Association rangers,” said Coy. “These guys are the ones that really got all this stuff working.” The Texas saddle thieves arrested and convicted for the Morgan thefts had a rather large theft ring in Oklahoma and Texas. They typically sold stolen Oklahoma saddles to Texans, and saddles stolen in Texas to Oklahomans. Coy returned from Texas with most of the Morgan’s saddles. Two had to be retrieved from a Florida law enforcement officer who purchased them from the thieves on the side of the highway. “He brought them back here in about 10 days,” said Tom. “Everything just hit right. It felt good to get them back. I really wanted my old saddle back. It was just unreal that we got ’em back.” “We wanted our saddles back,” reiterated Nellie, who is vice president of the Washington County Farm Bureau board of directors. The Morgans have been fortunate. They have been on their cattle ranch since 1970, and the theft of the saddles was the first major crime they’ve had to deal with in almost 40 years. “We lock up now and we put in a security system,” said Nellie. “It’s a hassle.”
Left: Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s reward program is one of the organization’s oldest member services. The old sign posted here, which still hangs today, along with the warning of a bad dog dates back at least 25 years ago when the program offered a $500 reward. Below: New Reward Sign
14 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009
hile the Morgans have changed a few things since the burglary, one thing hasn’t changed – posting of the $5,000 Oklahoma Farm Bureau reward signs on their property. The reward program is one of OFB’s oldest member services. It was set up to discourage theft, vandalism and arson on the farms, residences and other property of OFB members. The reward was increased from $1,000 to $5,000 in late 2006, and Jenkins is the first person to claim the payment. “This is the first reward payment Farm Bureau has made since the monetary award was increased to $5,000,” said Richard Newberry, Farm Bureau Insurance Claims vice president. “We are happy to recognize the efforts of Coy Jenkins in both recovering the Morgan’s stolen saddles and securing a conviction of the thieves. “Today it is rare for an individual to shoulder the task of recovering someone else’s stolen property. Coy not only shouldered that responsibility, but was instrumental in securing the evidence necessary for authorities to obtain felony convictions for the theft of the saddles.” He said the $5,000 reward was a small price for Farm Bureau to pay in this theft case. If the saddles had not been recovered and returned to the Morgans, it would have cost the company around $20,000 to settle the claim. “The reward program,” said the Claims vice president, “actually saved the company the cost of a rather large claim, and we hope that as news of it spreads criminals will think twice when they see an Oklahoma Farm Bureau reward sign posted.” Richard said it is sad that it has taken almost three years for the company to have the opportunity to present the first $5,000 reward. “However, we recognize that our court system is crowded and sometimes it takes longer than we’d all like for justice to be served. The theft at the Morgan’s ranch took place more than two years ago, and it was only recently that the justice system incarcerated the criminals despite the case being solved in less than two weeks.” Reward signs are available at all county Farm Bureau offices. New members are entitled to one free reward sign. Signs are available for a nominal cost of $1 each to both new and existing members. “We realize that no reward program will stop crime, but I think our $5,000 offer certainly serves to make all of us more cognizant of what’s going on in our neighborhood or community,” Richard concluded.
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009 • 15
The Oklahoma 4-H Program is celebrating its 100th birthday this year with a centennial celebration.
PHOTO BY JESSICA STEWART
By Traci Morgan
16 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009
It’s been 100 years since W.D. Bentley formed a “corn club” of approximately 50 boys in Tishomingo in 1909. Today, the organization born of that club impacts more than 141,000 young people across the state.
