Winter 2012

Winter 2012

The Magazine Of The Oklahoma Farm Bureau

Inside:

Farm Family of the Year The Foundation of the Future 2011 Convention Review

From Dirt Roads to Interstates Drive with Farm Bureau Hands on the wheel and Farm Bureau in the glovebox. Whether you’re driving across town or across our great state, Oklahoma Farm Bureau automobile insurance is with you every mile. With agents in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, you can depend on home-town attention to help you navigate your way to the right auto policy. When you drive with auto coverage from Oklahoma Farm Bureau, you can be confident no matter the road you travel.

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Oklahoma Country

Contents

7

Features 7 – Farm Family of the Year Scott and Brenda Neufeld of Major County Farm Bureau were chosen as Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s 2011 Farm Family of the Year. Their husband and wife partnership is key to the success of their farming and ranching operation.

By Sam Knipp

12 – The Foundation of the Future Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders and members

12

Oklahoma FARM Foundation

stepped up to the plate in 2011 to create a new agriculture advocacy foundation. Still less than a year old, the Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation has already launched its first project and is anticipating an exciting year in 2012.

By Gail Banzet

Columns

Departments

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

16 – YF&R Focus 18 – All Around Oklahoma 22 – Convention Review 28 – Country Kitchen 30 – Country Classifieds

Farming and Ranching Matters Cover Image Scott and Brenda Neufeld and their children, Caleb and Carissa, are the 2011 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year. They grow wheat and cattle near Fairview in Major County.

(Photograph by Dustin Mielke)

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 Staci Armstrong before the last day of the month Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.

to 4 p.m. at 405-523-2320.

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 membership number that appears on your magazine’s mailing label is not the hidden number, but also must match the hidden number for you to claim the cash prize.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 1

Presidentially

Speaking

By Mike Spradling President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies

Winter 2012 Volume 65 No. 1 Oklahoma Country (ISSN 1544-6476)

“Taking pride in belonging”

I

n December of last year, I traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend an American Farm Bureau Federation board meeting followed by a meeting of the American Farm Bureau Federation Resolutions Committee.

Flying into D.C. and seeing the Washington Monument, the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, and especially the nation’s Capitol never gets old. On the flight, I had an opportunity to read several emails related to the reason for my trip. I was reminded of just how influential local policy development is to the Farm Bureau policy pyramid.

Not too long ago, we celebrated a season of reflection as we took time during Thanksgiving and Christmas to give thanks for many blessings. I thought for a moment how thankful I am to be associated with an organization in a country where I, as an individual, can help influence the lives and occupations of those involved in agriculture. While in D.C., I joined with other state Farm Bureau presidents from all over this great country. We had all just completed our annual meetings, and with state resolutions in hand, we met in our nation’s capital to represent our membership.

What a feeling it was as we sat less than a half mile from our nation’s Capitol, knowing every Farm Bureau member in every state was connected in the policy development process of the world’s largest and most influential farm organization. This was yet another step in building the Farm Bureau policy pyramid.

A

s I sat in my hotel room on that D.C. trip, I thought about the process required to bring myself and the other Farm Bureau presidents there on your behalf.

The process started months earlier when members gathered at their August Area Meetings to express policy ideas and concerns. Later, the county resolutions committees met to prepare those possible changes to be presented at their annual county meetings. Each county, on behalf of its membership, then proposed its resolutions to the 2 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

state resolutions committee. Once state committee members completed the resolution selection process, those changes were proposed to delegates at our annual state convention. After resolutions were passed on a state level, I proceeded on to the AFBF National Resolutions Committee Meeting where I presented Oklahoma’s ideas for new Farm Bureau policy. Then as a final step in the resolutions pyramid, delegates voted on policy proposals at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in January.

I

hope each and every one of you who participated in the 2011 resolutions process took pride in knowing you played a role in developing policy, not only at your county and state levels but also on the national scene.

This is what we mean when we talk about grassroots involvement. Grassroots participation is real, and we should never take it for granted, which I don’t. Without the input of local Farm Bureau members, my mission in D.C. or anywhere else in this country has little meaning. Our county, state and national leaders know that when Farm Bureau leaders speak, we are speaking on your behalf. They know the role you play in developing our policy.

They know that you were involved every step of the way and that your fingerprints are visible on every page of our updated policy book.

Thank you to each and every one of you who, through your involvement, contribute to the success of the world’s most powerful and influential farm organization on earth – the American Farm Bureau Federation. Take pride in your efforts and involvement because you deserve it. Finally, as the new year gets underway, let me say I look forward to working with you during the upcoming legislative session.

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 Sam Knipp Vice President of Corporate Communications / Public Relations Dustin Mielke Multi-media Producer / Writer Gail Banzet Publications & Online News Coordinator Staci Armstrong Office Administrator DIRECT YOUR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO: Oklahoma Country Attn: Stan Morgan (803) 744-9024 or email stan@duncangrant.com 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.

WEBSITE www.okfarmbureau.org Oklahoma Farm Bureau DIRECTORS Mike Spradling, President Tom Buchanan, Vice President Roland Pederson, Treasurer Charles Sloan, Secretary Alan Jett, Director Rodd Moesel, Director Jimmy Wayne Kinder, Director Larry Boggs, Director Billy Gibson, Director Phyllis Holcomb, Director Monica Wilke, Executive Director

y m l l a C u a e r u B m r a F ! y a d o t t agen Are you fiscally fit for 2012?

The start of a new year is the ideal time to make sure your insurance coverage and financial strategies are in step with your current needs. What life events and family changes will your new year bring ... a wedding? a new baby? a retirement? Now’s the time to contact your Farm Bureau agent to see how simple it can be to have the right coverage in place and prepare for your future.

Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company/West Des Moines, IA. Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company/Oklahoma City, OK. © 2012 FBL Financial Group, Inc. M098-OK (1-12) Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 3

Insurance

Matters

By Richard Newberry Executive Vice President and General Managerr Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company

O

klahoma Country recently sat down with Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company Executive Vice President and General Manager Richard Newberry to talk about the important issues currently facing OFBMIC. Oklahoma Country: As the largest Oklahoma-

based insurance company in the state, what is your biggest challenge?

Newberry: We are continuing to work hard to keep OFBMIC financially strong. The hard reality is, we must address the fact we are paying out $1.24 for every dollar we collect in homeowners’ premiums. Over the past three years, OFBMIC has lost over $270 million in our property lines of business. We simply cannot continue on this course. We are using new tools and technology to identify risks with higher claims frequency and taking appropriate action to responsibly manage our business. This action is not easy because we know it will affect some of our customers, but we also have a responsibility to manage our risk in order to stay financially strong.

The increased frequency and severity of storms over the last decade have created the need for us to review our exposure. We cannot continue to insure risks that are creating a significant hardship to our company.

OFBMIC’s top priority is serving our policyholders. We have a responsibility to manage the company in order to keep insurance affordable and available to our Oklahoma customers.

Oklahoma Country: What are the strengths of

Oklahoma Country: There has been a lot Oklahoma Country: What can customers do to

better manage their insurance availability and cost?

Newberry: Understanding and managing your risk exposure is very important. One great way to do this is by changing your deductibles to a higher amount. Deductibles are the amount of money you have to absorb toward a covered loss before insurance will provide funds to pay a claim. The purpose of insurance is to protect you from significant financial hardship. Insurance was never intended to be a maintenance policy or cover every loss you may incur. The higher your deductible, the more money you can save on your premiums. Raising your deductible will not only save you money but also control your claim activity, because you will not need to report smaller claims that could impact your claims history. Members should also talk to their agents about available deductible options on risk exposures such as windstorms, theft, roof losses and others.

Oklahoma Country: What can you share in

terms of OFBMIC’s current and future financial stability?

Newberry: OFBMIC has faced a historic level of claims as the result of natural catastrophes over the past five years. However, we have kept our strong commitment to meet the needs of our members and also protect the long-term stability of OFBMIC. In November 2011, Demotech Inc., a well-respected financial analysis firm, assigned us a financial rating of “A” and reported our financial stability is strong.

OFBMIC as it moves forward?

Newberry: Our financial situation is improving

Oklahoma Country: How has OFBMIC faced

but we have work to do. The fact is, weather continues to be a major factor in the ability to manage our business well. We have faced historic levels of storms over the past five years; tornados, hail, wildfires and ice storms have created an extraordinary level of claims.

We must be proactive in addressing exposure and managing our business to keep insurance affordable and available.

the big job of servicing all of those claims over the past several years?

Newberry: We are very proud of the many compliments our customers have shared about the outstanding service our agents and claims professionals provide. Our members tell us they value insurance coverage from an Oklahoma-based company and find comfort in working with claims professionals that reside

4 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

here in the state. Their claims are worked by a local OFBMIC claims adjuster from start to finish. We also take pride in providing friendly, local service to our members in all 77 Oklahoma counties. Our members will not have to worry about working with someone in a call center – far from Oklahoma – when they need us most, after a loss. of interest and at the same time, confusion regarding earthquake insurance.

What does OFBMIC offer regarding this type of coverage?

Newberry: We are constantly looking for ways to provide the best service possible to our members. We determined we needed to stop writing earthquake coverage under our OFBMIC policy to better manage our risk exposure. However, we identified a company, Argenia, to give our members an option to obtain earthquake coverage. Our members should contact their agent to determine if this coverage is right for them. Our agents can also offer earthquake coverage to members who have their property insured with other insurance carriers.

Oklahoma Country: Auto insurance continues to

be a key product OFBMIC is strongly promoting to its members, why auto?

