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Mayes County Farm Bureau agent’s pride is showing. By Mike Nichols
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on’t blame Mayes County Farm Bureau agent Jim Bob Hendrickson if his cowboy hat fits a bit tight these days. Jim Bob is swelling with pride about his 15-year-old daughter’s big accomplishment in the thin mountain air of Denver, Colo., in late January. Daughter Abby, a sophomore at Adair High School and FFA member, walked out of the show ring at the premier livestock show in the United States with the coveted purple grand champion banner for her jet black
Limousin heifer, MAGS Torrey. Competing with more than 20 different age classes of Limousin heifers, Abby’s big pregnant heifer was named the grand champion of entire breed, beating nearly a hundred other animals including the grand champion from the previous year at the National Western Livestock Show. “I just thought that (winning awards for his insurance career) was important,” said Jim Bob, who started his Farm Bureau Insurance career in Pryor with Mayes County on May 1, 1985. “This,” added the proud father, “is like the Super Bowl for us. It was really, really big. I was so nervous.” “We might not ever be able to do it again, but now we’ve won every show important to us, except one or two.”
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bby is following the family tradition her 24-year-old sister, Jamie, began years ago of showing livestock. Jamie, who is expecting her first baby, is an Oklahoma State University graduate and lives in Mt. Pleasant, Tex., today with her husband, Joseph McKellar. They manage McKellar Ranch, a sizeable Angus operation, with Joseph’s father. “We learned on her,” said Jim Bob, looking back at daughter Jamie’s 15 years of showing cattle. “P.J. (Jim Bob’s wife) carried Abby to Jamie’s shows in one of those papoose things.” Jim Bob said that despite Abby showing cattle since she was 9, she was scared to death and worried during the show for grand champion, and almost couldn’t believe it when the judge slapped her heifer as the winner. “You should have seen her face!” Jim Bob, who serves as vice president of the Oklahoma Limousin Association, Left: Abby is pictured with her big, black Limousin heifer, Torrey, just as the judge is about to slap the animal to name it the grand champion female of the National Western Livestock Show in Denver, Colo. A close look at Abby’s eyes shows her surprise and excitement at being named the best in the Limousin heifer show. Above top: It was a father-daughter moment for Jim Bob and Abby after the 15-year-old left the arena as the exhibitor of the grand champion Limousin heifer at the National Western Livestock Show. Mother P.J. couldn’t even budge Jim Bob and Abby to get in on the family hug. Above bottom: After the initial shock had time to diminish a bit, 15-year-old Abby flashed an ear-to-ear smile at dad Jim Bob, who is bursting with pride at his daughter’s show ring accomplishment. Mother P.J. still couldn’t break the embrace of her husband and daughter to get in on the special moment’s hug.
maintains a small, 15-head herd of Limousin cattle. Many of the cows are former show ring animals his daughters exhibited. The cows are artificially inseminated from top-of-the Limousin bulls, with some of the embryos transplanted into surrogate animals. That affords an opportunity for the best animals to produce more than one calf each year. “We’ve got one old cow,” said Jim Bob, “she’ll die on the place,” noting how difficult it is to cull the one-time show animals from the herd. Abby’s grand champion heifer came from the Magness Land and Cattle production sale in Plattville, Colo. “We buy one or two real good heifers every year there,” said Jim Bob. The same operation has a satellite operation in Miami, Okla., which is managed by George Hubbard, a former Junior Limousin Association representative. “He (Hubbard) was there when Jamie was showing. They’re personal friends of ours now,” said Jim Bob, who noted that Hubbard was on hand for Abby’s win in Denver.
