April 20, 2012

PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU

®

April 20, 2012

OFB Commodity Tour, southern OK

LEFT – OFB members learn about the latest technology in electronic identification systems for cattle while touring Noble Foundation cattle handling facilities near Ardmore, April 10. See more at okfarmbureau.org.

RIGHT – More than 70 OFB members tour the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Pauls Valley, during the annual Commodity Tour, April 9-10. Other tour stops included the Producers Co-op Oil Mill in Oklahoma City.

Givens inducted into Ag Hall of Fame Past Oklahoma Farm Bureau director and president Jack Givens received the Governor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Agriculture and was inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame, April 5. During a special presentation at the state capitol, Gov. Mary Fallin honored the Mangum farmer and rancher for his years of service to agriculture.

Givens is a cattle rancher who also raises wheat and irrigated cotton in Greer County.

Over the years, the southwest Oklahoma farmer built up his operation and served in leadership roles for many commodity and agricultural organizations. He was elected president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau in 1997, serving one three-year term. Other organizational involvement includes director of the Cotton Incorporated Board and the National Cotton Council and a member of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents.

Givens said he’s grateful for the opportunity to serve Oklahoma agriculture and is humbled by the governor’s honor.

“I started young and I’ve been Jack Givens is honored by Gov. Mary fortunate healthwise and otherFallin and State Secretary of Agriculture Jim wise,” he said. “I always worked Reese (left), April 5. but I enjoyed it.”

In This Issue • OFB Commodity Tour • OFB District 5 Director • Agriculture Hall of Fame • Farm City Festival • Legislative Update • OFB Harvest Watch

Crawley is new district 5 director Pittsburg County rancher Gary Crawley has been selected to serve on the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors representing District 5.

Crawley replaces Larry Boggs, Wilburton, who recently resigned to run for the state senate.

Crawley operates a commercial cow/calf herd with stocker cattle in partnership with his son, Gary Gene, near Savanna.

He has been actively involved in Farm Bureau for many years, serving the last 15 years on the Pittsburg County Farm Bureau board of directors. Crawley follows in the footsteps of his father, Junior, who served 35 years on the same Pittsburg County board.

“Farm Bureau is a good organization that is focused on improving the quality of life in rural Oklahoma,” Crawley said.

The Savanna rancher recently retired from a long and distinguished career with the USDA Farm Service Agency, working primarily in the farm commodity and loan program areas.

Crawley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Wilma, have two children and two grandchildren.

Crawley will be officially introduced to the state OFB staff at the next board meeting in late May.

Member Benefits

• General Motors – Offers members a $500 manufacturer’s discount on Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. Visit fbverify.com for more details.

LEFT – Rep. Phil Richardson does lunch with OFB; hundreds of state legislators, staffers and other state capitol employees attended Farm City Festival, April 3, in the capitol’s first floor rotunda.

Farm City Festival

• Choice Hotels International – Offers members up to 30% off their next stay at thousands of locations. Call 800-4CHOICE and use the special rate ID #00209760.

OFB highlights a few benefits in each issue of Perspective as a reminder of the savings available to OFB members.

Find a complete list of savings online at okfarmbureau.org.

OFB Calendar OFB Secretaries Conference April 23-24, 2012 • OKC Contact: Thad Doye, (405) 523-2307

RIGHT – Rep. Randy McDaniel enjoys filling his lunch plate with food prepared by members of the OFB state and county women’s committees.

The women host Farm City Festival every year to promote awareness of agriculture and where food comes from.

State FFA Convention April 30 - May 2, 2012 • OKC Contact: Holly Carroll, (405) 205-0069

LEFT – Rep. Steve Kouplen (far right) talks with members during a Rogers Co. legislative visit at the capitol, April 3.

Pictured from left Dennis Fry, Alvin Froese and E.J. Snider.

YF&R Golf Classic May 4, 2012 • Stillwater Contact: Holly Carroll, (405) 205-0069

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Online Monitor the latest Farm Bureau and agricultural news and information online at okfarmbureau.org.

Currently online: • YF&R State Conference – The Oklahoma Farm Bureau YF&R recently hosted its annual state leadership conference in Broken Bow. For photos, see the News section of our website and select “galleries.”

• Spring Activities – Check the News section of our site for reviews of Ag Day at the Capitol, the OFB Commodity Tour and YF&R Speech Contest. Also click on the “galleries” section for photos from the events.

www.okfarmbureau.org

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Corn farmers planting historic crop The latest USDA crop report issued March 30, indicates U.S. farmers are preparing to plant 95.9 million acres of corn, one of the largest crops in history, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“The prospective planting number of 95.9 million acres for corn really blew prereport expectations out of the roof,” said AFBF economist John Anderson.

In contrast to the unexpected high corn numbers, Anderson said the soybean planting estimate was far lower than expected, at 73.9 million acres. However, corn predictions are still positive.

“If these early planting projections are realized, it would translate into the largest feedgrain supply we have had in the last six or seven years,” Anderson said. “That should mean lower feed prices for livestock producers. And it would take some of the pressure off the ethanol sector.”