Newberry: We’ve set a goal to write more auto policies for new customers and for those current members who didn’t already have auto insurance with OFBMIC. Members can benefit in many ways by choosing OFBMIC auto coverage. For example, they can save money with a multi-line discount by using OFBMIC for both auto and home insurance.

Then again, there’s also the fact that OFBMIC agents are located in every county of Oklahoma, and that’s reassuring to members who want their auto insurance based close to home. By combining auto, home and other insurance products, our members benefit from having one agent to leverage multiple coverage options. This saves them money, and more importantly, the comprehensive, personal total-client service that OFBMIC offers gives them the best insurance protection possible for their entire exposure.

That comprehensive assessment of need is not always possible when a client has multiple companies trying to assess those needs.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 5

Country

Gardening

By Travis Hanks Extension Educator, Ag & CED Seminole County OSU Extension Center

How to take a soil sample and interpret the results Soil Sampling Soil tests provide a scientific basis for evaluating available plant nutrients in lawns or gardens. Properly managing the amount of nutrients added to the soil can save money and protect the environment. Soil nutrient levels vary by location, soil depth, soil texture, organic matter content and past management practices. Therefore, getting a good soil sample stands out as a major factor affecting the accuracy and usefulness of soil testing.

Before collecting soil samples, the proper equipment must first be obtained. Sample collection equipment commonly consists of a soil probe, clean bucket and soil sample bag.

Most of these items are available at your local county extension office. However, good samples can be collected using a spade if the proper procedures are followed. Next, sample locations need to be considered; due to the high variability within soils, it is important to sample garden and lawn locations separately.

One composite soil sample consists of 15 to 20 subsamples or cores taken to a depth of 6 inches. It is important to take at least 15 cores to ensure that a good average is reached. If too few cores are collected, the laboratory results are likely to be off. Take 15 to 20 cores randomly – many use a zigzag, or W pattern (Figure 1.1), throughout the pasture and put them into a bucket. The cores need to be thoroughly mixed, and then a soil sample bag should be filled from this mixture. Soil samples may be submitted to your local extension office.

It is important that these steps are followed to the best of one’s ability since the sample represents an average of the soil in that area.

The greatest errors associated with soil samples come from the collection of the sample, not during the analysis. One pound of composite soil represents an entire lawn or garden area. Keep in mind that only 10 grams of this soil sample are used in the lab.

6 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

Interpreting Results Soil test values must be interpreted so that well-informed management decisions can be made. A basic soil test consists of pH, buffer index, NO3-nitrogen, phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K). Also available through the OSU Soil, Water, and Forage Laboratory, is analysis for secondary nutrients (Mg, Ca and S) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu and B). In some cases, specialty crops or ornamentals require more attention to secondary nutrients or micronutrients but for most plants they are of little concern.

Soil pH and Buffer Index Soil pH is the measurement of active acidity or alkalinity in the soil. Under normal growing conditions, most plants grow well when soil pH is in the range of 6.0 to 7.5. When the soil pH drops below certain thresholds for different grasses or vegetable crops, an application of lime should be made.

Buffer index estimates the amount of lime required to correct soil acidity. The actual amount of lime needed varies greatly depending on soil texture and organic matter content. In general, the lower the buffer index value, the more lime will be required to raise the pH to an optimum plant growing range. Once soil pH is brought up into range, it should be checked periodically to maintain proper soil pH.

Figure 1.1: Two typical sampling patterns used; random and W. Collecting soil cores from all regions of the lawn or garden are more important than the pattern used to get the samples.

NO3-Nitrogen Nitrate soil test measures the actual amount of NO3-nitrogen in the soil, which is available to plants. N is a mobile nutrient and because of this soil test, N values can change from year to year if fertilizer is being applied annually.

Soil Test Phosphorus and Potassium Phosphorus (P) soil test is the measurement of plant available P in the soil and reported as Soil Test P Index (STP). The estimated availability of P is related to a percent sufficiency in the soil. A soil with 80 percent sufficiency means 80 percent of plant P needs will be supplied by the soil. The remainder must be provided by adding fertilizer. If no P is added, then the yield will only be 80 percent of its potential. Soil test P values of 65 or greater are considered 100 percent sufficient and no additional P is needed.

Potassium (K) soil tests indicate a certain sufficiency, the same as P, and are reported as Soil Test K Index (STK). Soil test K values of 300 or greater are considered 100 percent sufficient and no additional K is needed.

An annual application of P and K will be needed until the sufficiency levels of P and K reach 100 percent. Fertilizer P is quickly tied up by elements in the soil, so it is important that if soil test P is very low, fertilizer will need to be applied every year or every other year to maintain maximum productivity.

We usually put a lot of work and time into our lawn or gardens. So why not take a little time now to assist all of our efforts later on.

Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, state and local governments cooperating; the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran and is an equal opportunity employer.

S

Major County’s Scott and Brenda Neufeld live to tell agriculture’s story.

They also have a commercial cattle Scott Neufeld pushed in the clutch herd and over the past 15 years, have on his 1991 Dodge one-ton feed established a custom hay business. truck, and wife Brenda nudged the The Neufelds cut and ship high stick shift to 2nd gear as they quality alfalfa to livestock producers bounced across the pasture. This throughout the High Plains. simple act says all you need to “The hay business has been the know about the Neufelds … they

By Sam Knipp profit center of our farm … until this are a total partnership! year,” Scott said. “Our normal yield is “We work together, we think 3 and 4 tons per acre on dry land alfalfa, but this year we together, we make decisions together, it’s just part of what harvested less than a half ton per acre. This is a year like we we do every day,” Brenda said. have never experienced before because of the drought.”

That kind of partnership is one of the reasons the To cope with the historic drought, the Neufelds rely on Neufelds were recently named Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s their family and faith in a higher power.

Farm Family of the Year. The announcement was made “I think back to advice my grandfather gave me years Nov. 12, 2011, during the organization’s 70th annual ago – ‘be steady, don’t get excited or make major decisions convention in Oklahoma City.

“We are extremely humbled and honored to be recognized in the bad or good years. The averages will even out and get you through.’”

by Farm Bureau,” Scott said. “We just want to do what we Alongside her husband, Brenda has experienced the ups can to represent agriculture in a respectable manner.”

The Neufelds farm near Fairview in northwest Oklahoma and downs of farming life. She grew up on a farm in North Dakota and met Scott while attending college in Kansas. where they grow wheat, alfalfa, canola, and grain sorghum.

FarmFamily Of The Year

Dustin Mielke

The Gloss Mountains of northwest Oklahoma are visible from the Neufeld’s cattle pasture where the family has spent years building up their commercial herd. Pictured from left to right are Caleb, Brenda, Scott and Carissa Neufeld.

Oklahoma Country Country •• Winter Winter 2012 2012 •• 77 Oklahoma

Both photos by Dustin Mielke

“I asked the Lord to bless me with a farmer!” Brenda said.

Scott credits Brenda with her work both on and off the farm.

“The biggest thing I enjoy is the fact we work together,” Brenda said. “We really enjoy being together.”

When Brenda is not shifting the feed truck’s gears, she is working as a tax accountant.

“My specialty is farm income tax returns,” she said.

“It’s a blessing she has that skill and it’s been a great asset for our farm,” Scott said.

The Neufelds have been involved in Farm Bureau for more than 15 years, starting with their days on the Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. They have served as chairmen of the Oklahoma YF&R committee and Scott is a past YF&R discussion meet contest winner.

Scott also has served as Major County Farm Bureau president, chairman of the OFB Ag Fund Task Force and chairman of the OFB Farm Bill

Scott and Brenda chose to implement the method of artificial insemination into their operation last year with a group of heifers. Baby calves from this group of cattle are expected in early 2012.

Inset: Scott moves bales of alfalfa in one of his hay barns. Over the years, he and his family have established a custom hay business with customers throughout the High Plains.

8 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

Advisory Committee. Brenda has been actively involved in the Major County Farm Bureau Women’s committee.

“We have gained tremendous leadership skills from the Young Farmers and Ranchers program,” Scott said. “Farm Bureau is a great organization to be involved in – it stimulates my mind and exposes us to others in the industry. We absolutely love Farm Bureau.”

Scott said his family has developed a passion for agriculture and telling the story of farm and ranch life. As active members, they see Farm Bureau as an organization that can really help agriculture.

“When I go to Washington, D.C. I’m just Brenda Neufeld, but when I say I am with Farm Bureau, that changes everything and makes me more effective,” Brenda said.

Scott elevated his leadership skills when he was chosen chairman of the OFB Farm Bill Advisory Committee in 2010. The volunteer position has allowed him to intensely study the federal farm program and he’s now a firm believer in the need for a strong farm income safety net.

“We need a solid crop insurance program

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 9

Dustin Mielke

The Neufelds’ operation consists of wheat, alfalfa, canola and grain sorghum, and even though the 2011 drought took a toll on their crops, the family is optimistic about the future.

Inset right: Scott and his father, Leon, (right) farm and ranch together outside Fairview. Scott said he’s thankful for the opportunity to farm with his parents and keep agriculture in the family.

Inset above: The Neufelds have a passion for agriculture and enjoy telling the story of farm and ranch life. Back row pictured from left: Scott and Caleb Neufeld. Front row pictured from left: Leon, Karen, Brenda and Carissa.

10 10 •• Oklahoma Oklahoma Country Country •• Winter Winter 2012 2012

Sam Knipp

Sam Knipp

that helps us manage risk and provide protection,” he said.