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any of the animals both daughters have shown came from Magness Land and Cattle simply because Jim Bob says it’s much too expensive to breed their own show animals. “You’d have to pay $20,000 to $40,000 for cows,” explained the Mayes County insurance agent, citing how expensive it would be to raise his own show cattle. “This is where we want to be now.” The win in Denver was even more special since Abby, P.J. and Jim Bob all pitch in to help with the show animals. While Abby is responsible for the care of the animals, mom is the official groom, fitter and outfitter for all the livestock shows. Jim Bob maintains all the facilities used to raise the cattle. He also keeps up the trailers and makes sure the trucks are in good running order before the family hits the road for its many livestock shows each year. He also serves as the driver and route planner when the family heads out for a show, drawing upon the 11 years he spent as a trucker before becoming a Farm Bureau Insurance agent. “We could go to a show every week,” Jim Bob noted, adding that Abby also judges livestock, horses and dairy for her FFA chapter as well as being a participant in public speaking contests. “The shows and animals teach the work ethic and responsibility,” he said. “They mean a lot to us.” The Mayes County agent said he and his wife are not the only ones beaming with pride at Abby’s accomplishment. Abby’s grandparents, Rex and Joyce Harrill of Burneyville, share the pride. Grandfather Rex serves as a member of the board of directors of Love County Farm Bureau. Oklahoma Country • Spring 2009 • 27
All Around
Oklahoma
Tornadoes can strike any time in Oklahoma outhern and central Oklahoma residents found out in February that tornadoes can strike anytime during the year in the Sooner State. Oklahoma is the most tornado-prone area of the world, not only in terms of number of
tornadoes, but also in terms of intensity. The risk in Oklahoma is high, with an average of 54 tornadoes confirmed annually since 1950. “May typically is the peak of tornado season in Oklahoma, with nearly 40 percent of each year’s average tornado total,” says Justin Grego, Oklahoma Farm Bureau safety director. “Statistics show that from 1950 to Name: _____________________________________________________________ 2004, an average of 21 tornadoes Address:_____________________________________City___________________ reported in the Phone Numbers: Home: ______________________________________________ month of May. About three-fourths of all Cell: ________________________________________________ tornadoes reported in Oklahoma occur Closest relative not living with you: ____________________________________ during the peak months of April, May Total number of people (including yourself) who live at this address:________ and June.” Is your storm shelter located inside your home? ________Yes ________No About 80 percent of the tornadoes in Physical location of your storm shelter:_________________________________ Oklahoma are observed between ___________________________________________________________________ noon and midnight. ___________________________________________________________________ “That is why it is so important for ___________________________________________________________________ Oklahoma families ___________________________________________________________________ to develop a safety plan for home, work, Please draw a picture of the location of your storm shelter on your property. school and (If the shelter is located inside your home, draw the outline of the foundation with the location of the shelter.) outdoors,” Grego N continued. He advised all families to develop and practice a tornado plan so everyone will know where to take W E shelter. “When a tornado occurs, there’s not time to develop a plan. Families should practice a tornado drill at least once a year so S everyone knows the File this form with your local Fire Department and safest location to be County Emergency Management Coordinator. at home. Hopefully,
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Storm Shelter Location
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Central Oklahoma is the heart of the most tornado-prone area in the world. May is typically the peak of the tornado season in Oklahoma. However, as residents of southern and central Oklahoma will attest tornadoes can strike any time of the year. Families need a safety plan and storm shelter, and it’s also important that emergency officials know the location of your shelter.
that will be a storm shelter – either a cellar or safe room.” He also said that it is important for those with storm shelters to have the location of their shelter on file with emergency officials. “We have a very simple form members should fill out and file with both their local fire department and their county emergency management coordinator,” said Grego. “When shelters are located inside your home, emergency officials don’t know you are there. Shelters inside homes many times are the ones that debris blocks the entrance. “You can survive the storm, but exiting your shelter can be extremely difficult without outside help. If no one knows the shelter is there, you could be trapped for some time before you are discovered or can free yourself,” he explained. Grego advised everyone to be aware of the watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service during storm season. “Families should be ready to take shelter when a watch is issued. When a warning is issued, they should take shelter immediately. Our Oklahoma television stations do a very
good job of reporting the watches and warnings, and you generally have ample time before the storm hits to take shelter. In addition to a family plan for the storm season, Grego said you also should have a disaster supply kit including water, nonperishable food and a battery-powered radio and flashlight. Those items should be stored in your shelter. Once a storm is over, you and your family’s
personal health is the first priority. When family members have been accounted for, it’s important to assess your personal property for any damages. Home and property owners need to document their property in case of a loss. An inventory should be taken with either accompanying photos or video, and stored in a location such as a safe deposit box. County Farm Bureaus have a personal
property inventory list booklet available for members. If a Farm Bureau member does have a storm loss, they should contact their agent to get the claims process underway. If the county office is closed, members are urged to use the toll free claims hotline, 1-877-OFB-CLAIM. That number is operated 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Morrison teacher named Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year orrison Elementary kindergarten teacher Audrey Harmon was named Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Feb. 25. She was presented the award in a surprise presentation by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture AITC coordinators during the Morrison Wildcat Wake-up. “We are really excited about Mrs. Harmon receiving the award this year because she is such an enthusiastic young teacher,” said Dana Bessinger, AITC coordinator. “She’s the kind of teacher we like to have teaching kids about agriculture by incorporating it into their lesson plans.” Mrs. Harmon is married to Burton Harmon, an Oklahoma Farm Bureau field representative. A parent of three sons, Mrs. Harmon is also active in 4-H activities and has a good rapport with local agricultural producers and other parents. She said this has made it possible to bring some real hands-on agricultural activities to school. One of her classes’ favorite activities involves shelling and then grinding locally grown corn into cornmeal, she said. She brings in an antique sheller the students can use in the project. “They enjoy feeling the corn, weighing it and seeing the soft, red corncobs after it is shelled,” she said. “Students are able to take home their cornmeal afterward and they just can’t wait to participate.” She constantly looks for ways to teach her students about agriculture. “Even though we live in a rural area, several of my students do not know a lot about agriculture,” Mrs. Harmon said.
