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Considered new kids on the block, these freshmen legislators have deep roots in agriculture Wade Rousselot, Jerry Shoemake and Jeff Hickman take great pride in being state lawmakers in Oklahoma, but even more so in being farmers and ranchers. They are rural leaders representing their constituents as state representatives in the 50th Oklahoma State Legislature.

The Cattleman Compare Rep. Rousselot to John Wayne and he smiles. While the actor mesmerized us as a cowboy in his motion pictures, Rousselot is the true grit. He calls himself a rancher and cattlemen, and both titles fit. He’s added a new title as well, rookie lawmaker. Serving his first term as a state representative, Rousselot is taking his experience as a rancher and putting it to work at the state capitol.

“Agriculture has been near and dear to my heart since I was seven years old,” said Rousselot. “I hope as a legislator to protect the interests of those I represent in rural Oklahoma.”

When Rousselot was six, his family moved to Oklahoma and established Three Oaks Ranch, a 2,500-acre cow/calf operation in northeastern Oklahoma near Okay. He grew up learning the cattle industry hand in hand with his father.

After some soul-searching about the direction of his future, Rousselot spent only a few years away from the family operation; just enough time to obtain a degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University.

His love for the country living and commitment to

From the

Country 8 • Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005

agriculture did not go unnoticed to those in the industry.

During the summer of 1998, a Wagoner County Farm Bureau board member approached him about running for a seat on the county board.

“I went to a board meeting to introduce myself and met the other county board members, and by the time I left the meeting I was on the county board,” said Rousselot.

As his involvement in Farm Bureau grew, it wasn’t long before the board elected him president.

“I didn’t have much of a choice. They thought I would do a good job as president,” he said. “I am still serving as president and proud of it.”

As county president Rousselot became involved in numerous activities and events associated with the state organization including serving on the state resolutions committee, attending spokesperson training workshops, and participating in the state leadership conferences as well as the Congressional Action Tour, an annual lobbying trip to Washington, D.C.

After much thought and encouragement from friends and Farm Bureau members, the cattleman from Okay made the decision to run for a seat on the Oklahoma Farm Bureau board of directors in 2001.

His decision paid off. Rousselot was elected during the annual meeting to serve as OFB’s District 6 Director. He represented 11 counties in eastern Oklahoma.

Backed by solid agricultural and leadership roles in grassroots organizations like Farm Bureau, Rousselot decided to pursue another dream.

“I never thought the idea of running for a political office was tangible to me, but through my involvement in Farm Bureau, my interests slowly turned to running for the state House of Representatives,” he said.

Rousselot’s decision to run for public office was influenced, in part, by his involvement on both the county and state Farm Bureau boards.

“The term grassroots get overused sometimes, but Farm Bureau truly starts as a grassroots effort with policy development,” he said.

June 2004 marked the end of his three-year term as a state director and he hit the campaign trail running with family and friends close at hand.

To the

Capitol

By Nicola Freeman

Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005 • 9

His efforts won him a victory and on the night of the general election, Rousselot became the state representative for District 12, serving Wagoner County as well as parts of Rogers County.

“I could never have accomplished this without the help and support of Farm Bureau,” he said. “With a strong background in rural Oklahoma, I hope it will keep me grounded and never let me forget where I come from.”

Rousselot was selected by Speaker Todd Hiett to serve as vice chairman of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee. He also serves on the Agricultural and Rural Development and Insurance Committees.

No matter what title he holds, Rousselot said he is a “watch dog” for rural Oklahoma and agricultural issues. Whether in the country or at the capitol, he is a champion for the industry he loves.

The Cowboy With his cowboy boots clicking on the steps of the state capitol and a white pearl Stetson cowboy hat perched squarely on his head, Rep. Jerry Shoemake’s mind wonders to Robert S. Kerr.

“As I walk up the steps of the capitol each morning, I wonder what is must have been like for Governor Kerr,” said Shoemake.

Shoemake has walked the steps of the state capitol before, but not as a legislator. The rookie lawmaker is getting used to marble floors and oak desks that fill the floors of the state capitol. His previous office was a good horse and an open field.

This cowboy from eastern Oklahoma is looking towards a new horizon and brings a sense of value to the state House of Representatives.

Shoemake, along with his brother, Max, operates a 2,000-acre ranch in Morris. They began as Shoemake Dairies, in partnership with their father; however, the operation has switched gears and beef cattle are the focus of their operation now.

“My dad started with 40 acres in 1940 and over the years formed a productive dairy,” he said. “My brother and I saw a need to turn the farm around and phased out of the dairy business and began a beef cow/calf herd.”