Despite the challenges involved with farming in Oklahoma, Scott said he is convinced the future of Oklahoma agriculture is extremely bright.

“We have to look to the future as an opportunity to tell our story,” he said. “I believe as the world population grows, the demand for our product will increase. The levels we are seeing in the commodity markets now are probably a new plateau. I don’t see us going back to overproduction with surpluses driving prices down.”

While the demand for agricultural products is expected to grow, Scott said that also brings about a new wave of public scrutiny.

“I see a lot of opportunities out there now for us to promote production agriculture in a positive light,” he said. “We need to promote our safe, abundant, affordable food supply.”

The Neufeld’s Farm Family of the Year award includes the free use of a GMC Sierra extended cab pickup for one year and an expense-paidtrip to the 2012 American Farm Bureau convention in Hawaii.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 11

The

Foundation of the

Future

By Gail Banzet • Photos by Dustin Mielke

An idea two years in the making, a new foundation looks to educate the public about farming and ranching and set fire to the next generation of agriculturalists.

F

rom weather to market prices to industry trends, farming and ranching always holds a wild card to keep agriculturalists on their toes, but in the last decade, they’ve been forced to face a new threat. Today’s farmers and ranchers are constantly challenged by the opposition of environmentalists and animal rights activists who would like nothing more than to shut down their operations altogether. As a result, Oklahoma Farm Bureau decided it was time to fight back against these groups through educational efforts by establishing the Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation.

An idea two years in the making, the new Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, designed specifically to enhance the awareness and understanding of the contribution and importance of agriculture. Its efforts include promoting and assisting beginning farmers and ranchers, as well as educating

youth interested in agricultural pursuits. OFB and Foundation Executive Director Monica Wilke said the Foundation was established by the OFB Board of Directors in May 2011.

“Farm Bureau legislatively has always been ‘the voice,’ and that’s crucial to us as an organization,” Wilke said. “But when you watch trends, even though we are very strong at the grass roots level, we needed some other tools to better enhance our brand, to better enhance our message.”

Wilke said the Foundation will focus primarily on promoting agriculture to young people through training programs and various projects that tell a more accurate story of farm and ranch life.

“In today’s times, you watch environmentalists, PETA, HSUS and all of these groups that continuously attack farmers and ranchers and the rural way of life,” she said. “It’s a public relations attack – a PR battle, and you have to have funding to fight back, or better yet, play offense.”

As a strong believer in alliances that promote a common message, Wilke said the Foundation was created as a rural think tank to unite farmers and ranchers.

“It will involve anybody who's engaged in agriculture across the state – in any field and in any industry,” she said.

The prospects of the Foundation are wide open, and that’s what Wilke said will allow it to take on so many different types of projects.

Consequently, the Foundation’s first endeavor is a patriotic coalition of Oklahomans who are using agriculture to support U.S. armed forces overseas.

Above: Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese (left) speaks to attendees at the Beef 4 Battle Coalition kickoff event as Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb (right), listens.

12 • Oklahoma Country • Winter Summer2012 2011

Right: The Beef 4 Battle Coalition beef sticks will give Oklahoma soldiers an extra boost of energy in training and on the battlefield.

The Beef 4 Battle Coalition was developed in the fall of 2011 and creates an avenue for Oklahoma ranchers to donate beef to the Oklahoma Military Department. The beef is then processed into beef sticks and shipped to Oklahoma soldiers in active duty. OFB Vice President of Field Services Thad Doye helped organize the program, and he said it was the original idea of retired engineer and veteran George Huggins of Blanchard, Okla. While ranchers can donate beef to the project, other interested parties also can contribute monetary funds, both of which are tax-deductible contributions, to further the Coalition purpose.

In addition to Huggins and the Foundation, Beef 4 Battle Coalition members include Chickasha Meat Co., Schwab and Co., and Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center.

In November, just weeks after the Coalition was formed, a Beef 4 Battle Coalition press conference was held on the Davis Family Farm in Guthrie. With Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, Adjutant General of the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard Maj. Gen. Myles Deering and many other state officials in attendance, the coalition introduced the program to the public. Doye said the Beef 4 Battle Coalition was well received.

“The press conference was a huge success,” he said. “When almost all of your major television networks come out to a farm for a press conference surrounded by hay bales, you know you’ve got a good cause.”

Shipments of beef sticks began late last year, and Doye said they will continue indefinitely. The sticks are shipped in a convenient package for soldiers to carry on the battlefield, and the product’s nutritional values in zinc, iron and protein give soldiers an extra boost of energy.

“Hopefully, all of the troops come home at some point, but we’re still going to have troops in training, so there’s no reason why we can’t continue providing a protein source to those men and women, too,” he said.

The success of the Beef 4 Battle Coalition and the

team spirit generated from OFB staff members who helped establish the program is encouraging to Wilke. She said the concept of Oklahoma agriculture supporting the Oklahoma military is a powerful message.

“We set the bar high,” she said. “That’s huge for us as a Foundation, as an organization and as a team here at OFB.” With 2012 underway, the Foundation is considering several new project ideas, including the possibility of a partnership or alliance to fund a commodity trailer.

“We need something that can be taken out for young people

Oklahoma FARM Foundation Farming and Ranching Matters Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 •• 13 13 Oklahoma Country • Fall 2011

Foundation Founders

The Foundation’s initial at-large donor positions are recognized as Foundation Founders and include the following individuals and companies.

Dale and Carol DeWitt

“We’re strong supporters of any organization that promotes educating youth about agriculture.This Foundation has great potential to influence the next generation.”

Stockman Oklahoma Livestock, Inc. and Stockman Livestock Order Buying, Inc. (Tom Gilliam and Bill Griffeth) “4-H and FFA youth are the future of the agriculture industry, so any time an organization or foundation promotes their involvement, I’m in.

This foundation will do a lot to keep kids in agriculture.” –Tom Gilliam

Comanche County Farm Bureau Board of Directors "The Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation's plan to tell the true story of agriculture is really exciting, and our board wanted to be a part of it. It's time farmers and ranchers speak with a louder voice to promote our way of life."

Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma “Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma is the leader in agricultural lending and understands that the future of Oklahoma agriculture is highly dependant upon the next generation of farmers and ranchers.That is why we continually promote and support the industry to further ensure its success.” – John Grunewald

to see – that younger generation that is two or three times removed from the farm,” Wilke said. “That’s who we need to reach through this Foundation.”

While OFB’s staff joined forces to tackle the Foundation’s first project, its new 15-member board of directors now takes over the responsibility of future endeavors. OFB’s president and vice president also serve as board members, an OFB member from each of Oklahoma’s five regions are at-large board members, and the initial six at-large donor positions serve as the Foundation’s founders.

Meanwhile, OFB’s executive director and vice president of public policy are advisors in an ex-officio capacity.

“Because of the way it’s structured, because of the way it is funded and because the scope is so much bigger than just us here at Farm Bureau, the variety of projects will be larger than what we can imagine sitting here today,” Wilke said.

The endless possibilities it holds for promoting agriculture are not the only selling points for the Foundation. Wilke said it’s an entity where people can give in large, multiple ways that not only benefit the Foundation but also the donor through their tax-deductible contributions.

“Whether it be through monetary contributions, in kind donations or real property, there are so many ways to contribute,” she said. “For example, there’s the opportunity to buy a life insurance policy and name the Foundation as the beneficiary. There’s real incentive to put your money into something close to your heart and receive some benefits for yourself and your family for doing so – I call it branding your legacy.”

As the Foundation plans its first board meeting, Wilke said it is impressive to look back at 2011 and recall the overwhelming initial response from OFB members.

“It’s one of those things when the OFB board got together and talked about it, we said, ‘Well, we’re in the worst drought year that we’ve seen since the Dust Bowl, and the economic climate of our country is not good. How are we going to raise money?’” she said. “It was a valid point, but it didn’t stop the board from moving forward.”

In spite of agriculture’s challenging conditions in 2011, Wilke said the attitude of OFB’s staff and members proved the Foundation was worth pursuing.

“It should come as no surprise that when our members see a call – a mission that they believe is worthwhile and promotes what they’ve spent their entire lives building – they step up,” she said.

By the time the Foundation closed the books on 2011, support

“

our members

When see a call – a mission that they believe is worthwhile and promotes what they’ve spent their entire lives building – they step up.

”

OFB and Foundation Executive Director Monica Wilke

and monetary contributions surpassed initial goals, with more than 100 organizations, associations and individuals donating.

Now with a solid base of in-house funding, the Foundation is ready to seek additional partners and explore new projects all for the cause of agriculture.

An idea originating from the quiet halls of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s offices now looks to make waves in the PR world and set fire to the next generation of agriculturalists. The simple fact that farmers and ranchers feed the world is a message far too

often silenced by environmentalists and animal rights activists, and the Foundation aspires to speak louder than those groups in the future.

For more information on the Foundation or to make a contribution to Foundation efforts, please call (405) 523-2300, or visit okfarmfoundation.org.

The Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation is not associated in any way with the "Farm Foundation, NFP."

Inhofe gives to new foundation U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe showed his support for the new Oklahoma FARM (Farming and Ranching Matters) Foundation with a generous $2,500 contribution in 2011. As an avid promoter of agriculture and rural programs, Inhofe said he was more than willing to contribute to the new agriculture advocacy foundation.

“Fewer and fewer Americans have an understanding or connection to our nation’s agricultural community,” he said. “For the average American to have an appreciation for the difficulties that farmers and ranchers face, it is vitally important for them to be educated through efforts like this Foundation.