LEFT – Rep. Dale DeWitt (middle) speaks during the Grant, Kay and Alfalfa Co. Farm Bureau legislative dinner, April 5, in Cherokee. Other feature speakers included Oklahoma Agriculture Liaison Garrett King of Cong.

Frank Lucas’ office (left) and Sen. Patrick Anderson (right).

RIGHT – Rep. Jerry McPeak gives a public policy update to Muskogee County Farm Bureau members during a legislative breakfast, April 13, in Muskogee.

Local members attended to learn the status of key FB legislation. *Public Meeting Notice* The first draft of the Oklahoma Lesser Prairie Chicken Conservation Action Plan is now available for public review. The draft plan is posted on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website (www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlifemgmt/lepc/action_plan.htm). Public meetings to present this initial draft plan and to hear public comments will be held: April 25, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Beaver Co. Fairgrounds Pavilion Building Douglas Avenue Beaver, OK April 26, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

City of Woodward Pioneer Room 1219 8th Street Woodward, OK Written public comments should be sent by May 4, to janc@gci.net or 114 S. Franklin St., Ste. 203, Juneau, AK 99801.

Reaping the Rewards of Energy Efficiency: Money-Saving Measures for the Livestock Sector WEBINAR May 1, 2012 • 12:00-1:30 p.m. ET, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT Go to http://www.soundpatheview.com Participant code: 2028628589

ABOVE – Rep. Chuck Hoskin answers questions about bills in the state House and Senate during a Craig/Ottawa County Farm Bureau legislative dinner, April 13, in Vinita.

Key legislation advances in legislature

By Chris Kidd, OFB Director of State and National Affairs As the legislature strives to meet its deadline for the FARM BUREAU third and Legislative Update final reading of bills in their opposite chambers, Oklahoma Farm Bureau has many key pieces of legislation progressing through the bill making process.

SB 1192, authored by Sen. Mike Schulz and Rep. Fred Jordan, passed the House with a vote of 90-0. SB 1192 clarifies the original intent of the Airspace Severance Restriction Act by making it clear that the landowner who has entered into a wind or solar energy agreement may also enter into leases or easements for oil and gas, agriculture and hunting purposes, and electric transmission lines.

HB 2573, authored by Rep. Pat Ownbey and Sen. Frank Simpson, increases the fines for poaching. HB 2573 passed the senate 38-0.

SB 1716 increases the penalty for maliciously and knowingly cutting or damaging a fence. This bill is authored by Sen. John Sparks and Rep. Don Armes. SB 1716 has passed out of committee and is awaiting a floor hearing in the Senate.

The Oklahoma Constitution provides for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of household goods and livestock employed in the support of a family. Currently, only livestock owned in the rancher’s individual name or as a sole proprietor is considered “in support of the family” and is exempt from ad valorem taxation. Livestock owned by a family partnership or limited liability company is not considered “in support of the family” and is therefore subject to ad valorem taxation. HB 3110, authored by Rep. Earl Sears and Sen. Eddie Fields, clarifies that “in support of the family” includes livestock owned through a limited liability company, a family partnership or a corporation.

HB 3110 has passed out of the Senate Finance Committee and is awaiting a floor hearing.

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Published by Oklahoma Farm Bureau Postmaster: address corrections to: Published bySend Oklahoma Farm Bureau

Perspective, P.O. B. 53332, OKC, OK 73152-3332 Postmaster: Send address corrections to: Perspective, P.O. B. 53332, OKC, OK 73152-3332

STAFF DIRECTORY STAFF DIRECTORY Gail Banzet, 523-2346

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

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 131 Okla. City, OK.

Perspective/Online News Editor Traci Morgan, 523-2346 Monica Wilke, 523-2303 Perspective/Online News Editor Executive Director Sam Sam Knipp, Knipp, 523-2347 523-2347 Vice Vice President President of of Communications/PR Communications/PR Kinsey Money, 523-2539 Director of Public Policy Tyler Norvell, 523-2402

Marla Peek, 523-2437 Vice President of Public Policy Director of Regulatory Affairs MarlaKidd, Peek,523-2539 523-2437 Chris Director of of State Regulatory Affairs Affairs Director and National

TEACHER OF THE YEAR – Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Chairman Kitty Beavers (left) honors 2012 Ag in the Classroom “Teacher of the Year” Shirley Lettkeman during an Ag Day at the Capitol presentation on April 5. In celebration of the award, the OFB Women’s Committee will help sponsor Lettkeman’s trip to the National AITC Conference in June.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Nurse’s Scholarship Deadline is June 1 For more information, contact Marcia Irvin at (405) 523-2405.

Farm Bill Advocates – The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Bill Committee recently met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack while in Washington, D.C., for OFB’s Congressional Action Tour, March 25-29. The committee had an opportunity to voice their ideas on what should be priority in the farm bill. From left: Matt Muller, Jimmy Wayne Kinder, Keith Kisling, Scott Neufeld, Mike Spradling, Tom Vilsack, Tom Buchanan, Rodd Moesel, Tyler Norvell and Kinsey Money.