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She has created an art in agriculture unit using AITC lessons that correlate to the important priority academic student skills. She also uses lessons such as “Beautiful Bovine” and “Bovine Oversteps Boundaries” to teach comparison. She receives a trip to the Ag in the Classroom National Convention in St. Louis, Mo., and a $500 honorarium from long-time agricultural supporter Docia Jackson, along with accommodations from legislators and will represent Ag in the Classroom at the 2009 state summer conference and around the state. Mrs. Harmon has helped with Ag in the Classroom curriculum development, attended workshops and taught Ag in the Classroom to a California 4-H group as well as Farm Bureau
Newly named Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year Audrey Harmon poses for pictures with her family and state officials following a ceremony during Ag Day at the State Capitol March 24. The former state Young Farmer and Rancher Committee member teaches kindergarten students at Morrison Elementary, Morrison. Harmon will now represent Oklahoma at the national Ag in the Classroom convention in St. Louis this summer. Pictured from left, Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Terry Peach, Benjamin Harmon, Audrey, husband Burton Harmon, Aaron and Jared Harmon and State Senator David Myers.
Women and Young Farmers and Ranchers. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and has taught for nine years. The Harmons reside in the rural Perry area. The couple has three children, Jared, 5; Aaron, 6; and Benjamin, 9. Oklahoma Country • Spring 2009 • 29
Conference crowd hears from lawmakers ounty leaders from across the state converged on Oklahoma City Feb. 16-17 for the annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legislative and Leadership Conference at the Marriott Hotel. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins was the first of many politicians on hand to address the hundreds of county Farm Bureau leaders in attendance. The lieutenant governor’s primary message to the leaders was that they should be aware that rural Oklahoma likely will lose some of its political clout after the 2010 census. Askins said she believes when lawmakers redistrict following the census that there will be more urban legislative districts and fewer
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rural districts simply due to the population in metropolitan areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. State Sen. Brian Crain, a Tulsa Republican, talked to leaders about the death warranty deed law enacted during the last session. Its purpose, he said, “is to avoid probate.” The law allows property to transfer automatically to a selected person upon the owner’s death. The owner simply completes the death warranty deed while still living, and upon the owner’s death it immediately transfers to the assigned person without going through probate. “The idea is good. It has all kinds of merit but it has a lot of twists and turns. It’s there and will stay in Oklahoma statutes,” said Crain, a former assistant district attorney and current member of a Tulsa law firm. County leaders heard from two members of Congress at the Feb. 16 evening banquet, Representatives Mary Fallin and Tom Cole.
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, a Moore Republican, was the featured speaker at the Legislative and Leadership Conference banquet Feb. 16. While acknowledging the need for an economic stimulus, Cole was critical of the package passed by Congress and signed by President Obama.