The cattle business has served both him and his brother well, but there is no place this lawmaker would rather be than on a horse.

He has been linked to the horse industry for more than 25 years and has made a name for

“I never thought the idea of running for a political office was tangible to me, but through my involvement in Farm Bureau, my interests slowly turned to running for the state House of Representatives.”

Wade Rousselot is not only a cattleman from Okay, but also a rookie lawmaker.

10 • Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005

himself inside and outside of state and national show arenas.

“I roped on a national level for a little while under the PRCA circuit,” he said. “You can catch me every now and then roping a calf with friends and family. It’s something that I love.”

He might have hung his rope in the barn professionally, but continues to serve in other ways at equine events across the state.

“We have been furnishing roping steers for all the major horse shows in Oklahoma for the last 20 years,” he said. “We’ve also provided steers for local and regional foundation ropings, the American Quarter Horse Association shows and the Youth World show in Ft. Worth, Texas.

“This has been a real joy of mine; to provide quality livestock for these horse show events for youth and adults,” said Shoemake. “I started many of these contracts for roping steers in the late ’80s and have continued through the years.”

With a great devotion to livestock show events, Shoemake plays a leadership role as the horse superintendent at the Tulsa State Fair and serves on the Okmulgee County Fair Board.

In addition to his involvement with Oklahoma’s horse industry, Jerry and his family have been OFB members from the beginning.

“I really can’t recall a time myself or my family hasn’t been involved with this great organization,” he said.

Shoemake has served on the Okmulgee County Farm Bureau board of directors since 1998. He has been a member on the state resolutions committee, a delegate at the state convention, and has played a vital role in county board’s involvement in youth activities.

Being involved in the organization is something Shoemake holds dear.

“Farm Bureau is a proven organization that many are proud to be associated with,” he said. “No other organization can compare with the involvement Farm Bureau has from the grassroots to the nation’s

capitol. It’s a honor to be a part of it.”

Shoemake said the knowledge he gained from Farm Bureau was an instrumental tool while running for public office and becoming a state lawmaker.

The legislative process is similar to setting policy in Farm Bureau, he said. Farm Bureau members develop policies, filter them through the resolutions process and bring them before the voting delegation.

“This is similar to speaking to constituents and hearing their ideas on potential bills, and trying to get them through committees to the House floor to be addressed and voted on.”

With a growing interest in politics and a strong voice for rural issues, Shoemake was encouraged by family and friends to consider running for the House of Representatives.

“I told myself if I’m ever going to do it, now is the time,” he said.

And the timing was right. With the support of citizens from District 16, Shoemake became their state representative during the general election November 2.

At the state capitol, Shoemake is a friendly face who greets fellow legislators with a howdy and a tip of his hat.

He currently serves on the House Environment and Natural Resources, Tourism and Recreation and the Wildlife Committees.

Whether it’s on the steps of the state capitol or the rolling hills of eastern Oklahoma, Rep. Shoemake will greet you with a firm handshake and a readiness to serve his friends and neighbors.

The Producer At his great uncle’s grocery store in Dacoma, Rep. Jeff Hickman sits on the same bench he sat on as a young boy, remembering how he would anxiously wait for the line of combines and crew to drive down

the street.

“I can still remember those warm summer days sitting on that bench looking down Main Street, waiting and anticipating those red and white International trucks hauling several combines,” said Hickman. “Harvest is my fondest memory as a young child, and now as an adult it’s the time I look forward to on the farm.”

Raised in northwestern Oklahoma where wheat fields stretch as far as the eye can see, Hickman grew up among generations of farmers and ranchers. He is the fifth generation to plow the rich soils of Alfalfa and Woods counties with his family.

The family farming operation consists of approximately 2,500 acres of wheat and alfalfa as well as stocker cattle grazed during the fall and winter.

“Since I was old enough to see out of the cab of a tractor, I have been involved in our family’s farming operation,” he said. “ It’s a true family operation that now consists of three generations working together on the farm; my grandfather, my father and myself.”

Hickman spent some time away from the farm as he pursued a journalism degree at the University of Oklahoma. After college he accepted a position as OU’s Special Projects Coordinator and was promoted after two years as press secretary to the office of President David Boren. In this capacity, Hickman served as a spokesperson for the university and its president to local, state and national media.

However, agriculture always drew him back to the farm. Every chance he got Hickman would be back home, assisting his family with the demands and upkeep of the operation.

“I was the only person in the office that took vacation days to go home and work on the farm,” he joked.

