nWoman’ By Mike Nichols
unners to capture the gold in the grueling 26-mile Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. “It probably will be the last time I’ll ever win it,” said Tracy, who already had two second place finishes in the Oklahoma City Memorial on her resume. The marathon commemorates the 168 people killed in the 1995 federal building bombing. It starts next to the memorial for the 168 people who died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Runner’s World magazine has called the Oklahoma City event one of 12 “must run” marathons in the world, with running expert Bart Yasso pegging it the nation’s “Most Memorable” running event. “We are much more than a race. We are truly becoming the ‘Run to Remember’,” said Thomas Hill, president of the Memorial Marathon. “The fact that the most respected publication in the running community would recognize our marathon as the Most Memorable indicates that we are achieving our stated goal, to honor their memory, celebrate life, and reach for the future.” “I will do it again. I’ll do it just for the whole purpose of it,” said Tracy of the Oklahoma City Memorial.
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he has participated in 10 marathons, and qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon several times. But Tracy ran there only once, in 2000. “One time is good enough. It was fun, but it was cold.” Tracy began her running career about 10 years ago after a couple of her friends “talked me into it.” After getting started, she said she “really liked it.” “It’s a love-hate thing. You feel like you’ve accomplished something when you’re done,” which she said helps counteract the pain and anguish of the long-distance races. “My daughter,” said Tracy, “thinks I’m crazy.” Even when she’s not training for a race, Tracy logs 8 or 9 miles a day and “longer on the weekends.” She does take one day off from running per week, however. Her race training typically starts about two months out from the day of the race. “If you go out any further, you get worn out from the training.” Tracy also lifts weights and cross trains on bicycles, and even manages to teach a “spinning” exercise class on bicycles each Saturday in Woodward. “I finally won one,” she said, minutes before resuming her duties of checking hail-damaged roofs. ”I just got lucky.”
Woodward District Claims adjuster Tracy Evans is Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s “Marathon Woman.”
Oklahoma Country • Summer 2004 • 19
Traveling the Background: Located less than 100 miles from Florida, Havana, the capitol of Cuba, beckons American tourism dollars. Unfortunately, Americans are one of the few world citizens that cannot freely travel to Cuba because of trade and travel restrictions. Cuba needs tourism dollars to buy U.S. agricultural products. First row, left to right: “Cuba is ready to purchase $10 million of Oklahoma agriculture products,” Pedro Alvarez, (left) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alimport, Cuba’s trade agency, told OFB President Steve Kouplen. A decades-long embargo restricts trade and travel with the exception of limited food and medicine sales to Cuba on a cash-only basis. Work horses are still a common sight on many Chinese farms. Here a Chinese farmer plants pine seedlings for a windbreak near Harbin in northeast China. Bottom row, left to right: During a tour of Cuban farms Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders saw first hand the equipment employed by their Caribbean counterparts. From left, OFB President Steve Kouplen, OFB Treasurer Mike Spradling, OFB Vice President Bob Drake and OFB Young Farmer and Rancher Chairman Matt Muller. The stoic face of Mao Zedong, the founding father of China’s Communist Party, greets visitors to this public building near Tieneman Square in Beijing. Even though China remains staunchly Communist it has become a powerful player in global trade. A street entertainer smiles for the crowd during a performance in Old Havana. Almost 2 million tourists from around the world, except the U.S., enjoy the sights and sounds of this Caribbean nation that derives 40 percent of its economy from tourism. There is a wide gap between Japanese consumers and farmers, especially in the realm of biotechnology. Despite the gap, Japanese consumers enjoy a wide variety when they visit the meat market.
