FB WEEK PROCLAMATION
Congress attracts top state, federal lawmakers klahoma Farm Bureau’s annual Leadership Conference Feb. 18-19 in Oklahoma City drew an estimated crowd of 300 county leaders that heard from four Members of Congress and numerous high-ranking state officials. Congresswoman Mary Fallin lead off the impressive array of the state’s congressional delegation Feb. 18. Her speech, covering topics such as water, private property rights, farm trucks and alternative fuels, was the opening for the two-day conference. Following Fallin at the podium was new OSU President Burns Hargis. Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute’s Jeri Fleming followed Hargis. Congressman Tom Cole was surprise visitor to that evening’s banquet, and addressed the packed ballroom briefly before OFB presented its top legislative awards. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins was featured speaker for the banquet, and the Byron Berline Band provided entertainment for the evening. Congressman Dan Boren kicked off Feb. 19 with an address following breakfast. He was followed at the podium by Oklahoma’s senior U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe. The list of legislators also featured the co-chairs of the Oklahoma Senate Agriculture Committee Charlie Wyrick and Ron Justice before the meeting adjourned. The two-day conference is designed to bring county leaders to Oklahoma City and allow them to interact with their lawmakers during the session. OFB staff also provides up-to-date information to those attending about legislative issues, particularly those selected as priorities.
O ov. Brad Henry signed the official document designating Farm Bureau Week in Oklahoma on Feb.12 in a Blue Room ceremony. OFB President Mike Spradling, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, National Affairs Director Ericka McPherson and Public Policy Vice President Lori Peterson joined the governor for the signing ceremony. The document set aside Feb. 18-23 as Farm Bureau Week in Oklahoma.The
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proclamation recognized Oklahoma Farm Bureau for being the largest and most influential voluntary farm organization in the Sooner State. It also noted the dedication the organization has shown to maintaining agriculture as an “honorable and respected profession” that is responsible for much of the economic prosperity in Oklahoma.
CHECK OUT THE FOOD
lenda Love, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tulsa, accepts a large food donation from OFB Women’s Committee members Lena Henson and Beverly Delmedico in recognition of Food Check Out Day.The Women’s Committee donated $1,000 worth of food to both the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Ronald McDonald Houses to celebrate Food Check Out Day.The Feb. 5 & 6 donations celebrate the time of the year when most
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36 • Oklahoma Country • Spring 2008
Americans have earned enough income to pay for all the food they eat, both at home and away from home, for the entire year. Americans spend just under 10 percent of their disposable income on food. The Ronald McDonald Houses were chosen for the donations since they provide a home-away-fromhome for families with children who are hospitalized with serious illnesses.