U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin was a surprise speaker during the Feb. 16 banquet held in conjunction with the conference. She said she will reintroduce legislation this session dealing with truck weights. 30 • Oklahoma Country • Spring 2009
Lt. Gov. Jari Akins, who lead off speakers at the two-day conference, warned Farm Bureau leaders that rural interests likely will lose some clout following redistricting after the 2010 census.
allin made a surprise stop at the banquet while
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Cole was the scheduled featured speaker for the event. In brief remarks to the county leaders, Fallin said she intends to reintroduce legislation this session dealing with truck weights. She and Rep. Dan Boren joined forces last session on truck weight legislation which was supported by Oklahoma and American Farm Bureaus. Oklahoma farm leaders worked with Boren and Fallin last session on the commercial motor carrier reform bill that increases weight limits for commercial trucks from 10,001 pounds to 26,001 pounds. Current Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations give states discretion in deciding whether vehicles under 26,001 pounds are considered commercial vehicles within their own borders. Those same federal rules hold those traveling between states to a much more prohibitive federal standard of 10,001 pounds. The bill introduced last session also would have prevented the U.S. Department of Transportation from requiring states to enforce certain requirements on agricultural producers hauling their own commodities in intrastate commerce. She said she likely will try to include a similar measure as a part of a highway reauthorization transportation bill that will be considered in 2009. ole, a Moore Republican, had praise for President Obama’s reaction to the February tornadoes in Oklahoma but spent much of his time addressing the $787 billion federal stimulus package just signed by the president.
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Oklahoma Speaker of the House Chris Benge predicted lawmakers will face tough times in light of declining budget revenues. But, he said legislators will be mindful of taxpayers.
Senate President Pro-Temp Glen Coffee told leaders he would work to maintain existing sales tax exemptions for the agricultural sector. He also warned of impending budget woes.
He said Obama called Governor Henry to express his concerns, and that the Federal Emergency Management Agency acted to provide rare individual assistance to storm victims in Carter, Oklahoma and Logan counties. “I’m profoundly grateful,” said Cole. Turning his attention to the stimulus, the lawmaker said “it’s one of the worst pieces of legislation I’ve seen in my life,” while admitting that Congress had to take action to bolster the “very serious situation.” Cole criticized the speed that backers used to push the measure to the president, and touched on what he said were the four components of the legislation. He said it included small tax cuts without appropriate incentives needed to spur the economy. The lawmaker said the measure also fell short on improving the infrastructure, with just about 7 percent targeted for roads, bridges and highways with no more than 11 to 12 percent in construction. “There are a lot of mistakes in this bill,” Cole declared. He said the measure will not allow the U.S. to “catch up” in military procurement, citing examples of aging airplanes still used in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. “This was an opportunity to address that, but we didn’t.” Cole said the measure contains “lots of spending,” and that two years from now when the program ends Congress will have to find a way to pay. He predicted it will require tax increases to pay for the program. “You don’t spend almost a trillion dollars”
State Sen. Brian Crain explained details of the Death Warranty Deed measure he shepherded through the legislature during last year’s session. He said the measure is law and will stay in statutes.
without ensuing tax increases. “At some point, you have to pay the piper. It’s too much and it will have some consequences. “We have a lot of solutions that are government heavy. We will,” he predicted, “see a huge emphasis on growth in government in the next few years.” he two leaders of the Oklahoma Legislature, Speaker of the House Chris Benge and Senate President Pro-Temp Glen Coffee, addressed leaders immediately following the Feb. 17 breakfast. Benge predicted lawmakers will “experience some very tough times” with budget issues. “We’re starting to see signs state revenue is changing. It’s going to create a lot of challenges for us. We have to just cut back, tighten our belts. We have to match our expenses with our income. . .live within our means. “It will be a tough time. . .but we’ll live within our means, and try to be mindful of you as a taxpayer.” Benge said there are four “big challenges” for Oklahoma lawmakers. He cited energy issues first, noting that the state is entering a climate where there will no longer be cheap energy. The Speaker said Oklahoma needs an energy plan that includes compressed natural gas and wind power. “If we can secure our energy future, we can secure our economic future,” he declared. Taking care of health care needs and creating a favorable business climate are two other important areas. He also said lawmakers need to look at education issues, to “prepare our kids for the competitive global
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OSU’s Shannon Ferrell updated those attending the conference on wind energy in the state. He said the industry has experienced explosive growth in Oklahoma since the first commercial tower was built in 2002.