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GLOBE Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen has been traveling the globe in hopes of improving international trade. By Sam Knipp
lipping effortlessly between countries, exploring the exotic and economic, Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Steve Kouplen has traveled a golden path paved with the prospects of international trade. Beginning with China and Japan in March, Cuba in April and Mexico in June, Kouplen has delved into the complex world of international trade with gusto. As a member of American Farm Bureau’s Trade Advisory Committee, Kouplen jumped at the chance to promote Oklahoma agriculture products while experiencing other cultures. “I’m interested in learning about other countries and how trade is developed,” Kouplen said. The Beggs rancher’s appetite for export knowledge is fueled by a burgeoning importance of agricultural sales abroad. In 2003, Oklahoma exported $2.6 billion worth of agricultural products, electrical equipment, chemicals and machinery. Almost onefourth of all the goods were purchased by China, Japan and Mexico. “We (the U.S.) produce more than we consume, so we must export to maintain a healthy agriculture industry,” Kouplen said. Farm Bureau has a long history of trumpeting trade, usually prefixing the word with “free” meaning free of trade restrictions. But Kouplen prefers to use fair trade. “Trade is a two-way street,” Kouplen said, “and it must be fair for both countries. We need to understand the issues, both political and economic, other countries have with trade.” There is no better way than following the adage “seeing is believing.” “You have to see China to understand how vast and massive that country really is,” Kouplen said. “You can read news stories about China, but until you actually go there do you understand the global impact of a country with more than one billion people.” The China leg of Kouplen’s global wanderings was focused on promoting the safe, effective use of biotechnology. “Feeding and
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clothing one billion people poses challenges that can best be met using biotechnology,” Kouplen said. Taking full advantage of biotechnology may pose an even larger challenge. Because of the small plots, less than an acre, typical of most Chinese farms, imposing separation requirements on genetically modified (GMO) crops would reduce or eliminate the economic viability of most farms. At the same time, larger farming operations in the grain producing areas of northeast China could make good use of the technology. Currently, BT cotton is the only GMO crop China’s government has approved for planting. “Chinese consumers have a limited awareness of GMO technology but there appears to be little concern about the crops’ safety,” Kouplen said. That was not the case when Kouplen reached Japan where an internal GMO debate between consumers and farmers is raging like an out-ofcontrol prairie fire. Fueled by a plethora of misinformation, consumers are dead set against GMO crops. Many Japanese farmers would like to plant biotech crops; however, they are very concerned about losing markets. “A huge gap exists between farmers and consumers in Japan,” Kouplen said. “As an American farmer wanting to sell products to Japan, I have to help close that gap and reassure the Japanese consumers GMO crops are safe and efficient.” An entirely different situation greeted Kouplen when he landed in Havana, Cuba. “We want to buy Oklahoma products,” the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernando Remirez told Kouplen and the group of Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders accompanying him on a trade mission organized by U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma. Remirez and other Cuban officials emphasized the Caribbean nation’s appetite for bread and beef, both of which could be easily assuaged by the Oklahomans. There is only one obstacle -- and it’s huge--the decades-long U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba. “Cuba is ready to purchase up to 60 percent of their food and other goods from the U.S. when trade restrictions are lifted,” said Pedro Alvarez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Empresa Comercializadora de Alimenentos, referred to as Alimport, the department responsible for Cuban trade. During talks with Alimport officials, the Farm Bureau leaders agreed to continue working on a trade package that would sell up to $10 million of Oklahoma agriculture products to Cuba. Trade was only part of the reason Kouplen joined AFBF President Stallman on a three-day summer jaunt to Mexico City. “Mexican agriculture producers have long wanted to organize a group similar to Farm Bureau,” Kouplen said. “This trip formally recognized the establishment of Consejo Nacional Agropecuario of Mexico, Farm Bureau’s counterpart in Mexico,” Kouplen said. Kouplen said the new farm group will help educate Mexican producers on new farming practices and could lead to increased trade as the U.S. and Mexico grow ever closer. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasting 2004 U.S. agriculture exports at a record $61.5 billion, international travel will continue to be a frequent visitor on Kouplen’s calendar. Oklahoma Country • Summer 2004 • 21
All Around
Oklahoma
Canola plants make for a picturesque setting in fields when they are in full bloom.
Making Canola Work in Oklahoma re you cooking with canola today? The oilseed crop that produces one of the healthiest cooking oils is being adapted to Oklahoma. Canola, traditionally grown in the northern part of the United States, is venturing into the southern region of the Plains. In a joint endeavor, Monsanto and Oklahoma State University researchers and agronomists are introducing canola as an effective winter rotational crop. More than 10,000 acres of winter canola will be planted this fall in the Sooner State in cooperation with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Canola has the potential to become an economical winter rotational crop, according to Dr. Tom Peeper, OSU weed control and small grains professor. “Canola will give wheat growers the opportunity to produce a commodity that is not tied to the grain market, like sorghum and corn,” said Peeper. “Canola is marketed through the oilseed market.”
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Current research shows that canola can improve yields and quality of winter wheat planted after a canola rotation. Limited studies show a 10 to 15 percent increase in winter wheat yields following canola in comparison to wheat following wheat. Hennessey wheat farmers Earl and Loy Marshal are pleased with the results as well as the research that has been conducted on canola as a winter rotational crop. “By using canola as a winter rotational crop in our operation we are able to break the disease and weed cycle in our wheat fields,” said Loy. “In return, research is showing an increase in wheat yields after a year of using canola.” In addition to a potential increase in yields, canola is considered a logical rotational crop for wheat producers, added Loy. Planting and harvesting dates are the same as wheat and the same equipment used to plant and harvest wheat can be applied to canola.
