OFB’s events and activities.

www.okfarmbureau.org 2

LEFT – State Sen. Don Barrington (left) and District 4 board member Bob Drake (right) take time to discuss a few legislative topics during the annual Stephens County legislative dinner in Duncan. Public policy issues are front and center for FB even during the summer.

Farm Bureau remembers former board member The Oklahoma Farm Bureau family is mourning the passing of former state board member Arlie Perry. Perry was born in Fort Gibson, Okla., on Feb. 13, 1939, and died there June 6, 2011. As a life-long resident of the area, he was active in his community serving on the local school board, bank board and as a deacon at his church. The farmer’s Farm Bureau involvement included service on the Muskogee County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors (1974-1989). He also served as vice president of the American Soybean Association and president of the Oklahoma Nurserymen’s Association. Perry farmed until 1989 when he began working for the Grand River Nursery of Fort Gibson.

Another year in the books – grain expert reviews 2011 wheat harvest Although overall production of Oklahoma’s wheat harvest was well below average this year, the total number of bushels harvested exceeded initial estimates. New USDA data shows the state’s harvest brought in close to 75 million bushels after an estimate of 67 million in early May. Oklahoma State University extension economist Dr. Kim Anderson said produc-

ers had several factors working against them this year – out of 5.4 million acres of wheat planted, only about 3.4 million of that was harvested due to disaster-declared fields, mainly from drought. Also, yields were lower than last year at an average of 22 bushels/acre. Despite a poor crop, Anderson said farmers are working with exceptionally higher wheat prices. “Both high prices and crop insurance contributed to producer success,” he said. “About 75-80 percent of the 2011 Oklahoma wheat crop was insured.” The average price of the state’s wheat crop was $7.80/bushel producing an overall total value of $546,000,000. Producer Chuck Tolle cuts a wheat ﬁeld near Deer Creek in June.

Communications division wins 8 national PR awards The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Corporate Communications/Public Relations division recently was recognized for their work by winning eight awards at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Public Relations Awards Contest. Award winners were announced Tuesday, June 14, during the AFBF Public Relations Conference in Virginia Beach, Va. OFB communications staﬀ members won the following:

Best Audio Program, Service or Podcast - One Competition Sam Knipp – Winner

Best Use of Photos - Over 80,000 Competition Dustin Mielke – Winner

Best Audio News Story - One Competition Dustin Mielke – Winner

Best Website - One Competition

Dustin Mielke, Traci Morgan – Winner

Best Advertising Campaign or Spot - One Competition Carter Campbell, Sam Knipp & Dustin Mielke

Best Public Relations Campaign - Over 80,000 Competition Carter, Campbell, Sam Knipp, Dustin Mielke & Traci Morgan

Best Leader Newsletter - Over 80,000 Competition Traci Morgan – Honorable Mention

Dave Lane Award for Media Relations Excellence - Over 80,000 Competition Staci Armstrong, Carter Campbell, Sam Knipp, Dustin Mielke & Traci Morgan

Summer issue of Oklahoma Country coming soon The summer issue of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Oklahoma Country magazine is slated to hit mail boxes in just a couple of weeks. This issue features stories of how a farming family in southwest Oklahoma came to raise competitive bucking bulls as well as the story of how farmers around the state are battling a growing Canada geese problem. Free to all FB members, get your fix of agricultural news, lifestyle features, recipes, classified ads and more in the upcoming issue of Oklahoma Country, due out later this month!

State Forestry Services warns residents of wildﬁres Oﬃcials with Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, want the public to be aware of the critical fire danger west of I-35. Portions of western Oklahoma are now classified as having extreme to exceptional drought conditions. Fuel conditions are critical and any fuel fire comes in contact with will combust. “There is the potential for large fires to occur throughout much of Oklahoma,” said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. “With the continued high temperatures and gusty winds, wildland fuels have dried dramatically and can be easily ignited by a spark. This situation does not look to improve in the near future.” Any fire starting under the forecast conditions has the potential to spread rapidly and burn large areas. Citizens are urged to be vigilant with outdoor activities and are asked to report any suspicious smoke or fire to their closest fire department. Homeowners also can protect their structures by moving trash, debris and other flammable items, such as firewood piles or portable propane tanks, a safe distance away from their homes. For the latest information and wildfire daily situation reports, visit www.forestry. ok.gov.

Published by Oklahoma Farm Bureau

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Oklahoma Farm Bureau 2501 N. Stiles Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126

Staff Directory

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Gail TraciBanzet, Morgan, 523-2346 523-2346 Perspective/Online Perspective/Online News News Editor Editor Sam Knipp, 523-2347 Sam 523-2347 Vice Knipp, President of Communications/PR ViceNorvell, President of Communications/PR Tyler 523-2402 Vice President of Public Policy Tyler Norvell, 523-2402 Marla Peek, 523-2437 Vice President of Public Policy Director of Regulatory Affairs Kinsey Money, 523-2539 Marla Peek, 523-2437 Director of Research & Policy Development Director of Regulatory Affairs

Summer deadlines to remember There are several application deadlines members should have on their calendars as the summer progresses including Farm Family of the Year, the Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award and the Excellence in Agriculture Award. Applications for the following awards are due August 15. Farm Family of the Year – State Women This award honors district farm families who best represent farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture. The families must display strong family involvement in all phases of farm management and production, innovative family farm operation and management, use of modern

agricultural techniques, and active leadership in Farm Bureau, the community and other agricultural groups. Achievement Award – YF&R This contest recognizes OFB’s top young farm and ranch family or individual based on involvement in the community and Farm Bureau as well as the quality of the contestant(s) farming operation and leadership activities. Excellence in Agriculture Award – YF&R This contest is designed as an opportunity for young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned agricultural operation, while

actively contributing and growing through their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture to earn recognition. Participants will be judged on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. All state winners are announced at Oklahoma’s FB Convention in November, and winners receive an all-expense paid trip to the AFBF Convention in January. To learn more about the awards and deadlines, contact Marcia Irvin (State Women) at (405) 523-2405 or Chris Kidd (YF&R) at (580) 228-4001.

Alig homestead is AFBF Century Farm Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s own Richard Alig of Kingfisher County is a feature of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s new interactive website, which recognizes historic farms. Developed through the American Farm Bureau Foundation Century Farm project, the site promotes the value of America’s century farms while also educating the public about agriculture. The Peter Alig Homestead, now managed by Peter Alig’s great-grandson, Richard, was established in 1893 and currently consists of 2,500 acres of wheat, 300 head of ewes and 1,500 head of stocker cattle. Alig said his family’s love of the land and devotion to providing for others has helped the generational farm stay afloat after all these years. “Well I’m kind of proud that my ancestors had the gumption to get here to where

we are at,” Alig said. “It shows that a lot of the American farming population has sticking power out here.” Over the years, the Alig family has adapted to new farming techniques and changing regulaRichard Alig is the tions in order to remain sustainable great-grandson and increase overall of Peter Alig who established the production. family’s Okarche The Alig famhomestead in 1893. ily’s involvement in their local Farm Bureau also has allowed the Century Farm to prosper. Richard Alig became involved on the grass-roots level in the 1980s when

his farm raised hogs. Today, Alig’s brother, Matt, helps him with daily farming duties. To learn more about the family’s Peter Alig Homestead, visit www.agricultureslastingheritage.org.