marketplace. It’s something we need to meet head on.” Benge also touched on water in Oklahoma. “It’s going to be a big, big issue.” He said Oklahoma needs to determine its water supply and needs and “make sure we have plenty of water for all Oklahomans.” Coffee, saying that “agriculture is critical to Oklahoma and its economy,” promised to help protect the industry’s sales tax exemptions. “It doesn’t make sense to take the legs out from under agriculture. We’ll help protect them.” He also pointed to problems with county roads and bridges, saying they are a “multibillion-dollar problem that won’t be solved overnight.” Health care and enhanced access to ambulance and fire services are two other important areas lawmakers should examine. The senator also said the budget would be a concern, but noted Oklahoma was “in a position like very few other states” since it has monies in the rainy day fund that could be used to meet a crisis “head on.” Coffee mentioned public safety concerns caused by the lack of prison space in the state. But, he said he remains opposed to early release for violent prisoners.
ther speakers at the conference addressed issues such as immigration and wind energy. AFBF’s Paul Schlegal said immigration is a “tough issue to deal with.” He explained that of the 3 million workers in the agriculture sector, about a third are hired workers and of that third “half to three-fourths are not authorized.” He said a program is needed that provides agriculture the “workers it needs when they are needed.” Oklahoma State University’s Shannon Ferrell outlined the wind energy industry in Oklahoma, explaining site selections, landowner contracts and the permitting process. He said the industry has experienced “explosive growth” in AFBF’s Paul Schlegal talked about Oklahoma in just six years. immigration issues and how they impact “We’ll see more and more agricultural employers. He said a program is demand for clean technologies needed that provides agriculture workers when they are needed. like wind.”
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Four named Meritorious Service winners our state lawmakers were named recipients of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service Award at ceremonies during the 2009 OFB Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City. The names of Senator Don Barrington and Representatives Dale DeWitt, Danny Morgan and Phil Richardson were added to the prestigious list of almost 50 lawmakers honored by the program since it was initiated in 1990. The honorees for the 2008 legislative session were announced during a Feb. 16 banquet held in conjunction with the Leadership Conference. The Meritorious Service Award is designed to honor members of the legislature or other state elected officials whose philosophy or record demonstrates their commitment to the private enterprise system; sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau; and fiscal conservatism and reduced government regulation of agriculture, business and individuals. The primary basis for selection is the extent a lawmaker votes in agreement with Farm Bureau policy on key issues. Oklahoma Farm Bureau recognized each lawmaker for his dedicated efforts on behalf of state agriculture in areas such as private property rights, rural economic development and natural resources during the 2008 legislative session. The winners were selected by the state board of directors after being nominated by county Farm Bureaus.
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Sen. Don Barrington
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enator Barrington, a Lawton Republican, was nominated by the Comanche County Farm Bureau. The county praised the lawmaker, asserting that he “identifies well with Farm Bureau as a rural legislator.” “He is readily accessible, a good listener, and present at many rural activities including stock shows, rural fire department gettogethers, fairs and conservation activities,” said the county’s nominating form. Barrington has served as the District 31 senator since 2004. His district includes all of Cotton and Jefferson counties and parts of Comanche, Grady and Stephens counties. He spent 32 years with the Lawton Fire Department, with last six years as the fire chief for the city. He served three years in the U.S. Army, including an 18-month tour in Viet Nam where he received an Army commendation medal. Barrington serves on the Senate’s Agriculture & Rural Development, and chairs the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee. He also serves on the Tourism & Wildlife and Veterans & Military Affairs Committees. “He has supported and carried numerous legislative bills,” the county wrote in the nomination form. “Oklahoma Farm Bureau will not go wrong in choosing him for the Meritorious Service Award.”