Because canola is a hardy winter rotational crop and provides weed control advantages in a rotation program, Pepper is optimist that Oklahoma will have more than 30,000 acres of canola planted next fall by individual farmers. Canola currently is being marketed through Johnston Enterprises – headquartered in Enid, with several branches in the state’s northwestern region. Peeper adds there are several other area grain elevators and co-ops interested in marketing the crop in the future. “There is an unsatisfied demand for canola in the United States,” said Pepper. “Currently, the United States imports two million acres of production each year. The food manufacturers have a growing demand for canola oil that is not being received.” With the continued demand for canola oil in the food industry, OSU and Monsanto hope to increase the interest and supply of canola in the state and provide a profitable and marketable rotational crop to traditional wheat farmers.
Several OFB priority issues become law
*State voters must pass the cigarette tax increase on the November ballot for the elimination of the capital gains tax to take effect. Rich said progress also was made in the landowner liability area. Landowners now may charge up to $10 per acre for recreational use of their land and retain the limited liability accorded to an owner when the use is free. In addition, a written waiver of liability is binding upon the user, and another provision limits the use of joint and several liability. “If the plaintiff is also at fault, a defendant who is less than 50 percent at fault is only responsible for that percentage of the verdict and not the whole,” said Rich. The moratorium on the out-of-state sale of water was extended for five years. OFB also was instrumental in killing attempts to limit a landowner’s ability to obtain adequate surface damages from oil and gas producers. The organization also backed legislation allowing the creation of a state beef check-off program should all or some part of the national program be found to be unconstitutional. It allows for a total of one dollar per head to be collected on a voluntary basis. Legislation also passed the legislature naming the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture the official animal identification agency of the state on matters pertaining to animal identification.
everal issues atop Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s priority list soon will become law in the Sooner State, capping what could prove to be one of the more productive legislative sessions. “I do believe the session, which came to a close May 28, may be the most productive for OFB since I’ve been here,” said OFB Public Policy Director Jeramy Rich. Already signed into law, Senate Bill 851 protects rural property owners from unwanted annexation by exempting farming units of five acres or more from municipal ordinances. When the ink dries from the governor’s signature on SB 905, rural property owners will have additional protection from municipal encroachment. The measure limits a municipality’s ability to annex property without owner consent. “A narrow fence line along three sides will no longer be sufficient for a municipality to annex without the consent of the landowners,” said Rich. “It requires a municipality to gain meaningful consent from landowners in areas of proposed annexation and should put the brakes on ‘fence row annexation’ some cities use in an attempt to levy sale tax against distant businesses.” OFB was successful again in its effort to derail measures seeking to increase millages as well as those designed to eliminate the 60 percent super majority. “It seems we fight this battle every session. It is something we will klahoma Farm Bureau leaders and members have the opportunity always have to defend to help begin the organization’s annual policy development process against,” said Rich. by attending August Area Meetings. There was some The schedule of the area meetings, listed by state director district, is: positive news related to • District 1, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Rocking H in Guymon; or Aug. 17, 6 p.m., tax measures. Three Elks Lodge in Woodward. OFB-supported • District 2, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Quartz Mountain State Lodge in Mangum. measures – expansion of • District 3, Aug. 12, 6 p.m., Canadian County Farm Bureau office in the earned income cap El Reno. for those over 65 to • District 4, Aug. 17, 6 p.m., Lake Murray State Lodge in Ardmore; or quality for a freeze on ad Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m., Stephens County Farm Bureau office in Duncan. valorem increases; • District 5, Aug. 19, 6 p.m., Pete’s Place in McAlester. elimination of the • District 6, Aug. 5, 11:30 a.m., Cowboy Junction in Vinita; or Aug. 5, capital gains tax*; and a 6 p.m., Jaspers in Muskogee. $5 per ton tax credit for • District 7, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Ramada Inn in Enid. the purchase and • District 8, Aug. 12, 6 p.m., Agri-Plex in Ada. transportation of poultry • District 9, Aug. 4, 6 p.m., Freddies in Mannford. litter – were approved.
