PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
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November 1, 2013
OKFB leaders continue grassroots policy development process during annual resolutions meeting
OKFB members consider more than 400 policies during the resolutions committee meeting, Oct. 22-23.
A measure supporting more research on effectively using the state’s water supply was among more than 50 policy proposals passed by the Oklahoma Farm Bureau state resolutions committee, Oct. 22-23, in Norman. The resolutions meeting is an integral part of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development process, where members from each county help determine priority issues for upcoming legislative sessions. “As primary water consumers, Oklahoma farmers and ranchers are eager to find practical ways to transfer surface water from excess supply areas to water deficient areas of the state,” said Jimmy Wayne Kinder, Oklahoma Farm Bureau resolutions committee chairman. “We’re proposing more studies be done to identify the economic and physical feasibility of moving surface water around the state.” The committee also passed a resolution supporting a strong crop insurance program in the next farm bill. “As legislators move forward with a new farm bill, it is crucial to include a crop insurance program that offers producers a safety net and allows them to adequately plan for each planting season,” Kinder said. The group also voted to support a “Right to Farm and Ranch” act in the state of Oklahoma. Other proposed resolutions include supporting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for production agriculture and research, requiring oil and gas companies to give timely notification before beginning to drill and supporting the Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s efforts to make Eastern Red Cedar eradication a priority. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau membership will meet during the 72nd OKFB Annual Meeting, Nov. 15-17, in Norman to vote on the resolutions committee’s proposals.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau hosts sweet potato pick to benefit hungry Oklahomans In an effort to fight hunger in the state, more than 150 volunteers picked nearly 30,000 pounds of sweet potatoes to donate to Gov. Mary Fallin’s fourth annual Feeding Oklahoma Food Drive. Oklahoma Farm Bureau teamed up with the Hydro Sweet Potato Company and Caddo County 4-H and FFA to harvest the sweet potatoes near Albert, Okla., Oct. 25. “The sweet potato pick was a great opportunity for our members to work side-by-side with youth as we help feed those who are less fortunate,” OKFB President Roland Pederson said. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau is proud of our state’s farming and ranching families who work each day to produce a safe and affordable food supply, and we are honored to be able to contribute to the governor’s food drive.” In addition to the sweet potato donation, county Farm Bureau offices across Oklahoma are once again serving as food donation drop off locations for the food drive, which runs until Oct. 31 and benefits the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma and their partner agencies across the state. (See Sweet Potatoes, page 3)
More than 150 volunteers from Caddo County 4-H and FFA, Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Hydro Sweet Potato Company work together to pick approximately 30,000 pounds of sweet potatoes near Albert, Okla., Oct. 25. The sweet potatoes will benefit Gov. Fallin’s Feeding Oklahoma Food Drive.