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epresentative DeWitt, a Braman Republican, serves as District 38’s member of the House, winning the office
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Rep. Dale DeWitt
in a 2001 special election. His district includes parts of Garfield, Grant, Kay, Noble and Osage Counties. Kay County Farm Bureau nominated DeWitt for the honor, noting that he “has dedicated his entire career to bettering the agricultural industry in the state of Oklahoma.” DeWitt is a 1973 graduate of Oklahoma State University, and spent 26 years as the vocational agriculture instructor at Braman and three years at Helena-Goltry. He has a farm, where he raises wheat and cattle. “He represents a very rural and agricultural district. . .and his voting record reflects just that,” said the nominating form. “Also, he authored numerous bills to benefit the agriculture industry in our state. “But just as importantly, Rep. DeWitt took advantage of his role in House leadership by helping pass many bills behind the scenes that he had not authored such as the manure as hazardous waste bill and many trespassing bills.” Kay County also noted that the lawmaker has been very active in the county Farm Bureaus in his district, and regularly attends annual meetings and events sponsored by the counties as well as state Farm Bureau events. “Rep. DeWitt is a great asset, not only for Oklahoma Farm Bureau, but the entire agricultural industry in the state of Oklahoma,” the application noted. He serves as chairman of the Natural Resources & Regulatory Services Committee Rep. Danny Morgan
and is a member of the Agriculture & Rural Development, Appropriations & Budget, and Wildlife Committees. epresentative Morgan, a Prague Democrat, serves as the District 32 representative. The 1981 graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma is president of Morgan Well Service. Morgan’s district includes most of Lincoln County and a portion of Creek County. Lincoln County Farm Bureau nominated Morgan for the honor, declaring that he is “deserving of this award for many reasons including his service to the people of his district as well as his service to the state of Oklahoma.” The county said that Morgan, as House minority leader, has the opportunity to greatly influence other elected officials within the Democratic party. However, it also noted that the lawmaker allows his caucus to “hear our (Farm Bureau’s) message,” pointing to his move to allow members of his caucus to vote as they saw fit when it came to overriding the governor’s veto of OFB-supported trespass legislation. Morgan has supported OFB policy, voting for priority issues such as private property rights, increased penalties for trespassing and defining animal manure as not being a hazardous substance. “Rep. Morgan has an 89 percent voting record for the 2007-08 sessions,” the county said. “Rep. Morgan uses his vote to support
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Rep. Phil Richardson
Oklahoma Farm Bureau policy but one of the most important reasons he is deserving of the Meritorious Service Award is his leadership. Rep. Morgan leads his caucus with professionalism.” He serves on the Appropriations & Budget, Economic Development & Financial Services, and Energy & Utility Regulation Committees. epresentative Richardson, a Minco Republican, serves as the District 56 House member. His district includes parts of Caddo, Canadian and Grady counties. Both Caddo and Grady County Farm Bureaus nominated Richardson for the award, describing him as a “longtime friend of rural Oklahoma” and a “great asset” for the entire agricultural industry in Oklahoma. Richardson has spent the last 37 years as a veterinarian and farmer in the Grady, Caddo and Canadian County areas. After graduation from Oklahoma State University in 1967, he
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served four years in Viet Nam before returning and opening his veterinarian practice. “Rep. Richardson represents a very rural and agricultural district as the state capitol, and his voting record reflects just that,” wrote Grady County, noting that he authored key legislation for Farm Bureau over the past several years dealing with private property rights and trespassing. Caddo County wrote that Richardson “is always available” when the Farm Bureau has a concern, also noting that he has been a strong advocate for property rights. “Rep. Richardson is a great asset, not only for Oklahoma Farm Bureau, but the entire agricultural industry in the state of Oklahoma,” wrote Grady County. He serves as chairman of the Wildlife Committee, and is a member of the Agriculture & Rural Development, Natural Resources & Regulatory Services and General Government Committees.