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Area Meetings set for August
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Farm, ranch policies do not cover ATVs; ORV policy is needed FBMIC implemented a new ORV (off-road vehicle) policy in the summer of 2003 designed to cover ATVs (all terrain vehicles) used for any purpose, whether on the farm or ranch or off. As farm and ranch policies renew, they no longer provide any coverage for an ATV. Prior to this change, most farmers and ranchers thought that with a farm and ranch policy in place that there was unlimited liability coverage for their ATV when, in fact, they had limited liability coverage. Optional physical damage was available for an additional premium. Homeowner policyholders had to insure their ATVs on a motorcycle policy. Claims from ATVs on farm and ranch policies have been severe and costly even with the limited coverage. To our knowledge, no other companies provide this extensive coverage on a farm and ranch policy. The new ORV policy is designed to put all ATV risks, both farm and urban, on the same policy. The current premium for the new policy is 15 percent below our motorcycle rates. However, it is the company’s plan to implement a significant premium discount based on farm use versus non-farm use. This new discount will make the ORV policy a much more competitive product. As this new policy develops, we will be further refining the rates to make them as low as possible for all members. Since the farm and ranch policy no longer has coverage for ATVs, the farmer-rancher who doesn’t own an ATV will not continue to subsidize the cost of claims for those who do own an ATV. If you have any further questions, please contact your agent for information.
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POLITICAL RALLY Rare exhibit of Vatican treasures makes only U.S. stop in Oklahoma rare exhibition of Etruscan treasures from the Gregorian-Etruscan Museum of the Vatican Museum and the private collections of Italian Prince Fabrizio Alliata is making its only stop in the United States through Oct. 31 at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art in Shawnee. “Unveiling Ancient Mystery: Etruscan Treasures” contains more than 200 pieces of Etruscan gold jewelry and 30 pieces of Etruscan bronze and terra cotta artifacts. The artifacts have never been displayed outside the Vatican and it is the first time the gold jewelry ever has been exhibited. This is the world’s only showing before the pieces are sent back to Italy. Tickets for “Etruscan Treasures” can be purchased for scheduled times through Tickets.com online or by calling 1-800-5111552. The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is located at 1900 W. MacArthur Drive on the campus of St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee. “Prince Fabrizio Alliata’s collection is the finest example of Etruscan gold jewelry I have had the opportunity to both see and study,” said Vatican Museums Director General Dr. Francesco Buranelli. The exhibition is being brought to Oklahoma by the National Exhibits Foundation, which is headed by executive director Rev. Malcolm Neyland. “Prince Fabrizio Alliata has been extremely generous in allowing the United States, in particular the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, to be the first public venue of more than 220 excellent Etruscan pieces. Not even the Italians have had the first opportunity to view this fine collection from the prince. And the pieces from the Etruscan Vatican Museums are outstanding,” Rev. Neyland said. “Etruscan Treasures” leads visitors through full-color reproductions of the Etruscans’ whimsical and delicately executed tomb paintings. Antenna Audio
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Seminole County Farm Bureau joined forces with the Seminole Producer to sponsor a political rally recently. State Senator Harry Coats was one of many local politicians on hand to address the rally, which attracted more than 200 to the Seminole Church of Christ. In addition to Coats, candidates for the state representative seat being vacated by Dan Boren also appeared before the rally as well as one candidate for Congress. County candidates, ranging from clerk to sheriff, also were given the opportunity to sway voters. In addition to the rally, there were also election board officials on site to offer easy voter registration. The rally kicked off with a free meal.
Seminole County Farm Bureau President Syd Morgan explained the ground rules and time limits on speakers before politicians took center stage at the recent Political Rally. All candidates for local office were invited to attend.
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These still bright earrings, crafted sometime between 500 and 700 B.C., show the exquisite craftsmanship of the Etruscan people.
tours will be available. Admission to “Etruscan Treasures” will be $14 for adults; $12 for seniors and tour groups; $10 for youth ages 6 to 16; $10 for those with a student I.D.; and free for children age 5 and younger. Tickets include the cost of the Antenna Audio tour. “Etruscan Treasures” has been designated as an official Centennial project by the Oklahoma Centennial Commemoration Commission. For more information, contact the MabeeGerrer Museum of Art at (405) 878-5300.
You could win a Dodge t’s time for Farm Bureau members between the ages of 17 and 35 to make preparations to enter the annual Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award contest and Discussion Meet. “The winner of the each award receives the use of a new Dodge pickup for a year plus $500 cash from Dodge,” said Marcia Irvin, Oklahoma YF&R coordinator. The deadline for Achievement Award applications is Sept. 1, while Discussion Meet entry forms must be received by Oct. 15. “Anyone with questions is more than welcome to contact me at 405-523-2300, extension 2405. I will be glad to help.” The state winners will be named at the annual convention in November. In addition
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to the pickup and cash prize, that winner also receives an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in January to represent Oklahoma in the national contest. The winner of the national contest drives home a Dodge pickup to keep.