"Through the Foundation, Americans no longer have to rely on the liberal media outlets and environmental groups for news and views. They can now receive information from the perspective of our nation’s hard-working agricultural community.”

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe Oklahoma Oklahoma Country Country • Summer • Winter2011 2012••15 15

yf&rfocus

The state YF&R Committee combines statewide perspectives to kick off another year of learning and leadership.

State YF&R Committee As the number of farmers and ranchers continues to decline, the agriculture industry is asking young adults to step up and carry on the farming tradition. The members of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers are a passionate group of individuals who understand the world’s food supply weighs heavy on their shoulders.

Oklahoma Country recently spoke to the OFB YF&R State Committee during their planning session for 2012.

What is the YF&R Committee all about? How is it different from just serving as a regular YF&R member?

Meet the new YF&R Committee Members 16 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

District One

It gets you geared up for leadership. This is a stepping stone for the federation side of Farm Bureau. We’re in training for tomorrow. There’s got to be somebody to lead this company in the next 50 to 100 years, and this is how we are preparing people our age to become leaders. We want to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to represent farming and ranching and set that example for young producers.

It’s a new year. What are the major events the YF&R committee plans to focus on in 2012?

We have the YF&R speech contest coming up in March and that’s a Derek and Mary

Chad Selman raises

Crain of Taloga

pecans and cattle

have a cow-calf

on his family's

operation. Derek

farm near Skiatook.

teaches ag ed and

Chad also has a

Mary works for

custom pecan har-

Western Medical.

District Three

vesting business.

big event around the state for FFA and 4-H kids. Every spring, we do a booth at the State FFA Convention, and we’ll have a lot of people there. We’ll try to get names and see new faces. This way, we’ll get more people involved in YF&R right out of high school. Then in the summer, we’ll host our YF&R golf tournament, which raises money for the OFB Legal Foundation. Finally, toward the end of the year, we will host a livestock judging contest at the Oklahoma State Fair.

Is there a new approach your group will take this year while planning some of your events and activities?

When it comes to legislative issues, all of us share a passion The Young Farmers and for having our voice heard, not Ranchers State Committee only at our state capitol but also in Washington, D.C. We would like to see a larger representaStanding – Mason Bolay, tion of Oklahoma young farmers and ranchers across the state, District 6, Secretary; Zac and so the general public will know Amy Harris, At Large; Derek we’re out there and we have something to say. and Mary Crain, District 1;

Marty and Crystal Williams, District 7; Letisha and Josh Miller, District 8; LaSheil and Brian Knowles, District 5.

Sitting – Sheila and Tim Taylor, District 9, Vice Chairmen; Amie and Brent Straub, Chairmen, District 2; Chad Selman, District 3; Ashley Parks,

What’s the status of OFB’s YF&R membership?

We had more than 70 registered delegates at the OFB Annual Convention last year. We’re growing a little every year, but the number of Oklahomans our age that are farming is relatively small compared to our fathers and grandfathers. There’s just not as many of us around, so we’re trying to recruit as many new people as possible.

There are a lot of 18- 35-yearolds who work in agriculture, but they say they’re too busy to join YF&R. How does the committee plan to convince them to make time for YF&R participation?

This isn’t just another program to take up your time or something else on your to-do list. If we want our kids to have an opportunity to farm in the future, we have to stay involved. We have to encourage them and let them know they can have a voice. This is a grassroots organization, so you can go to your county resolutions meeting, propose an idea, start it there and follow it through hopefully to the state level. We’re all busy, but you have to make time for what’s important. When one person stands alone, it’s pretty easy to be ignored, but when you say, “I’m with the YF&R group or I’m a young farmer or rancher and this is what we believe,” you can really drive home your message.

District 4.

District Four

Chairmen – Brent and Amie Straub of Kiowa County chair the 2012 Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.

What are the plans this year for YF&R Conference?

We try to rotate the conference location every year to a different part of the state and change it up. Last year, we went to the southwest part of the state and even people that farm in that area didn’t quite realize the magnitude of the agriculture industry there and how much it affected them. Moving the conference around the state allows us to learn more about agriculture in general and it gives us a broader perspective.

For the new YF&R committee members, what inspired you to serve at this level?

We’ve been to a lot of state conventions and participated in a lot of YF&R events, but we’ve never really known what the state committee was about. We decided if we had the opportunity, we’d like to serve and we’re looking forward to it. This is a chance for us to be that voice for future generations and take responsibility on issues or concerns that arise in farming and ranching.

At the end of the day, why is it so important that young farmers and ranchers stay active in YF&R? This is a great way to network with other people in our field. We all get together and have a good time. For some of us, this is the only time we get off the farm and see other people! We form friendships that last forever and we feel good about contributing to the future of our industry. Looking ahead to 2012, we’re excited to plan out all of our events – it’s going to be a great year.

OFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Program is open to both men and women, ages 18 to 35, who hold a membership in his or her county Farm Bureau. For more information about YF&R, call (405) 523-2406.

Ashley Parks of

Marty and Crystal

Zac and Amy Harris

Walters works for

Williams farm and

raise wheat, cotton,

the Cotton County

ranch near Red

alfalfa and cattle on

Farm Service

Rock. Crystal also

their Hobart-area

Agency and helps

works as a librarian.

farm, while raising

run her family's farm.

District Seven

At Large

their three children.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 17

All Around

Oklahoma

Fall bedlam series campaign awards members and agents

O

klahoma Farm Bureau conducted an auto insurance campaign throughout the months of August, September and October 2011, in an effort to promote and educate the general public about OFB membership. The drive was coordinated in conjunction with the Oklahoma State University/University of Oklahoma bedlam series, and several giveaways were offered to individuals and OFB agents who participated in the campaign.

The top auto-producing agents over the course of the three-month drive received four tickets with hospitality to the bedlam football game in Stillwater, Dec. 3. The agents also earned on-field recognition during the game with OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke and OFB President Mike Spradling. The top auto-

producing agents for the bedlam series campaign were Mark Wolf – August, Scott Abbott – September and Roger Patton – October.

In addition to OFB agent recognition, the general public also had an opportunity to win bedlam prizes. Close to 2,000 radio spots were aired during the campaign, encouraging Oklahomans to visit their local county Farm Bureau office and learn more about OFB auto insurance. Those who inquired were entered into a drawing for one of ten $200 cash prizes, one of five game day ticket packages, and OSU or OU sports memorabilia.

The winners of two bedlam football tickets with a hospitality package were Dina Frazier of Chandler, Dan and Cathy Walker of Dewey, Tom Null of Altus, Orlin Nichols of Beggs and Jay Clapp of Fairfax.

Katy (left) and Kody Leonard of Ottawa County Farm Bureau take a soil sample from their father’s harvested corn field. The DOL’s proposed child labor changes would prohibit the children of farm families, such as the Leonards, from participating in traditional farming activities.

AFBF says farm youth labor rule overreaches DOL authority

I

Oklahoma Farm Bureau and two of its top-producing agents receive recognition during the Bedlam football game Dec. 3, in Stillwater. Back row from left: OFB agent Scott Abbott, District 3 Director Rodd Moesel, District 7 Director Roland Pederson and OFB VP of Public Affairs John Wiscaver. Front row from left: OFB President Mike Spradling, OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke and OFB agent Mark Wolf.

18 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

n early December 2011, the American Farm Bureau Federation filed comments on behalf of more than 70 agricultural organizations in response to a proposal by the U.S. Labor Department that would limit youth employment opportunities on farms and ranches. AFBF also filed separate comments on its own behalf, supplementing its views on the DOL proposal.

The coalition comments focused on what Farm Bureau and other agriculture organizations see as over-reaching regulatory efforts by DOL. Most prominent is the proposal’s potential impact on family farms. The coalition comments urged the department “to maintain the integrity of the family farm exemption approved by Congress.”

“Farmers and ranchers are more interested than anyone else in assuring the safety of farming operations,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “We have no desire at all to have young teenagers working in jobs that are inappropriate or entail too much risk.”

Stallman added that families, family partnerships and family corporations own 98 percent of the approximately 2 million farms

Custer County agents go back to the basics for auto campaign

I

and ranches in the country, and “their right to operate their farms with family members is specifically permitted by Congress. We don’t want to see those rights infringed.”

Farm Bureau also noted that the proposed regulation seems to go well beyond DOL’s authority. The department has the authority to prohibit youth employment in jobs that are “particularly hazardous” but the department’s proposal would prohibit youth from working in any job with “power-driven equipment.” Read literally, the department’s proposal would prohibit a youth under 16 from working in any job that had even simple power tools like a battery-operated screwdriver. The coalition argued that DOL should withdraw the rule and make sure that it is following the intent of Congress in only addressing occupations that are particularly hazardous.

Another concern with the proposal cited by the coalition is a potential prohibition on youth harvesting fruits and vegetables, which would prevent high school and college students from working what are considered traditional summer jobs in rural areas. Such regulation would create an even tighter supply of agriculture labor at a time when it is much needed, the coalition said.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau also encouraged its members to submit comments in opposition to the DOL proposal. The DOL received more than 4,000 comments from concerned farmers and ranchers around the country.

nsurance agents Steve Weichel and Nancy Roper of the Custer County Farm Bureau office were two of the many contributing factors that led to the success of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s fall 2011 auto campaign.

Their back-to-the-basics approach for generating auto policies proved to be an effective method of insurance sales, and as a result, Weichel earned the title of company-wide leader in auto production for November 2011. His auto sales for that specific month totaled $9,484.