As his great-grandmother always said to him, “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”

“My great-grandmother’s words were so true,” said Hickman. “It’s a way of life that gets in your blood at a early age and never leaves you. It’s a lifestyle I truly love.”

With a strong passion for farming, it seemed only natural for him to become involved in OFB. Strong county leaders associated invited Hickman into the fold of this grassroots organization. He soon found himself becoming involved in the many programs and activities Farm Bureau offers.

“I grew up with many great role models

“No other organization can compare with the involvement Farm Bureau has from the grassroots to the nation’s capitol. It’s a honor to be a part of it.”

Jerry Shoemake is just a cowboy from Okmulgee County that recently took up residence at the Oklahoma State Capitol as a freshman legislator.

Oklahoma Country • Winter Spring 2005 2004 • 11

that are leaders in Farm Bureau,” he said.

Hickman said he was encouraged by several young farmers to participate in OFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Program. His invitation to attend a Young Farmers and Ranchers area meeting began his involvement with the organization.

In addition to attending area YF&R meetings, Hickman is a regular attendee to the YF&R summer and winter conferences and state convention and he also a participated in OFB’s campaign seminar.

Hickman said the YF&R program offers young farmers and ranchers the opportunity to network with producers from across the state and learn about different aspects of Oklahoma agriculture.

“YF&R is a great segment of Farm Bureau that has given me the chance to meet great young individuals that are involved in agriculture,” he said. “We have the same interests, challenges and share insights to solving issues affecting our industry.”

It was those same individuals and friends of Farm Bureau that encouraged Hickman to run for office this past year. With much support and rallying in his district, Hickman was elected as the state representative for District 58.

“Northwestern Oklahoma is a great place to grow up. It has given me everything I have, and all the values I carry with me today. I am honored to represent these communities of farmers and ranchers,” he said.

His district includes Alfalfa and Woods counties, as well as parts of Grant, Major and Woodward counties. He was appointed vice chairman of the House Rules Committee, and is a member of the Agricultural and Rural Development, Higher Education, and the Health and Human Services Committees.

Hickman said he consider it a privilege to serve District 58 and will

not take his responsibilities lightly.

Though his schedule leaves him little time to sit on the porch of his great uncle’s store in Dacoma, a wheat field and the row of trucks and combines are never far from his mind when he thinks of those he represents.

“There is something very unique about those of us involved in agriculture,” he said. “We share similar values, interests, a love of the land. It’s revitalizing and helps keep moving us forward.”

Common Ground There is a common ground which Reps. Rousselot, Shoemake and Hickman all walk on. That is representing the heart of rural Oklahoma.

They all serve on diverse committees, but come together along with other rural legislators from the House of Representatives to serve on the Rural Caucus. The Rural Caucus was formed and is chaired by Rep. Dale DeWitt. This caucus allows rural lawmakers to come together biweekly with issues that are affecting their rural districts, to discuss and develop solutions.

“All party affiliations are left at the door,” said Rousselot. “This is a newly formed group that never existed before and allows us to share insights on issues affecting our districts.”

The House of Representatives has 56 lawmakers that have rural backgrounds.

“During this session there are more rural legislators than urban,” said Hickman. “The Rural Caucus allows us to come together and share the challenges of rural Oklahoma.”

“It is important to have a caucus to allow legislators to bring forth issues affecting the rural communities we come from and represent,” said Shoemake.

All three are lawmakers, but they also carry the titles of cattleman, cowboy and producer.

They are agriculturalists, Farm Bureau leaders and newly elected legislators.

They are serving Oklahoma in a larger capacity than ever before, with footsteps that lead them to and from the agricultural backgrounds that reflect their pride in this state.

“Northwestern Oklahoma is a great place to grow up. It has given me everything I have, and all the values I carry with me today. I am honored to represent these communities of farmers and ranchers.”

Jeff Hickman is a fifth generation farmer from northwestern Oklahoma.

He holds a new title this year, as a state representative.

12 • Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005

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For more information, please visit dodge.com or call 877-ONTHEJOB. *Offer applies to eligible 2004/2005 model-year Dodge vehicles through September 30, 2005. Farm Bureau is a federally registered collective collective membership and a registered service mark of the American Farm Farm Bureau Federation.

Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005 • 13

14 • Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005

An Ounce Of PREVENTION

A

Two longtime friends have a novel approach to preventing accidents and saving young drivers.

partner Sandra, “just devastated. We n ounce of prevention. . .two wondered what we could do to save young Oologah grandmas are firm drivers.” believers that it indeed is better Their firm belief in the old adage that an than a pound of cure. ounce of prevention is worth of pound of cure An ounce of prevention in bright influenced their response to the question of yellow emblazoned in black type – the

By Mike Nichols what they could do to save teenage drivers. grandmas’ Signs for Life – is a labor of love for Their copyrighted Signs of Life are bright these two Rogers County seniors.