Oklahomans champion immigration, checkoff measures at AFBF meeting klahoma Farm Bureau delegates attending the American Farm Bureau Federal annual convention in early January were able to convince their counterparts to support them on an issue tied to immigration reform. Delegates approved a measure to change the H-2A guest worker program, which currently requires foreign workers to be paid 75 percent of the contracted price. The measure adopted by delegates favors an adjustment to the price guarantee to allow for crop disasters. Language on the issue adopted by delegates stated that “the minimum guarantee should be no more than 35 percent of the original contract in the case of a significant event.” “If I contract with a group of workers to harvest my crop and I have a crop failure, then I’m on the hook for their wages without having any revenue from my crop or even a crop to harvest,” said OFB President Mike Spradling, who was a delegate at the convention. The delegates also expressed support for
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immigration reform that provides a more efficient temporary worker program for agriculture. They voted to support improved training for employers to help them understand and better use the current H-2A seasonal agricultural worker program, and better information delivery for new users of the program. The AFBF delegates also decided to support an increase in the national Beef Checkoff program. However, the delegates did not specify an amount for the increase. The action came after discussion, with Oklahoma delegate Bob Drake, who is OFB vice president and a state director from Davis, leading the rally to convince delegates to vote for the support. Drake, who also serves on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board in Oklahoma, explained to delegates that inflation had cut the value of funds raised from the original $1 per head checkoff in half. “I just said that as the largest and most powerful farm organization, with the largest Oklahoma Country • Spring 2009 • 33
number of cattle producers, that AFBF should not oppose an increase,” Drake explained. “Without Farm Bureau’s support there would not have ever been a referendum passed originally,” he added. Collection of the $1 per head checkoff began in 1988. “The checkoff has done a lot of good for the beef industry. It’s been good. It’s a very important issue,” Drake said. In addition to inflation taking its toll on collections, Drake said that both the number of cattlemen and cattle are down from 1988. Following the AFBF convention, Drake attended the Cattle Industry Convention where the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB) voted to ask USDA and Congress for changes in the checkoff act that would allow producers to vote on a referendum that would raise the checkoff fee from $1 to $2 per head. He said that meeting was not without contention. While the CBB supported the measure, potential opposition was expressed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Drake said he thinks USDA will look at the recommendation with some concerns. “I think they will look at it, but not unless the entire industry is together. And, they are not. The beef industry has to come together to be successful in doing anything with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling, left, is congratulated by AFBF President Bob Stallman Jan. 11 in San Antonio during the 90th AFBF annual meeting. Oklahoma Farm Bureau was recognized with a President’s Award for agriculture education and promotion, and also took home an Awards for Excellence trophy for implementing exemplary programs serving its members.
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checkoff. We have to agree within the beef industry to carry it forward.” Another issue addressed at the AFBF convention involved the news media reporting on food-borne disease outbreaks. Farm leaders were concerned that the media reports too quickly and could damage food companies and restaurants. “Those making public health decisions that result in product recalls, product seizures or destruction of perishable goods must be held accountable when such decisions prove false. Such entities must be required to compensate or indemnify individuals and companies for the monetary losses that occur,” said the policy adopted by delegates. Delegates also indicated renewed support for permanent repeal of the estate tax, which impedes farm families’ ability to keep farms in the family. Spradling was re-elected to a two-year term on the AFBF board of directors during the convention. “This is one of the greatest jobs I could have,” he said. “It’s at the top of our leadership structure and allows me to see how much impact my involvement has at the national level.” Approximately 130 Oklahoma farmers and ranchers attended the AFBF annual meeting, which was held in San Antonio, Tex.
AGRIFEST ore than $100 million in agricultural equipment, products and services were on display Jan. 9 and 10 during the 13th annual KNID Agrifest at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center in Enid. The two-day show featured some 250 exhibitors showing off the millions in agricultural equipment and services. Eight northwestern Oklahoma county Farm Bureaus sponsored a booth to promote the benefits to attendees of belonging to the state’s most influential farm organization. Alfalfa, Blaine, Garfield, Grant, Kingfisher, Kay, Major and Woods County Farm Bureaus combined to host the Farm Bureau booth
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Farm Bureau celebrates food’s affordability espite the economic slowdown, it is still possible to eat a healthy diet on a budget. Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers staged several events during National Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 15-21, to highlight food’s affordability. Food Check-Out week is an annual celebration of the fact consumers in this country spend less (about 10 percent) of their disposable income on food than consumers in any other country. On Feb. 16, members of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee donated $1,200 worth of food to the Ronald McDonald House in Oklahoma City. A similar donation was made Feb. 18 to the Ronald McDonald House in Tulsa. Ronald McDonald Houses provide a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children being treated at nearby hospitals. Donations provide families staying at the houses with needed staple food so they are better able to focus their attention on taking care of their children. “We want to help families struggling with sick children and at the same time let consumers know we produce the healthiest,
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most affordable food in the world,” said Clara Wichert, OFB Women’s Committee chair. “Through donations to the Ronald McDonald Houses, and other charities, we recognize the need everyone has to find solutions to feeding families healthy foods on a tight budget.” County Farm Bureaus donated to food pantries, food banks and others providing assistance during Food Check-Out Week. “Even in this tough economic time, farmers and ranchers are compelled to share their bounty with those less fortunate,” Wichert said. She encourages consumers to eat a diet that includes fresh fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and lean meat. According to the USDA, farmers receive only 19 cents out of every dollar spent on food. Even with the additional cost of processing and retailing, the average American can earn enough to pay for a year’s supply of food in just 37 days. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Committee supplied this table full of food to the Ronald McDonald House in Tulsa. The committee donated about $1,200 worth of food to the facility to mark Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 15-21. Pictured, from left, in this Feb. 18 presentation are FBW Committeewoman Lena Henson, Tulsa Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Glenda Love, Field Representative Robin Landrum, FBW Committeewoman Beverly Delmedico, FBW Coordinator Marcia Irvin and OFB Director Phyllis Holcomb.