Using easy and simple tactics that focused on auto insurance, Weichel, Roper and the other Custer County FB insurance staff members attracted new and current OFB customers. Weichel and Roper used posters in their office that read “Let Farm Bureau Quote Your Autos” and offered a dollar to any individual who walked through the office doors who was not asked about their auto insurance.

OFB Vice President of Agency Marty Fuller said it is Weichel’s strategy to revert back to the basics of insurance sales that is often most effective. By Weichel and Roper simply asking for a potential customer’s business, they were able to execute a straightforward approach.

“From time to time, we’re presented with unique and dynamic ideas intended to increase sales and production in a particular line of our business,” Fuller said. “While it is vital to continue to grow and progress in the conceptual marketing of our products, I also believe that it’s important to remember the tried and true concepts that work as well.”

Fuller said sales results are the final judge of an agent’s productivity, and he encourages the OFB network of agents to remember Custer County FB’s simple approach in 2012.

Top: Signs, buttons and other materials are displayed around the Custer County Farm Bureau office during the fall 2011 auto campaign. Individuals who visited the office were given a dollar if an OFB agent did not ask them about their auto insurance coverage.

Custer County Farm Bureau insurance agents Nancy Roper (second from left) and Steve Weichel took a traditional approach to the fall auto campaign; they simply asked customers about their auto coverage. Also pictured are Custer County secretaries Phyllis Martin (far left) and Carol Underhill (far right).

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 19

GoBob Pipe and Steel is new OFB member service

G

oBob Pipe and Steel is Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s newest partner to offer OFB members a discount on products. The Mounds, Okla.-based company deals in fencing and corral material, hay and feed equipment and other agricultural structures.

The company also operates a shipping yard in Dewey, Okla., and markets additional products such as livestock equipment, hay trailers, flat bed trailers, sheds and pipe sales.

To qualify for GoBob discounts, OFB members must fill out a Cattlemen Scholarship Program Form. As a result, one percent of all

GoBob sales made to OFB members for the year will be returned to Farm Bureau to benefit OFB scholarship funds. Also, OFB will receive an $850 hay feeder to auction or use in a raffle for programs, including OFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers organization. Finally, GoBob will award the most active organization, per capita, in the country with a Cowco 895 Squeeze Chute to be raffled or auctioned for scholarship funds.

For more details about GoBob’s new member service, visit gobobpipe.com or call OFB Vice President of Field Services Thad Doye at (405) 523-2307.

Farm Bureau Women rally in OKC

T

he Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee held their annual winter rally, Dec. 2-3, 2011, in downtown Oklahoma City.

Hosted at Oklahoma City’s historic Skirvin Hotel, the conference featured crafts, informative sessions and a silent auction. Proceeds from the silent auction totaled more than $1,280 and were designated toward the FBW’s Ag in the Classroom video project.

Featured sessions on Friday included information on grieving from Major County Farm Bureau member Nicole Martens, telling your agriculture story from OFB staff member Holly Carroll and new Ag in the Classroom projects from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Dana Bessinger.

Saturdays mini sessions covered the topics of wills and trusts from Duncan attorney Toby Baldwin, wildlife animal control from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Reggie Creekmore and an update on water rights and the statewide water plan from the OFB Legal Foundation Director Marla Peek.

20 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

Carolyn Waltrip (left) and Della Littleton of Custer County Farm Bureau make domino necklaces during a craft session at the OFB Women’s Rally, Dec. 2-3, in Oklahoma City.

Dana Bessinger of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Ag in the Classroom program discusses new projects now available to teach children about agriculture.

Public Policy Division holds campaign school Far left: Cody Lyon of the American Farm Bureau Federation discusses how to choose the right campaign theme during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Campaign School, Nov. 28-29.

Left: Michael Shaw of Shawnee (left) and David Leatherwood of Stilwell talk possible strategies they are considering for their future campaigns.

A

total of 15 possible candidates for public office attended Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Campaign School on Nov. 28-29, 2011, in Oklahoma City. Hosted by OFB’s public policy division, the two-day training focused on preparing individuals to run in an election.

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Director of Grassroots/Political Advocacy, Cody Lyon, conducted the seminar and covered topics such as campaign strategy, identifying voters, working with the media, campaign structure, volunteer recruitment and fundraising.

Campaign school participants also had the opportunity to perform mock media interviews with OFB’s communications division. Their interviews were later critiqued to help the candidates as they consider running for possible races in 2012.

“Probably the best thing about the school, besides meeting other candidates, was the information it provided on developing a strategy,” said participant Michael Shaw of Shawnee. “There’s no handbook on campaign strategy, especially when you’re starting out, and the information on strategy will help me and my campaign a lot.”

OFB’s Campaign School is offered to potential candidates every two years.

OFB sponsors annual “Feeding Oklahoma” campaign

G

ov. Mary Fallin launched her 2nd the food drive’s booth, and that was expected annual “Feeding Oklahoma” food to provide 276 meals to hungry Oklahomans. drive on Nov. 1, 2011, in Oklahoma With Oklahoma ranking as the fifth City. The campaign raised food and hungriest state in the nation, the governor funds during the holiday season to said it is important that organizations such benefit the Regional Food Bank of as OFB promote such a worthy cause.

Oklahoma and the Community Food “No one should have to go hungry during Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. the holiday season,” Fallin said. “I’ve always Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike said that Oklahomans are the most generous Spradling attended the kickoff event in and caring people in the world, and this is support of OFB’s food drive sponsorship. one more opportunity to showcase that All 77 of OFB’s community OFB President Mike Spradling makes a non-perishable county office spirit.” food donation to Gov. Mary Fallin on Nov. 1, to support her fall 2011 food drive. locations served “Feeding as donation sites Oklahoma” con­ for noncluded on Nov. 22, perishable food with a final items, and OFB donation total of members also $233,000 and dropped off items 552,400 pounds of at a booth in food, which OFB’s Annual provided more Meeting Trade than 1,627,000 Show, Nov. 11-12. meals to hungry A total of 360 Oklahomans pounds of food during the 2011 was collected at holiday season.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 21

2011 OFB State Convention

Review

Resolutions pass, Spradling re-elected at 70th Annual OFB Convention

A

resolution calling for a federal farm program that provides a strong safety net for farm income using a combination of crop insurance and a revenue assurance program topped the list of policies passed by voting delegates at the 70th Annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention, Nov. 11-13, 2011, in Oklahoma City.

“We want to protect our producers’ ability to grow food and fiber for this country,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “We believe crop insurance should be a top priority and is a key to Oklahoma agriculture’s success.”

There is concern direct payments may be

eliminated since federal administration is considering reducing the agriculture department’s budget.

The proposed resolution says OFB supports keeping direct and counter-cyclical payments to farmers, but if they are going to be reduced more than 33 percent, the remaining funds should be shifted to a revenue assurance program.

We need to keep a strong, affordable crop insurance program and realize at the same time direct payments provide income stability,” said Scott Neufeld, chairman of OFB’s Farm Bill Committee.

Delegates also passed a resolution opposing the use of conjunctive use management anywhere in Oklahoma.

“We do not want to link ground water and surface water rights together,” Spradling said.

In other delegate action, Spradling was re-elected to serve his third, two-year term as Oklahoma Farm Bureau president.

New district directors elected to serve include Beaver county farmer and rancher Alan Jett to represent District 1 and Cotton County’s Jimmy Wayne Kinder to represent OFB’s District 4. Also, Roland Pederson was re-elected to serve another three-year term for District 7.

OFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee also elected a new chairman.

Delegates selected Brent and Amie Straub of Kiowa County to lead the group in 2012.

Left: Rancher and pecan grower Mike Spradling of Tulsa County Farm Bureau is Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s president. He was re-elected to serve a third, two-year term at the 70th Annual OFB Convention.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s voting delegates selected three district directors at the November annual meeting. From left – Alan Jett of Beaver County FB will represent District 1, Jimmy Wayne Kinder of Cotton County FB was elected for District 4 and Roland Pederson of Alfalfa County FB was re-elected to serve District 7.

22 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

Kelly honored with OFB Distinguished Service Award

Haskell County Farm Bureau’s Ralph Kelly receives the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau award during the OFB 70th Annual Convention, Nov. 12, in Oklahoma City. Also pictured are OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke and OFB President Mike Spradling.

R

alph Kelly of Haskell County was recognized as the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau award winner at the OFB 70th Annual Convention Nov. 12, in Oklahoma City.

The Distinguished Service Award honors OFB members who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and the Farm Bureau organization. Kelly has been an active OFB member for 55 years while growing corn, soybeans, alfalfa hay, vegetables and cattle on his farm near Stigler.

Kelly’s Farm Bureau service includes 12 years as Haskell County’s president, 11 years as vice president and 32 years as county secretary. Other organizational involvement includes the Oklahoma Soybean Association and the Haskell County Soil Conservation Service Committee. He also has been recognized for his service in the U.S. Maritime Services WWII, U.S. Air Force and the Korean War.

Comanche County Farm Bureau receives top county award

O

klahoma Farm Bureau named Comanche County as the John I. Taylor Award winner for 2011. The announcement was made Nov. 12, in Oklahoma City at the OFB 70th Annual Convention.

The John I. Taylor Award is named after OFB’s first president and serves as the organization’s highest county honor. County winners are required to earn the Four-Star Presidential Award and excel in at least six different program areas.

Comanche County is active in all 11 program areas, including membership, program planning, policy development, policy execution, information and public relations, safety, service to members, local affairs, policy education, women’s activities and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program. Comanche County received the most combined total points out of five finalists.