Above: Dorothy Wofford, left, and Sandra Sitton display yellow vinyl decals with black letters. The 4The idea was the result of these two close their Signs for Life. Opposite: Dorothy and Sandra inch by 12-inch decal features only five simple friends brainstorming over their concern about make all their own Signs for Life decals. Most orders words – IF DRIVING UNSAFE CALL PARENT the tragic loss of lives among teenage drivers. go out in the mail the same day they are received. For more information or to obtain a decal for your child’s “In October 2004,” says Dorothy Wofford – and the parents’ home telephone number. or grandchild’s car, call 918-371-2684. glancing at the blacktop road in front of her “Many parents say my child is a safe driver. home, “we had seven teenagers in a wreck just about a mile from the That’s until their back is turned,” says Sandra. “They’re just young and house. Two were killed. Two were severely injured.” inexperienced. There’s not enough police to watch. It takes a whole “They all were coming home from church. They were all good kids.” community to raise them.

“That makes 10 kids in the last seven years in just our community,” “One teen said I’m not going to have one of these on my car. I said, ‘What’s the matter, aren’t you driving like you’re supposed to’?”

Sandra Sitton interjects.

“Parents might say my child would just die if I put one of these on “We were,” Dorothy says as she glances toward her good friend and Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005 • 15

“We know this isn’t going to stop every accident, but it may stop some.” their car. I say,” Dorothy counters, “they might die if you don’t. One father called and told me he wanted one for his son now. He said he didn’t know how he survived, but he wanted his son to.”

— Sandra Sitton

the parent can do something before they have an accident,” says Sandra.

“We just want to slow our “You have to believe in your child,” adds Dorothy. “Most kids will tell you the truth. It 16- to 18-year-old drivers is our hope that by having a decal a young driver will make better choices in their down and possibly prevent driving because a parent could be contacted if their injury or death.” he numbers confirm the grandmas’ they aren’t driving safely.” concerns. Nationally, 300,000 “We know this isn’t going to stop every — Dorothy Woffard teenagers were injured in accident,” admits Sandra. “But it may automobile accidents in 2004. The stop some.”

Highway Safety Department reports While Dorothy’s husband, Ed, isn’t a teenage driver, the “We just want to slow our 16- to 18-year-old two Oologah grandmas slap a Signs for Life decal on drivers down and possibly prevent their injury 8,000 teenagers died in wrecks in 2004. It also his pickup. The pair said those with elderly parent or death,” Dorothy declares. points out that the risk of having an auto drivers might want to consider a decal for their The campaigning grandmas have the Signs accident increases by three to five times when parents’ vehicle. Teenage and elderly drivers are most at risk for accidents. for Life on their grandchildren’s cars who are there’s more than one teenager in the car. in the 16 to 18 age group.

“There are going to be 17.5 million more “They kicked up a little,” says Sandra of hers. “Edward said: ‘No teens eligible to drive by the end of this decade,” says Sandra. “It’s not Nanny’. But it’s on his car.” going to do anything but get worse.”

“They think they’re six feet tall and bullet proof,” adds Dorothy, a The decals are affixed to autos Dorothy’s grandchildren drive. retired teacher. “I taught school 27 years and I’m not naïve enough to “At first, their reaction was I don’t know. They said they were safe believe kids always drive safely.” drivers. Now, they’re fine with them.”

“All we want to do,” Sandra says glibly, “is make a difference.

Dorothy and Sandra put the Signs for Life program in full tilt after Surprisingly, some of the teens have said they would drive better if the holidays. They have visited with several local school districts, many they had these on their cars.” state lawmakers and have been invited to the state Insurance “How many times have you had a teenage driver go past you and Commissioner’s office. you’ve said to yourself: ‘Boy I wish I could call their parents’,” “We know we’ll have a few setbacks, but we’re going to hang in Dorothy asks. there. It is a good cause,” says Sandra.

With a Sign for Life affixed to the teen’s car, citizens can express “We’re both so passionate about it. I couldn’t have a better partner,” their concerns to the driver’s parents if the young driver is operating says Dorothy. the car in a fast or reckless manner.

“If we can just save our grandkids’ lives and some others kids’ lives.

“Most everyone has a cell phone, and they can call the parent, and We do care!”

T

16 • Oklahoma Country • Spring 2005