during the show. County leaders manned the booth and explained the virtues of the organization to those attending. Several prizes also were awarded to those lucky enough to have their names drawn from the booth’s hopper. Garfield County Farm Bureau President Gary Johnson, left, and Kingfisher County Farm Bureau Director Joe Maly greet a couple visiting the Farm Bureau booth. Many visitors took gum and candy samples and nearly every visitor signed up for the drawing for hand tools and an air compressor. The second photo features the lineup of those working in the Farm Bureau booth on Jan. 9. Volunteers included, from left, Field Representative Burton Harmon, Garfield County Director Dean Hedges, Johnson and Maly. Oklahoma Country • Spring 2009 • 35
Garfield County Farm Bureau partners with Conservation District on big dirt scaper s part of their ongoing effort to support local farmers, ranchers and other landowners, the Garfield County Farm Bureau and the Garfield County Conservation District acquired an 8.5-yard dirt scraper to be available for rent to local producers. “We’re excited about this partnership between Farm Bureau and the local Conservation District,” said Gary Johnson, president of Garfield County Farm Bureau. “By working together, we can help Garfield County landowners better address some of the natural
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resource issues on their land.” The scraper, purchased by the Farm Bureau, will be maintained and administered by the Garfield County Conservation District. Landowners will be able, for a minimal fee, to rent the scraper to do needed improvement on their land. “Whether it’s building terraces, repairing gullies, or working on waterways, this scraper will really help,” said Dale Milacek, chairman of the Garfield County Conservation District. “We really appreciate the Farm Bureau
Cattle grazing conference set at Eastern Oklahoma State College n May 22-23, livestock industry representatives Bud Williams, Greg Judy and Donnell Brown will share their knowledge and experience at the “Seeds for Success” grazing conference at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Williams is highly sought after for his twoday seminars on low-stress livestock handling, developed through decades of experience on ranches all over the world. Williams will condense his main principles on that topic, as well as his unique marketing approach, into a single three-hour session covering both marketing and stockmanship. Judy will spend Saturday morning covering high stock density grazing and his signature
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“no-risk ranching” approach. Judy turned his family’s farm finances around by contract grazing on rented acreage. On their farm in Missouri, he and his wife, Jan, raise cattle, sheep, horses, goats, pigs, and chickens on grass pasture. They use no antibiotics, hormone implants, synthetic fertilizers or herbicides, or grain. Judy’s book, No Risk Ranching: Custom Grazing on Leased Land, explains the fundamentals of his signature approach to pasture-based profits in the livestock business. The book describes “how to make a living from the land without owning it” – an approach that took Judy from 40 stockers to over 1,100 head, and enabled him to pay off his farm and
working with us to provide this service to the producers of our county. Working together in projects like this helps all of us who care for the land.” Anyone interested in information on how to rent the scraper or anyone interested in other conservation programs can contact the Garfield County Conservation District at 580-237-7880. Garfield County Farm Bureau members and Garfield County Conservation District representatives pose with the 8.5-yard dirt scraper Feb. 27. The Farm Bureau purchased the scraper, and it will be maintained by the Conservation District. Landowners will be able to rent the scraper to do improvements on their land.
home loan in three years. Brown will describe how to match cattle to the environment in terms of both genetics and economics. Brown is the seedstock manager, and also handles marketing, for R.A. Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, Tex.. The ranch sells Red Angus females, Black and Red Angus, Simmental, SimAngus, and Hotlander bulls, semen from Black and Red Angus bulls, and Quarter Horses. Conference registration costs $200 and includes meals. Please RSVP with a $50 deposit by May 8 to Troy Walker, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Attn: Ag Division, 1301 West Main, Wilburton, OK 74578. For more information, contact Walker at 918-448-7300. The conference is sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College and the Kerr Center.