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Comanche County Farm Bureau is the 2011 winner of the John I. Taylor award, Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s highest county honor. Comanche County FB President Don Hankins receives the award from OFB President Mike Spradling at the OFB 70th Annual Meeting, Nov. 12.

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Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 23

Kiowa County couple wins YF&R Achievement Award Kiowa County’s Zac and Amy Harris are the 2011 recipients of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. They received a livestock working chute from WW Livestock Systems. Also pictured from left to right are their children: Rylan, Trale’ and Kenda.

Z

ac and Amy Harris of Kiowa County are the 2011 recipients of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award. They were recognized as

OFB’s top YF&R farming and ranching couple at the organization’s 70th Annual Convention Nov. 12, in Oklahoma City.

As Achievement Award winners, the Harris family received a new WW Livestock Systems squeeze chute and an all-expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Zac and Amy farm 6,000 acres of wheat, corn, soybeans and barley near Hobart and also manage a 300-head cow/calf operation. They are graduates of Oklahoma State University and have three children: Kenda, 7, Rylan, 5 and Trale’, 1.

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The Harris couple has been involved in Farm Bureau since 2008. Zac has served on the Kiowa County Farm Bureau board, and they are both members of the 2012 YF&R State Committee. Both have attended several national FB events such as the National YF&R Conference and OFB’s Congressional Action Tour in Washington, DC. OFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Program is open to both men and women, ages 18 to 35, who hold a membership in his or her county Farm Bureau.

Osage County couple wins Excellence in Agriculture Award

W

ill and Jennifer Cubbage of Osage County were announced the winners of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture Award Nov. 12, at OFB’s 70th Annual Convention in Oklahoma City.

Will and Jennifer Cubbage are the winners of the 2011 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award. The Osage County Farm Bureau members received a Polaris four-wheeler ATV, courtesy of Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma and Chisholm Trail Farm Credit. Also pictured is the Cubbage’s son, William.

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The award recognizes successful young adults ages 35 years or younger who are involved in farming but whose primary occupations are not farming or owning an agricultural business.

Winners are chosen based on their involvement in agriculture and participation in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other community organizations.

The couple received a four-wheeler ATV, courtesy of Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma and Chisholm Trail Farm Credit, and an allexpense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 8-11.

Will and Jennifer have one son and own and operate an Angus purebred operation near Pawhuska. Will works as an Oklahoma State University County Extension Agriculture Educator, and Jennifer is employed as an elementary school librarian in Bartlesville.

The couple served as state YF&R chairmen in 2010 and hosted close to 800 attendees at the 2010 National YF&R Leadership Conference in Tulsa.

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Clifton wins Farm Bureau discussion meet

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helsea Clifton of Kingfisher was named the 2011 Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet winner at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau 70th Annual Meeting Nov. 11, in Oklahoma City.

The 23-year-old Clifton competed against five other participants in three rounds of debatestyle discussion where performance is evaluated on the exchange of ideas and information on pre-determined topics. Participants are judged on their ability to offer constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.

As the state discussion meet winner, Clifton received a new John Deere lawn mower and the opportunity to compete for other prizes in the national discussion meet contest at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual

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She currently works as the director of communications for the Oklahoma Youth Expo.

Chelsea Clifton of Kingfisher is the winner of a John Deere lawn mower after winning the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet at the OFB 70th Annual Convention.

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Payne County honored with top county YF&R award

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klahoma Farm Bureau’s Payne County Young Farmers and Ranchers committee is the 2011 recipient of the Charles L. Roff Award. The award was announced in Oklahoma City at the OFB 70th Annual Convention, Nov. 11.

The Charles L. Roff Award encourages county YF&R groups to improve their local committees and activity participation while strengthening the Farm Bureau organization.

Payne County YF&R’s highlight activities for the year included a junior farm equipment operator’s contest, a bucket calf workshop and show and an ag mechanics contest. The committee also hosted a membership drive in 2011 and conducted a silent auction at the county’s annual meeting.

Payne County YF&R received a traveling plaque in recognition for their outstanding committee involvement.

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26 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

The 2011 winner of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Charles L. Roff award is Payne County YF&R. Pictured with Payne County YF&R representative Amber Grant is 2011 YF&R committee chairman Adam Martens.

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CO34-7.625x9.75-4c.indd 2

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CO-34

Oklahoma Country •12/13/2011 Winter 2012 • 27 PM 2:30:26

Country

Kitchen

Cincinnati Style Chili Serves 8

Ingredients: 3 pounds ground chuck 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons chili powder 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon paprika 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 ½ teaspoons ground allspice ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon ground clove 3 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce 3 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste 3 cups chicken broth package of spaghetti, cooked cheddar cheese, shredded oyster crackers Instructions: In a large heavy-bottom pot, add beef and garlic over medium heat. Cook, breaking up large pieces until no pink remains – approximately 10 minutes. Add chili powder, cocoa, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne and clove.

Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in Worcestershire, vinegar, tomato sauce, tomato paste and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.

Ladle about half the chili into a blender or food processor. Blend for 1 minute, until smooth. Stir back into original pot. Season with salt to taste.

Bring chili back to a simmer; ladle over spaghetti, top with a heap of cheese and serve with oyster crackers.

Nutritional Information: Calories: 392, Fat: 21 g, Saturated Fat: 8 g, Cholesterol: 109 mg Carbohydrate: 14 g, Dietary Fiber: 4 g, Protein: 40 g, Sodium: 1662 mg, Iron: 39% of Daily Value

Painter and Porterfield named OFB Journalists of the Year

B

ryan Painter of The Oklahoman and Barry Porterfield of the Pauls Valley Democrat were recognized as Oklahoma Farm Bureau Journalists of the Year at the OFB 70th Annual Meeting Nov. 11, in Oklahoma City.

The two newspaper journalists were honored for their contributions made reporting accurately and regularly about agricultural issues and their importance to Oklahoma and the nation. Painter received OFB’s State Journalist of the Year Award. He is a general news columnist and weather blogger for Oklahoma City’s Oklahoman and has worked at the paper since 1991.

Porterfield is the recipient of OFB’s Rural Journalist of the Year Award. He covers general news and agricultural stories for the Pauls Valley Democrat in Pauls Valley.

Bottom-of-the-Box Crushed Cracker Pork Serves 4 Ingredients:­

1 pound pork tenderloin 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon steak sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup cheese crackers, finely crushed 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided Instructions: Combine egg, steak sauce and garlic powder in a shallow dish.

Place crushed crackers in another shallow dish.

Cut tenderloin crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Pound or flatten slices with the heal of your hand to 1/4-inch thickness.

Dip each slice first into egg mixture, then cracker crumbs, turning to coat.

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add half of pork slices and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side or until browned. Repeat with remaining oil and pork slices.

Serving suggestion: This is a good finger food to serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or barbecue sauce. It would also make a great snack for those Super Bowl parties!

Nutritional Information: Calories: 328 calories, Protein: 27 grams, Fat: 19 grams, Sodium: 304 milligrams, Cholesterol: 130 milligrams, Saturated Fat: 5 grams, Carbohydrates: 12 grams, Fiber: 1 gram

28 • Oklahoma Country • Winter Fall 2011 2012

News columnist Bryan Painter of The Oklahoman is Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Statewide Journalist of the Year for 2011. He was recognized during the OFB 70th Annual Convention, Nov. 11. Also pictured are OFB Vice President of Corporate Communications Sam Knipp (left) and OFB President Mike Spradling (right).

Christy Smith of Pontotoc County Farm Bureau is the 2011 recipient of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Lifetime Legacy award. She worked as a nurse in World War II before moving to Ada in 1946.

World War II nurse receives YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award

N

inety-seven-year-old Christy Smith of Ada, is the recipient of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s new Young Farmers and Ranchers Lifetime Legacy Award. The announcement was made Nov. 12, at OFB’s 70th Annual Convention in Oklahoma City.

The YF&R Lifetime Legacy Award serves as a living memorial for a member, recognizing their life achievements. It is intended to honor an individual who has spent their life enriching and inspiring rural Oklahomans’ quality of life.

Smith is originally from Ohio and worked as a nanny in the Cincinnati area before studying to become a registered nurse. After completing her training in nursing, she enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and was assigned to a heavy combat area in Europe. Over the course of her career, she helped care for the U.S. Army’s sickest patients, working in environments that ranged from an Army base in California to a makeshift hospital in the Philippine jungle.

Smith moved to Ada in 1946 to take a nursing job. She worked at the Valley View Regional Hospital for 30 years before retiring in 1974.

While working in Ada, she met her late husband, Artie, and the two worked side by side on his father’s farm. The couple became involved in Farm Bureau and Smith served many years as a member of the Pontotoc County FB Women’s Committee.

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Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 29

Country

Classifieds AUTOMOTIVE

1998 Z28 Camaro, auto, silver, T-Top, American racing wheels, Flowmaster exhaust, cold air lid, runs great, sounds great, $4,000, 405-237-0310.

Lincoln Mark V, 1979 model, hard top conv., sunroof, 23,000 miles, white, original tires.

2002 Chevy half-ton LS, 5.3L engine, auto, 2wd, electric windows and locks, clean, one owner, 115,700 miles, 580656-4305.

1981 Olds Regency, 405-224-1222, need body repair & auto work, starts great, had rebuilt motor at one time, $1,000, good tires.