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OFB farmers blog about growing season

Oklahoma Farm Oklahoma Farm Bureau Bureau recently launched the OFB Harvest Watch blog website to give the public a more personal look into Oklahoma farming life.

Four families from across the state blog weekly about the events and activities of life on the farm. The news media, school groups and others are encouraged to visit the website often to see pictures and read the latest blog posts.

The four OFB Harvest Watch farm families are Kenny and Debby Fisher of Bristow, Zac and Amy Harris of Hobart, Greg and Mary Leonard of Afton and Brandon and Carri Webb of Canton.

Blog updates will continue through the growing season and conclude at harvest.

To see the latest pictures and posts, visit okfarmbureau.org and click on the “Oklahoma Farm Bureau Harvest Watch” link.

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This is a special insert for young agricultural producers and professionals, ages 18 to 35, who have a who have a passion for agriculture and a desire to network, learn and grow in the ag industry. For more information, call YF&R Coordinator Holly Carroll at (405) 205-0069.

YF&R state conference explores southeast Oklahoma More than 40 members of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers organization attended the annual YF&R State Leadership Conference in Broken Bow, April 12-14.

Over the course of the three-day event, YF&R members interacted with their peers from across the state and learned about the leading agricultural commodities of southeast Oklahoma. After registration and dinner in Broken Bow on Thursday night, members spent the first full day of the conference touring both the local Tyson chicken processing plant and hatchery. Conference participants learned how chicken farms contribute to the area’s economy while taking an inside look at how chickens are hatched, grown and harvested for Tyson.

Larry Brinkley of Brinkley Auctions gives YF&R members a tour of his Idabel business, April 13.

Robert Heinemann (far left) of the OSU Forest Resources Center discusses the logging industry of southeast Oklahoma on April 14.

YF&R planning youth leadership conference YF&R is planning to host a new youth leadership conference July 23-26, in Stillwater.

The new four-day, three-night youth conference is geared toward improving the leadership skills of the top youth in the state. Oklahoma high school seniors will have the opportunity to learn about new leadership techniques, teamwork skills, Oklahoma agriculture and industry demands, and college opportunities.

For more details and to apply, visit the YF&R page of OFB’s website. The application deadline is MAY 15. special young farmers & ranchers insert

Friday afternoon’s agenda included lunch and a tour of Brinkley’s Auctions in Idabel along with a farm visit to producer Brent Bolen’s chicken operation. YF&R members finished out the evening with dinner at Kiamichi Technology Center.

On Saturday, April 14, members visited the Oklahoma State University Forest Resources Center near Idabel where forestry officials discussed southeast Oklahoma’s logging industry. YF&R members toured the forestry center’s facilities and had lunch before returning to the Beaver’s Bend Lakeview Lodge for a policy update. OFB Director of Public Policy Kinsey Money explained the status of priority legislation at (Continued on back page)

10th Annual YF&R Golf Classic May 4 Lakeside Golf Course, Stillwater To register or for more details, please call Holly Carroll at (405) 205-0069.

Registration deadline is April 25.

All proceeds benefit the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation

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2012 YF&R conference review

(Continued from front page) the state capitol and fielded questions on other pending bills.

Later that evening, OFB President Mike Spradling and OFB Executive Director Monica Wilke spoke to the YF&R conference attendants about the benefits of Farm Bureau recruitment and membership. The evening’s entertainment included dinner and a tour and wine tasting at Girls Gone Wine in Broken Bow. YF&R members consider the annual leadership conference a fun opportunity to not only learn more about agriculture but also strengthen friendships. For newer members of the group, such as Noble county couple Justin and Jessica Dvorak, they said they enjoyed the fellowship and educational tours.

“The area is certainly very different from where I come from in Noble County,” Justin said. “I thought the forestry center was really interesting because I learned there might possibly be some marketing opportunities for the trees we have on our farm.”

OFB’s Kinsey Money gives a public policy update to YF&R members.

OFB young farmers and ranchers enjoy a tour and wine tasting at Girls Gone Wine in Broken Bow, April 14. (Right) – Brian Knowles takes part in the wine making process by applying a cork to a bottle.

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Oklahoma Farm Bureau is ready to welcome the next generation of agricultural leaders.

To join your county Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, fill out this application and mail to: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Attn: YF&R Coordinator 2501 North Stiles Oklahoma City, OK 73105 NAME(S)

YF&R Calendar May • State FFA Convention, OKC – April 30-May 2 • YF&R Golf Classic, Stillwater – 4 July • OSU Big Three Field Days, Stillwater – 17-19 • Youth Leadership Conference, Stillwater – 23-26 August • Contest Deadline, Excellence in Ag & Achievement – 15 November • OFB Annual Meeting, OKC – 9-11

ADDRESS See more pictures from the 2012 YF&R State Leadership Conference by visiting www.okfarmbureau.org and selecting the “galleries” tab under the News button.

CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE COUNTY Farm Bureau Member? Yes

special young farmers & ranchers insert

No

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