Happy Birthday, Oklahoma 4-H! Centennial celebrations have been popping up across the state as Oklahoma 4-H members, staff, volunteers and alumni look back, celebrate today and imagine the future. The centennial theme, “Honoring. Celebrating. Envisioning.,” has been incorporated into achievement banquets, county fairs, train rides and alumni reunions across the state. A 4-H Centennial Garden also was designed for the OSU Botanical Gardens. The year-long celebration will culminate with the Oklahoma 4-H Green Tie Gala at the Skirvin Hotel on Nov. 6, 2009. The grand event will recognize 4-H Centennial Families, display the talents of Oklahoma 4-H’ers and preview what’s ahead for Oklahoma 4-H in the next 100 years. “This is a special homecoming celebration for alums,” said Jessica Stewart, coordinator of special programs and promotions, Oklahoma 4H Youth Development Program. “We want 4-H’ers, past and present, to come together and see what 4-H is doing and reminisce about everything they did in 4-H.” Clara Wichert, chair of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Women’s Committee, can remember her first 4-H project like it was yesterday an A-line dress she made when she was 9 years old. “It was a small flower on a cotton fabric,” said Wichert, who farms in Fairview. “The background was white, but the tiny little flowers were in various shades of blue. “Yes, I remember very distinctly the little A-line dress and being very proud that I accomplished something. And yes, it’s been a few years ago,” the 69-year-old said with a laugh. Wichert also recalls several cooking demonstrations. “I don’t know how many times I made an angel food cake from scratch,” she said. “Twelve egg whites…whip, whip, whip. I did that over and over, and I even got a blue ribbon at district. It’s a very pleasant memory.” Whether it’s a sewing project or cooking demonstration, fond memories are remembered this year for those involved in Oklahoma 4-H, which has a rich history and is deeply rooted in state soil. More than 20 Oklahoma 4-H members from across the state designed and planted the 4-H Centennial Garden, located at the OSU Botanical Gardens in Stillwater. Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009 • 17
In the early 1900s, community
PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA 4-H
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAWNEE COUNTY
meeting after hearing stories from family members who were involved in the program. 4-H clubs began to pop up across the state and However, a move to Oklahoma City from Pauls gather steam. Oklahoma’s first 4-H Roundup, a Valley just before he was to join left the statewide rally, was held in 1921 on the campus youngster disappointed and uncertain about a of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. new 4-H Club. Approximately 1,000 to 1,200 4-H’ers would “I knew where my 4-H Club was going to be gather annually for Roundup. The event was Garvin County and was looking forward to in initially held in tents as no structure on campus that,” he said, “then we moved to the city.” was large enough to hold the group. However, Once settled, Moesel’s parents searched for Oklahoma weather became an issue when the the nearest 4-H Club and were given an tents collapsed during a storm, so in 1938 4address on Northeast 23rd Street. Not H’ers got a new building on campus. knowing Oklahoma City well, Moesel and his “When the tents blew down in the 1930s father simply followed the directions one during a storm, a resolution was passed to build Saturday morning. a building for Oklahoma 4-H Roundup on Above: Jessica Stewart, coordinator of special programs “It was just east of the Capitol and you campus,” Stewart said. “That building initially and promotions for the Oklahoma 4-H Youth thought, this is a strange place to be having a started out as the 4-H Clubs and Student Development Program, looks through an old scrapbook 4-H Club,” he said. “We kept checking the Activities Building.” while researching Oklahoma 4-H history to be used during the centennial celebration. address, and it turned out to be at the Today, that building is called Gallagher-Iba Governor’s Mansion. Henry Bellmon was Arena. Below left: Corn clubs were the foundation on which governor at the time and his daughters had a In the 1940s and 50s, 4-H’ers rallied for the 4-H was built. The first established 4-H club was in 4-H Club that met at the mansion. So, we met Tishomingo and consisted of 50 boys. “Feed a Fighter” campaign. on the top floor of the Governor’s Mansion “They grew a lot of the produce used to feed Below right: 4-H club work when it was still held in once a month, and that’s how I got started in soldiers,” Stewart said. “They were considered schools. 