1947 Ford pickup, bed & cab has a few dents, other than that good shape, doesn’t run, 918-640-4904.

1993 Chevy ½ ton, long wide with bedliner, 350-auto, burgundy, 279k, runs good, $1450, after 4 p.m., Ron, 918857-7451.

1947 De Sato, 4 dr, 1950 De Sato, 2 dr, H.T., 1941 Olds, 4 dr, 1963 Ford Crestline, H.T., all have titles, choice $1,000, 1950 Chevy Coupe, 918-533-3871, 918-542-3871.

1956 Ford Vic hard top, not running, complete, $4,500, 1953 Chevy, 2 door, HT, runs, rusty, $3,800, 1966 Dodge Charger, not running, $4,800, 405-672-0048.

1980 Int 2-ton truck with 20’ steel bed, (2) pop-up hay loaders, and 26 ft. gooseneck flatbed trailer, 405-258-6569.

1983 Jeep CJ7 4x4, V8 engine, rhino paint job, fiberglass top, no rust, rebuilt 1 yr ago, everything works, home - 580434-5342, cell - 214-668-1624, $6,500.

Farm Machinery/Equipment 2001 4 horse Exiss event trailer w/custom ranch style living quarters, call JW 580-677-1868, firm $25,000.

2000-7341 Zector tractor, 78 hp, 4X4 cab, air, front end loader with quick change bucket and bale spike, approx 2500 hrs, 405-238-6958.

JD 1690 Air Seeder, 40 ft, $36,000, Manchester, 580541-2326.

Livestock Brangus bulls and fancy replacement heifers, excellent genetics and gentle dispositions, delivery available, Horsehead Ranch, 918-695-2357.

Angus bulls, 8 mo. to service age, Angus business 53 years, same location, 580-456-7241.

Small, baby safe, older gelding, rode by all, done it all, very sound, UTD shots & worming, good home only, 405-4523267, $1,100, Wetumka.

Reg. Polled Hereford herd sire, Remitall online, 122L genetics, 2,300 lbs, hip height (63”), also a few young bulls, 10 mos. Old and a few reg polled Hereford bred cows, 580-332-2468.

Serviceable age Angus and black Maine bulls, 21 ft J.D. Draper Header, kept in barn, 1969 Ford fuel truck, pump and tank, needs brake work, 405-381-4307.

Young black cow & spring calves, no ear, $1,000, 580-5496222, home, 580-678-5759, cell.

Fall-born steer & heifer prospects from our top donors and winning AI genetics such as Heat Wave, Monopoly, Uno Mas, etc, Brower Land & Cattle, Anadarko, 405-831-1632.

Grey stud-9yr, ton to cord bred, pasture broke, bay roan stud-4yr, Hancock bred, pasture broke, 3 Geil pop up bale loader, good condition, $600 each, power river roping chute, $2,000, 580-545-3539.

AQHA weanling filly, cow horse bred, sire Pepper Joe Hancock, $1,000, 580-920-9122.

A+ Stud: Sons of Fire Water Flit, Streakin’ Six, Marthas Six

30 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

Moons, Frenchmans Guy, etc: lots of color, $750 fee with 1st semen shipment FREE, broodmares & foals for sale, paints & QH’s, see all at www.bedonna.com, 580-471-4040.

Mini Jenny donkey, 6 mos., $300, Mini Jack donkey, 6 mos., $200, very gentle, 405-452-3844.

Young cows for sale, 2-5 yrs old calving Feb thru April, mostly black, 405-258-6559.

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

MISCELLANEOUS

ATTN: OFB Travelers callme4europe.info Von Bears Travel Ph. 918-583-4141 or 888-416-4141 Ask for Linda (OFB member) Earn $60,000/yr Part-Time in the livestock or equipment appraisal business. Agricultural background required.

Classroom or home study courses available. 800-4887570. www.amagappraisers.com Used Portable Sawmills! Buy/Sell. Call Sawmill Exchange 800-459-2148, http://www.sawmillexchange.

Will trade already cut & split firewood for hay or $50, Rick, 918-647-3653.

Peanuts for sale, all varieties, peanut brittle, gift baskets, Goober House, Carnegie, OK, 580-654-1175, www. gooberhouse.com.

Yorktown home billiard table, Brunswick Corporation model FB, $1,100, Serial #4913, 405-863-9196.

Castle gunsmithing services, full service gunsmithing, metal finishing, bluing, parkerizing, cerakote, 918-629-1617.

6’ antique clawfoot tub, enamel in good shape, $150, you pick up, 580-318-6040.

Puppet shows, classrooms, large assemblies, daycares, libraries, special events, composting, Indian talking stick story & crafts, www.gsahollis.com, 580-451-0400.

Be able to ride again! Has a bad back stopped you from enjoying going horseback? Try a Peruvian horse, it will change your life, go on a Peruvian, flashy, elegant and instyle, ok to leave message, 405-799-7070.

From Germany, blue milk glass sugar & creamer set, $225, Carlsorensen bronze grape leaf handle bowl, $250, both over hundred yrs old, o.b.o., 580-559-6889.

2300 ft irrigation pipe, dollar ft, 86 Chrysler Lebaron Convertible, $2,000, 4 cyl, 30 acres, house, garage, barn, 106 St. North Tulsa, 3 acres unimproved, 106 St. North, Tulsa, 918-355-6817 or cell, 918-288-6482.

Three stoneware pitchers, one “square” white, one olive green, one navy, $20 ea or all 3 for $50, Stigler, 918-9673737 after 5.

Older heavy duty Craftsman table saw, $100, two new teardrop windows, paid $240, will take $120, antique Jungers cook stove, $200, TX300 treadmill, $100, 918533-2973.

Grasshopper model 361 hi-vac grass catcher, all metal, never used, barn kept, asking $1,750, Welch, 918-261-4240.

Kelly’s Monuments, Henryetta, OK, 918-652-7248, biggest display, best prices, buy direct, check our prices before you buy, Pinkston123@aol.com.

Vintage C.F. Martin ukulele style 2 for sale, $1,200 or best offer, very good condition, 405-830-0359.

Taxidermy, quality taxidermy at reasonable rates, whitetails,

elk, bobcat, ducks, mule deer, European mounts & more, www.JDBtaxidermy.com, 405-417-0584.

Must sell Boss BR-1600 CD digital recording studio, used very little, like new, paid $2,000, sell for $1,000, 580791-0012.

Stanley home products, fuller brush, full house products, personal, degreasers, brooms, mops, brushes, colognes, air fresheners, gifts, combs, germicides, foam cleaners, hair brushes, 580-497-2249.

Dover Market & Café on the historic Chisholm Trail (Hwy 81) in downtown Dover, Okla., open for breakfast and lunch Monday thru Friday, 6-2, Saturdays, 7-2, relaxed country atmosphere, home-style cooking, 405-828-4400.

Used pallet racking uprights, beams & grids, call 918869-8418.

Yorktown Home Billiard Table, excellent condition, $1,100, great Christmas gift, 405-224-1222.

Vernon Cemetery, Coweta, OK, section T, blk 31, lots 5,6,7, $2,500, 918-451-2636.

Hesston National Finals Rodeo Championship belt buckles, full set, 1975-1994, 918-273-0757 or 918-273-8125.

Craftsman 32” Spiker Spreader, purchased in 2007, like new, only used twice, $150.

Ramsey Termite – Pest Control, 405-598-2083 or 405-570-1562.

New Malibu IN-Wheel 17” Hankook Ventus tire, never used, bought as a spare, sold car, $375 firm, 405-620-7536.

Black walnut slabs and fireplace mantel beams, rough unplaned lumber, 405-820-0618.

Health – www.shoporganic4life.com, organic foods and natural products, new items added weekly, 405-735-3323.

4061 ft, 2 7/8” pipe, $1.35/ft, 422 3/4” sucker rods, $8 each, 405-627-3920.

Chrome H/A rack, $50, 60” IN-BED tool box, $60, LWB plastic bed liner, $50, P. martin bird house, $25, swim pool solar cover reel, $50, drop fertilizer spreader, $25, Gravely sulkie, $25, 405-348-4469 hm, 405-317-8175 cell, Edmond, OK. Business opportunity in woodworking and marketing, we provide materials, housing & maintenance salary, split sales income, inquiries 918-569-4803.

9-hole golf course on 81+ acres, $195,000, equip available, 918-463-5333 or 645-2770.

Sliding compound mitre saw, 10”, Chicago, $75, 405-756-4584.

Fence charger repair, all makes, we also have a few rebuilt units for sale, Pioneer Electronics, south of Enid, 580-6030063 or 580-758-9471.

21’ Coleman pop-up, king bed, LCD TV, shower, furnace, a/c, $3495, 405-550-0387, Tuttle.

Avon & SMC gifts, gift baskets, cosmetics & jewelry, 3 ways to order, call 405-427-7454, email alvanettedawson@ yahoo.com or mail PO Box 300168, Midwest City, OK, 73110, Attn GGTA Gifts.

Camp Coast to Coast Camp Vacation, membership at Pelican Landing Resort on Grand Lake, 80% off to FB members, $270, David, 918-937-3204.

Mobile Homes, RVs 1961 Airstream trailer, 26 ft, air, heat, stove, icebox, shower, bathtub, toilet, full bed, good inside and out, good tires, Spiro, $9,495, 918-962-2064.

For sale, 22 ft camper trailer bumper pull, 1906 mod, 580677-1873.

16’ X 80’ Laredo mobile home under pinning, 2 porches, 2007 model, only lived in one year, 580-868-2256.

