PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
®
August 12, 2011
FB announces new agriculture advocacy foundation Oklahoma Farm Bureau is pleased to announce the creation of a new agriculture advocacy effort called the Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation. The new not-for-profit foundation was recently established to enhance the awareness and understanding of production agriculture in Oklahoma. In today’s world, the general public’s attitude toward agriculture is largely formed through the actions of environmentalists and activists creating an atmosphere where agriculturalists are constantly defending their practices and way of life. Now, through the Oklahoma FARM Foundation, OFB has a new avenue by which to educate youth and adults about agriculture before environmentalists and animal
rights activists misinform the next generation. The FARM Foundation will provide a funding mechanism for OFB to educate the public about agriculture and begin a legacy of industry support. OFB is home to a network of internal potential donors who are passionate about promoting agriculture from the right perspective, and it is that group of people who will help the FARM Foundation educate the general public about our industry. Potential FARM Foundation activities will revolve around educating and promoting farmers, ranch-
ers and the general public about how an abundant, safe and affordable food supply is produced. As a result, consumers will have a true understanding of agriculture and the people who are a part of its industry. “All of us at Oklahoma Farm Bureau are excited to launch this new foundation and tell the true story of agriculture,” said OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke. “It’s time to play offense as we assist our farmers and ranchers in promoting their industry.” The new foundation will consist of a 15-member board of directors, five at-large posi-
Oklahoma FARM Foundation
tions, and six at-large donor positions. OFB’s president and vice president will serve as members of the board, and the OFB executive director and vice president of public policy will serve in an ex-officio/advisory capacity. This inaugural year provides a unique opportunity for charter donors to invest at the ground floor of the Oklahoma FARM Foundation. Charter donor levels include platinum at $2,500, gold at $1,000, silver at $500 and bronze at $250. To contribute as an inaugural charter donor, please submit a contribution form before Dec. 31, 2011. Forms can be found online at okfarmfoundation. org or call the OFB Executive Office at (405) 523-2303 to learn more.
August Area Meetings in full swing August Area Meetings kicked off Aug. 1, with District 3 at the Canadian Co. FB office in El Reno. In addition to Farm Bureau public policy, the status of Oklahoma’s drought was a popular topic of discussion. A day later, District 8 members gathered in Ada at the Aldridge Hotel where they turned their attention to the subjects of drought, water rights, pet abandonment in rural areas, horse slaughter and other rural animal issues. On Aug. 4, District 7 members met in Enid to discuss subjects including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act, water rights, spray drift and the state budget. See the Aug. 26, issue of Perspective to read the latest on more August Area Meetings.
District 3 – Canadian Co. Farm Bureau President Clint Reuter (left) and Canadian Co. FB board member Henry Heinrich (right) discuss FB policy during the District 3 August Area Meeting in El Reno, Aug. 1.
District 8 – Oklahoma Farm Bureau Field Representative Holly Carroll writes down FB members’ suggestions and concerns about FB public policy. The District 8 meeting was held at the Aldridge Hotel in Ada on Aug. 2.
District 7 – Major Co. Farm Bureau member Clint Wilcox voices his priorities for the 2012 Farm Bill during the District 7 meeting held in Enid’s Cherokee Strip Convention Center, Aug. 4.