4-H Club.” ‘soldiers of the soil.’” Growing up in a horticultural and farming Right top: Before Gallagher-Iba Arena was built on the In the 60s and 70s, 4-H began to transition OSU campus in 1938 (then known as the 4-H Student family exposed Moesel to many traditional 4-H into an organization for everyone with projects Clubs and Activities Building), Oklahoma 4-H State projects, however, he chose a different route that held greater appeal to kids living in urban Roundup was held in tents on campus. State Roundup and became involved in public speaking, areas as well. began in 1921 and brings 1,000 youth, educators and citizenship, leadership and photography. volunteers to OSU annually. “There was a greater focus on small pet “I would say 4-H nurtured me out of being projects, and the chemistry and science of Right Bottom: Stock show in Osage County. a shy, introverted kid,” he said, “into not being cooking,” Stewart said. “The focus became more afraid to go out and live and explore and lead in life. about those processes to appeal to a bigger audience.” “4-H has been a huge factor in my growth and development,” he Charles Cox, state 4-H program leader and assistant director of the added. “I continue to believe it can have that kind of impact and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, said the transition to a continue to see that kind of impact in other young people, so I try to volunteer-led program several years ago allowed 4-H to expand and help return the favor that 4-H gave to me.” offer more opportunities to Oklahoma youth. Moesel’s company began in 1974 with a $500 4-H Scholarship and “Oklahoma’s move to become more of a community-based, volunteernow employs approximately 30 people and has sales of over five million led program brought more involvement from 4-H members,” he said. dollars annually. The 35-year-old wholesale company sells greenhouse “Community volunteers would have club meetings in their homes, and equipment, and supplies, as well as nursery, garden center, structures, that kind of model allowed for more field trips and demonstration work and landscaper supplies to businesses across the south central region for the kids.” of the United States. Rodd Moesel, founder and president of American Plant Products and The Canadian County Farm Bureau member also is serving as Services, Inc. in Oklahoma City, recalls looking forward to his first 4-H
18 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009 • 19
PHOTO COURTESY OF OSAGE COUNTY
PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA 4-H
Help Celebrate The Oklahoma 4-H Centennial!
Below: Kite aerial photography, pictured here, is used in conjunction with GPS and GIS mapping of communities and also teaches youth more about the world around them.
Oklahoma 4-H: Generations of Clover
Eskimo Joe’s partnered with Oklahoma 4-H to produce a commemorative T-shirt for the 100th anniversary.
Eskimo Joe’s Celebrates 4-H T-shirt Eskimo Joe’s has released its first-ever 4-H T-shirt design in honor of the organization’s 100th birthday. A portion of the sales will be donated to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. The commemorative 4-H full-color front design features an array of 4-H projects including livestock, rocketry, gardening, robotics and others along with the Oklahoma 4-H Centennial logo. The back design features the 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” along with the 4-H clover and a blue ribbon. It is printed on an oxford gray short sleeve shirt and is available in sizes youth extra small through 3XL adult. The shirts are available at Joe’s Clothes World Headquarters in Stillwater, Woodland Hills Mall in Tulsa, Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City; by calling 800-256-JOES; or they can be purchased online at www.eskimojoes.com.
20 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TODD JOHNSON, AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
PHOTO BY NICOLE KLIEBERT
A centennial history book, titled Oklahoma 4-H: Generations of Clover, is being published by the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. The hardcover book will include a compilation of 4-H history in all 77 Oklahoma counties as well as highlights from the centennial celebration. The book will be available in the spring, however, you can preorder your copy online by downloading and returning the order form and payment. To pre-order, visit the Oklahoma 4-H Centennial Web site at http://celebrateok4h.okstate.edu/, or contact Stewart.
PHOTO COURTESY OF P BAR FARMS
P Bar Farms in Hydro is featuring an Oklahoma 4H Centennial design in this year’s corn maze. The maze opened Sept. 12 and continues through mid November.
president of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, which provides funding and support for the 4-H Program through promotion, leadership development, education, scholarships, rewards and recognition and program expansion. “There’s a new kind of vitality and a new energy in 4-H the last few years,” he said. “The state has recommitted to get extension agents and 4-H agents in more counties, and I think there’s just a new surge of interest with the new programming.”
