PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
®
December 28, 2012
OFB announces new vice president of organization and membership Oklahoma Farm Bureau announced Chris protecting Oklahoma agriculture.” Kidd has been named vice president of organiKidd joined Farm Bureau in 2009 as a field zation and membership. representative in south In his new role, Kidd central Oklahoma. He will oversee memberbegan serving as YF&R ship, member benefits, coordinator in Decemcommodities and the ber 2010 until becomYF&R and Farm Bureau ing the director of state Women’s Committees. and national affairs in “Knowing Chris’s December 2011. diverse professional ex“I have been blessed perience, I am confident to have a career with in his ability to lead our Oklahoma Farm Bumembership programs reau representing the and develop key leaders issues, values and beliefs within Farm Bureau,” of Oklahoma’s sturdy, said OFB Executive salt-of-the-earth peoDirector Monica Wilke. ple,” Kidd said. “I’m “Chris embodies who eager to utilize my new we are as an organizaposition to ensure our tion, and I am excited to rural way of life is honhave him playing a key ored and preserved.” role as we continue our Kidd grew up on Chris Kidd efforts in promoting and his family’s ranch in
In This Issue • Vice President of Organization and Membership • Clean Water Program • AFBF Annual Meeting • Tulsa Farm Show • Oklahoma Forestry Services Jefferson County and earned a degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University. He developed experience in education, banking and tribal affairs before joining Oklahoma Farm Bureau. OFB is the leading agricultural organization in the state of Oklahoma. Its membership is composed of farming and ranching families from across the state. “As the demand for agricultural products increases and the general public becomes further removed from the farm, it is crucial for our members to stay connected and to participate in the grassroots effort,” said OFB President Mike Spradling. “We are thankful to have someone with Chris’ dedication to agriculture leading our members and encouraging new growth in the organization.”
EPA approves Clean Water Program discharge permits to ODAFF The Environmental Protection Agency announced Dec. 20 that it is approving Oklahoma’s request for issuing agriculturebased Clean Water Act discharge permits to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Oklahoma will take over responsibility to implement the Agriculture Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program covering discharges associated with concentrated animal feeding operations, the application of biological or chemical pesticides, discharges from forestry activities, and discharges of storm water from agricultural activities. “Oklahoma has shown it’s prepared to take on this important Clean Water Act program,” said Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “We look forward to working with our co-regulators in Oklahoma as we
ensure a smooth transition for the benefit of the both the business community and the people of Oklahoma.” The EPA and ODAFF both agree that states are best equipped to administer the environmental programs. The Oklahoma legislature first proposed the delegation of authority from EPA to ODAFF in 1994, and the state is pleased that it has finally come to fruition. Oklahoma has a proven track record of meeting and exceeding standards that ensure agricultural operations are adhering to guidelines that protect natural resources. Oklahoma removed more streams from the EPA impaired stream list than any other state in 2011 and has removed a total of 19 streams from the list in the last two years. (See EPA, page 2)
AFBF RESOLUTIONS MEETING – OFB President Mike Spradling (center) listens to other Farm Bureau leaders discuss policies concerning marketing, bargaining and government regulatory functions during an AFBF resolutions subcommittee meeting, Dec. 12, in Washington, D.C. The committee’s recommendations will be voted on during the AFBF Annual Meeting, Jan. 13-16, in Nashville, Tenn.