2005 Fleetwood, 14X60 mobile home, 3 bedrooms, fully furnished, like new, used on weekends only, Stigler area, asking $15,900, 405-834-2433.

Pets Friendly handfed baby parrots for sale, quakers, cockatoos, greys, eclectus, taking deposits for early spring hatchings, 918-453-0107.

Flight conditioned Bob White quail, leave message @ 405527-0730.

Call me if you need a cat, barn cat or pet, already spayed and neutered, must have safe environment for shelter, call 405-379-6468.

English bulldog puppies, AKC registered, call Nancy, 918273-1027, too cute, $1300, champion bloodlines.

Real Estate 170 acres for sale, section 14, T6N, R22W, Greer County, OK, approx 300 acres will be available later, portion abuts hwy 34-approx 10 miles N. Mangum, OK, broker owned.

580-355-1882, 580-355-1533, 580-512-3901.

Beautiful 70 acres, home and barn with 1200 sq. ft. apartment, located east of Lake Texoma, joins 5,000 acres on US Corps Land, near Durant, OK, 580-513-5407.

Land available for cell tower sites in Stephens County, have commercial land for lease along hwy 81 & Plato Rd in Duncan, OK, lot for lease or sale 5th Street & Walnut in Duncan. 580-255-5335, leave message.

House for sale or rent, 900 East Gilmore, Allen, Oklahoma, approved for Chickasaw or Section 8, 405-414-5679.

For sale by owner, 2 houses on 10.9 acres w/ 2 ponds & a creek, fenced for horses or cattle, in Warner, 918-6227229, houses need work.

70 acres, 4 br, 2 ½ bath, 2000 sq ft barn with 1200 sq ft apartment, fenced, cross fenced, 3 ponds, joins 5000 Ac US Corps Land, 580-513-5407.

10 acres, 2A, plantation pines, 3 bd, 2 ba, brick home, tastefully remodeled, custom 8’x8’x7’ s. cellar, many deer, turkey and a bear! Only 5 minutes to Antlers, OK yet private, beautiful, 580-298-1106.

Land available for cell towers or wind energy in Kay County, 918-261-5655.

10 acres on Hazel Dell Rd north of Shawnee mall, fenced with pond, 660’x660’, $50,000, 405-990-2661.

40 acres + 2553’, 3 br, 2 bath home, horse barn, fenced, well & septic, $335,000, Vost Rd near Glencoe, 702487-6812.

Commercial acre by Chandler Wal-Mart on 66, 2 br houses,

owner will carry mtg, buyer pays all closing costs, $87,500$5,000 down, Cochran, 405-240-6021, 405-258-2371, leave message.

Brick house, 10 acres, 2 br, 1 ½ ba, 2 buildings, approx 40x80, 30x40, on black top road, 3 miles from Stilwell, OK, reduced, $119,000, 918-696-4233.

For rent, mobile home, 3 br, 2 ba on 2 ½ a, total electric, quiet country area, $600 month, Cashion school, call 405433-2024 for more info.

195 acres, pond & fenced, Alva, Okla, also have some mineral rights for sale in Woods County, also looking for a cheap gas golf cart, under $700, 580-254-2669, 580-334-5972.

Tahlequah, for sale, 1-owner, older home, 3br, 1b, double lot, close to post office, schools, lakes, hospitals & NSU, chain link fence, storage bldg, cellar, good neighborhood, $89,000.

Horse ranch for sale, $247,700, custom home, horse barn, large shop, pipe/cable fence, MLS#251859, CB/Heart of Oklahoma, Schelly, 405-740-3642.

Ranch for sale, 281 beautiful acres in Adair County, lots of wildlife an spectacular views, $350,000, call 918-207-2901 or email oklabasswife@gmail.com.

For sale: S. Okla. pet resort, beautiful, profitable, 52 room kennel serves s. Okla. & n. Tex., 12% growth every year, groomer & trainer with 3-2-2, 44.0, Victorian home, 580812-1875.

WANTED WANTED OLDER VEHICLES, CARS, PICKUPS, VANS, WAGONS, 1900s THRU 1960s, GAS PUMPS, TAGS. 580658-3739.

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

Wanted: Old American Indian items, such as baskets, pottery, beadwork, jewelry, rugs, photos, etc., call 405-4543420.

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

Want to buy Oklahoma license plates, 1909-1959, license plates for cars, motorcycles, trucks, sample tags, any license plate, call Jim, 580-554-2129.

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

Wanted: Cattle ranch for lease with purchase option to start working Christian guest ranch, ph. 918-244-5175.

Attention to all Farm Bureau members with expiring membership: In order to retain your benefits without interruption, please contact your county Farm Bureau office today to verify the status of your membership.

Visit okfarmbureau.org and click the “membership” tab to learn about OFB’s member benefits.

If your OFB dues have been paid, please disregard this reminder.

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 March 12, 2012.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 31

NEWS FROM OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ROBERT M. KERR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CENTER

John’s Farm … healthy soil, healthy food and healthy people

J

ohn’s Farm represents four generations of farming history by taking pride in organic farming techniques.

Located in Fairview, Okla., owners John and Kris Gosney are both descendants of Oklahoma farming pioneers and maintain family Oklahoma Centennial Farms.

“Rewarding family relationships and successful family business are the passions that motivate each of us to work diligently to ensure the grain raised and the cattle grown exemplify the purest nature has to offer,” Kris Gosney said.

“Each member of our family contributes to the farm in a unique manner from tillage to sales.”

The goal of John’s Farm is to develop healthy soil and grow healthy plants and animals so consumers can have healthy choices.

“Farming techniques and animal raising practices are measured by crop and livestock environmentally friendly practices and procedures, sustainable systems, and organic standards,” John Gosney said. “We believe that this is the way God intended us to farm.”

Using organic methods since 1996, John’s Farm is certified organic by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.

In February 2003, it became the first farm and ranch in Oklahoma to receive certification through this organic certification program.

The company produces Cattle Tracks Beef, Fairview’s Best Organic Whole Wheat Flour, Fairview’s Best Organic Wheat Berries, Gloss Mountain Beef Jerky, and Behind the Barn chili mixes and all-purpose spices.

The Gosneys are first to admit that running a family business is rewarding, but also challenging in the same respect. That is why they sought assistance from Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center.

Both John and Kris attended FAPC’s Basic Training for food entrepreneurs in February 2000, and the FAPC has worked closely with the Gosneys since that time.

In early 2005, they contacted FAPC for assistance in marketing and developing packaged organic whole-wheat flour and other organic whole wheat.

“To cover the expenses associated with marketing and development of value-added 32 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012

products, they applied for and were awarded a Farm Diversification Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and branded their product as ‘GO OrganicTM,’” said Chuck Willoughby, FAPC business and marketing relations manager. “The FAPC assisted with the writing of this Farm Diversification Grant.”

The FAPC also helped them understand and develop their pricing system, evaluated the quality of their wheat, provided nutrition facts and performed a review of their label to

Top: The Gosney’s whole-wheat flour is sold in a flour sack modeled after original packaging produced at the Fairview Milling Company in the 1900s. The Fairview couple re-branded their flour as “Fairview’s Best” in 2009.

John (left) and Kris Gosney own and operate a certified organic farm in Fairview. As fourth-generation farmers, the Gosneys are proud to base their business on organic farming techniques.

evaluate FDA compliance.

In late 2009, the Gosneys sought to re-brand their whole-wheat flour as “Fairview’s Best.” In order to market the flour in a printed flour sack modeled after an original sack sold in the 1900s

by Fairview Milling Company, they received another Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Farm Diversification Grant in February 2010.

Since receiving this grant, the FAPC has provided nutrition facts, graphic design consultation, FDA compliance label review and sensory analysis assistance.

Recently, John’s Farm received a United States Department of Agriculture Value-Added Producers Grant for the marketing of valueadded organic beef, and the FAPC will provide in-kind support to assist with product development, marketing promotion and other technical assistance needs.

“Our work with John’s Farm is a good example of how FAPC brings together the expertise of various team members to take an entrepreneurial client, and in this case an agricultural producer, from an idea to a successful value-added enterprise,” Willoughby said.

In addition to all the grants received, the Gosneys were selected the 2010 Fairview Business of the Year, John Gosney was featured for his grass-pastured, organic operation in the September 2011 Stockman Grassfarmer, and John’s Farm was awarded the Environmental Stewardship Award for the 2011 Henry Bellmon Sustainability Awards.

“It’s relatively simple to come up with a product idea; it’s a difficult task evolving an idea into a saleable product, which includes meeting standards and regulations for food safety, labeling and marketing,” Kris Gosney said.

“Finding the FAPC opened up a world of experience, expertise and knowledge. We are blessed to have the opportunity to have been able to share our adventure with the FAPC.” Because of the Gosney’s experience, many agricultural producers turn to the Gosneys for value-added product recommendations.

“Other producers ask me for advice in ag-related product ideas,” John Gosney said. “My answer is simple – contact the FAPC.”

Feeding and clothing the world ...

one farmer at a time.

Larry Crews found a way to smile through 2011. In the face of a devastating drought, he remained optimistic about the future of his family farm in Oklahoma’s panhandle. With generations of agriculture in his blood, Larry knows that while conditions are tough today, there’s always hope for tomorrow. Oklahoma Farm Bureau has served agriculture and rural Oklahoma for the past 60 years. And we’ll be here to support farmers and ranchers even when the going gets tough.

® Oklahoma

Farm Bureau

®

2501 N Stiles • Oklahoma City, OK 73105 • www.okfarmbureau.org Oklahoma Country • Winter 2012 • 33

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