Today, there are more than 31, 800 Oklahoma youth enrolled in 4-H Clubs across the state. Thousands more are impacted through after school programs, and school enrichment and short-term educational programs. Approximately 4,368 volunteer leaders commit their time to helping these youth with assistance from extension educators. Oklahoma 4-H’s latest mission mandates focus on three areas: science, engineering and technology; healthy living; and citizenship. As the organization heads into the next 100 years, new, modern projects such as robotics, aerial photography and GPS mapping will be combined with more traditional projects to give 4-H’ers a broader range of activities to choose from. School enrichment as well as short-term and special interest-type programs have engaged more young people than ever before, said Cox, who’s been involved with Oklahoma 4-H for more than 30 years. “If we want to have them engaged and develop life skills with those young people, then we have to be able to provide a variety of opportunities,” he said. Technology has become an invaluable resource as the popularity of social networking grows. Oklahoma 4-H is reaching out via Facebook
and Twitter to connect with state youth who like their information brief and fast. Cox said the goal for the next 100 years is to connect with a larger, more diverse audience; to reach young people and teach them the importance of being contributing citizens. “We want young people to learn the importance of giving back,” he said. “And not necessarily in the financial way of giving back, but contributing to their community. “We also, through project work, want young people to learn about careers,” Cox said. “For example, if they’re involved in food science, they may become a biochemist or a nutritionist. They transfer those skills that they’re introduced to through project work into a vocation.” Wichert urges young people to get involved in 4-H. “I would encourage every young person to do this,” she said. “It was very worthwhile for me as a child because I had a goal. I had something I needed to accomplish, and that’s very important in any stage of life you’re at. It makes you feel good about yourself.” Wichert also has some advice for adults. “I think one of the most important things we can do as adults is to support our young people,” she said. And there’s plenty of opportunity for adults to get involved, Cox said. “The real opportunities are in their local communities,” he said. “Every county extension office needs more volunteers. And young people need caring, significant adults who are willing to spend time with them.” As the Oklahoma 4-H Program heads into the next 100 years, tradition will be built upon and a new focus will form a bright future. “We hope that for the next 100 years, things are as great as they have been in Oklahoma for the this current 100 years,” Cox said. Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009 • 21
22 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009 • 23
here were no visions of sugar plums dancing in his head when Curt Roberts planted 11 acres of sweet corn in April, but he did hope for a profitable crop. Alas it was not to be. The Arcadia farmer has suffered through the most confounding growing season he can remember in his 70 years of growing food. Join the crowd, Curt! Starting with First Lady Michelle Obama’s call to plant gardens and ending with wet, cool weather, farmers and would-be gardeners large and small, can tell you it is hard work growing food and it is never a sure thing! Like most farmers, Roberts spent last winter preparing for the upcoming growing season. But this year was going to be different. His central Oklahoma farm was being slowly crushed by urban sprawl and escalating production costs. He envisioned a way out of the black spiral by reinventing himself as a roadside marketer. Roberts’ farm is located along the historic Route 66. His driveway spills out onto the highway just a few miles east of Arcadia’s tourist attraction, the Round Barn. Making his plan even more unique was the fact the corn was planted on land settled by his grandfather in the great land run of 1889. Yes, this was special land indeed. Roberts planned to open a roadside market complete with old fashioned signs and maybe a chair or two to sit in the shade along the historic route. His wife, Mary Lou, would run the stand. His plan started to unravel when an early spring freeze followed by unseasonable cold, wet conditions damaged the newly planted corn. Then personal tragedy raised its ugly head. Mary Lou slipped and fell, breaking her hip. If that wasn’t bad enough, the weather turned hot and dry just when the corn was pollinating, further reducing the yield. He added tomatoes, squash, watermelons and cantaloupes to the plan, hoping to capitalize on the hot weather. In August, the rains finally came and didn’t stop until the bottomland was floating in a sea of mud. Cooler temperatures accompanied the rain, slowing the vegetable’s progress. Roberts pounded a home-made sign into the dirt along the highway, advertising his crops. A few of the locals stopped, and he managed to sell most of his inventory.
From right to left: Arcadia farmer Curt Roberts displays sweet corn grown on land settled by his grandfather in 1889. A homemade sign at the entrance to Curt Roberts farm along Route 66 east
of Arcadia points the way to satisfy a sweet tooth with Roberts' home grown watermelons. Curt Roberts’ time-worn hands grasp the edge of a freshly-cut watermelon as he prepares to test the sugar content.
“It’s been a tough road, I’ll tell you,” Roberts said as he mopped sweat off his forehead. “Never seen anything like it.” Mary Lou is healed now. The walker sits in the corner, unneeded. She helps Curt add up the numbers. “We didn’t make any money on the corn,” Curt said. “But we did better on the melons and squash,” chipped in Mary Lou. Such is the life of someone who dares to coax food from the soil. It seemed so easy in the spring as gardeners rushed to plant carrots, tomatoes and all their favorite veggies. But Mother Nature conspired to make things challenging. Pigweeds, grasshoppers and aphids wanted their share of the succulent crops. Personally, my feeble attempt to grow food this year has alternated between feast and famine. The early plantings of peas and green beans were frozen and/or drowned. Subsequent plantings survived only to be cooked by June’s 100 degree days. The tomatoes surrendered in July when the night-time temperatures refused to cool sufficiently to hold the blossoms. Squash bugs munched my zucchini into oblivion and the cucumbers fell prey to a nameless little striped beetle. I eventually
Mother Nature has a way of intervening. By Sam Knipp 24 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009 • 25
convinced the pepper plants, lettuce, carrots and beets to flourish, and we did manage to harvest enough zukes to scare the neighbors. The takeaway message is the fact growing food is hard work. It requires a little luck, cooperation from Mother Nature and skill at knowing exactly when to plant and when to harvest. Roberts confesses he learned a few lessons in this, his first attempt at “truck gardening.” “I need to do a little more research on the commercial (seed) varieties suited for this area,” Roberts said. A stubborn streak runs thick through this tough Oklahoma farmer. He is already making plans for next year. “I am going to add peaches as soon as I get the land cleared,” Roberts said.
Garfield County Farm Bureau wanted to connect consumers with farmers by helping sponsor the Enid Farmers Market. Shown from left are Oklahoma Farm Bureau insurance agent Bryan Bay, Garfield County Farm Bureau President Gary Johnson, Goltry farmer Barbara Crain, Enid Farmers Market Executive Director Cory Groendyke, Garfield County FB Women’s Committee Chairperson Desidive Milacek, OFB President Mike Spradling and OFB Field Representative Todd Honer. The Farmers Market sign atop the old railroad depot in Enid attracts customers every Saturday morning during the growing season.
f spending your Saturday mornings drinking coffee and squeezing vegetables is your idea of fun, then you could be a locavore. And what better place to practice your craft than a farmers market. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a locavore as someone who eats food grown or produced lo1cally. The idea to buy local has mushroomed into an entire movement, leading to magazines, 26 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009
newsletters and dozens of social networking sites dedicated to the craft. Locavores have helped propel farmers markets to the top of the list of popular weekend hobbies. According to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, approximately 60 farmers markets are registered in the state. “It’s a great way to connect the farmer with the consumer,” said Cory Groendyke, executive director of the Enid farmers market. “We want to make this a place where families can buy healthy food in a fun environment.” “I like buying locally-grown food,” said Nelson Norman, Arcadia. “It seems like much of the fruits and vegetables in grocery stores are often from third-world countries.” Farmers are anxious to cash in on the “buy local” trend. “We’re excited to have a market close to home,” says Barbara Crain, Goltry. Her family produces grass-fed beef and yogurt for sale in the market. “This is a great place to educate the consumers on how we produce food.” “Hopefully we can add a little value, and profit, to the crops we grow,” said Curt Roberts, Arcadia. To help boost interest in the Enid farmers market, Garfield County Farm Bureau joined with other local groups to sponsor the market. “This is our (Farm Bureau) roots, helping farmers sell their products,” said Gary Johnson, president of Garfield County Farm Bureau. “It is a win-win situation for farmers, consumers and Farm Bureau. We have to let the consumers know what we do, how we do it and why we do it.”
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009 • 27
Roy Gaines (dressed in solid blue) and other members of his team stopped to chat with natives about vaccinating their animals.
AWeek Without One Sale An agent donates his time in remote areas of Nicaragua. By Mike Nichols
28 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2009