Oklahoma Country • Summer 2004 • 25
Guard against possible West Nile virus infection The mosquito is the primary vector for West Nile virus. The CDC said there were 79 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans in Oklahoma last year.
RECORD BREAKING BUYERS OFB Directors Bill Gibson and Mike Spradling (second and third from left, respectively) represented Farm Bureau as a purchaser of the grand champion market lamb at the annual Oklahoma Youth Expo Sale of Champions March 22. Guthrie FFA member LeeAnna McNally won the grand champion with her 152-pound crossbred lamb named Dwayne. LeeAnna, a May graduate of Guthrie High School, plans to attend Oklahoma State University. She got a big assist for her future college expenses when her lamb sold for a record $26,000 to OFB and Blue and Gold Sausage in the Sale of Champions. LeeAnna said her mom and dad “are banking on that” premium money being put to use for college. OFB was a major buyer again, purchasing 21 animals. Prior to the first animal being sold, OFB as recognized with the 2003 Volume Buyer Award for purchasing the most animals at last year’s auction.
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est Nile virus has crossed the continent much more quickly than expected. In some states, human outbreaks have appeared in every county. Some experts have speculated that increasingly warm weather could help sustain the presence of the virus or that it will move in cycles. However, according to the CDC, continued expansion of West Nile virus indicates it is permanently established in the Western Hemisphere. The mosquito is the primary vector for West Nile virus transmission. The chances of becoming severely ill from any one mosquito bite are small, but those at risk are encouraged to take precautions. CDC says only about two persons of every 10 who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Serious illness and death are possible, particularly in persons over the age of 50. People who spend a lot of time outdoors are more likely to be bitten by an infected mosquito. They should take special care to avoid mosquito bites. The CDC recommends using insect repellants with DEET and wearing light, long-sleeved clothing when outdoors. “We urge everyone who spends time outdoors to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding. Symptoms of West Nile virus can vary. Most infections are mild, occurring about three to 15 days after the infected bite. The virus can interfere with central nervous system functioning and cause inflammation of the brain that, in a few cases, can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, headache and body ache. Occasionally, a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes develop. More severe infections could cause a headache, high fever, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Only three to 15 percent of people with a severe case die from the infection. Worldwide, more people die from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes than from any other cause. The CDC said there were 79 confirmed cases of West Nile in humans in Oklahoma last year. None, however, were fatal.
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Food & Agricultural Products Center Pilot Plant Facilities • Technical Assistance • Total Quality Management HACCP & Food Safety Training • Business & Marketing Assistance
148 FAPC • Oklahoma State University • Stillwater, OK 74078-6055 • (405) 744-6071• (405) 744-6313 FAX • www.fapc.okstate.edu
Adding Value to Oklahoma
Retail food prices drop etail prices for food at the supermarket dropped 2.5 percent in the second quarter of 2004, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation marketbasket survey. The informal survey on the total cost of 16 basic grocery items showed a decrease of 99 cents from the 2004 first quarter survey. The $38.85 average paid by volunteer shoppers for the 16 items is, however, $2.81 higher than the 2003 second quarter survey average of $36.04. While the survey average has increased from a year ago, food remains affordable overall. Since its inception in 1989, the AFBF marketbasket survey average has increased at a rate lower than other cost-of-living increases. Of the 16 items surveyed, 11 decreased and five increased in average price compared to the 2004 first quarter survey. Corn oil showed the largest decrease, down 51 cents to $2.58 per 32-oz. bottle. The
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average price for whole milk and large eggs dropped 37 cents each, to $3.50 per gallon and $1.20 per dozen, respectively. After rising 48 cents in the first quarter, vegetable oil decreased 32 cents, to $2.44 per 32-oz. bottle. While the cost of raw farm commodities is often a fraction of the price consumers pay for food, the decline in vegetable oil and milk prices also tracks with the lower prices
farmers received this past month, said AFBF Senior Economist Terry Francl. “Looking at another example, after increasing for nine months, soybean prices dropped 85 cents per bushel or 8.9 percent from May to June and corn prices dropped 4.5 percent,” Francl said. “Milk prices received by farmers declined $1 per hundredweight or 5.2 percent.” Other items that decreased in price: • Russet potatoes, down 26 cents to $1.70 per 5-pound bag; • Toasted oat cereal, down 23 cents to $2.77 per 10-oz. box; • Whole fryers, down 17 cents to $1.07 per pound; • Ground chuck, down 13 cents to $2.35 per pound; • Flour, down 11 cents to $1.51 per 5-pound bag; • Pork chops, down 8 cents to $3.34 per pound; and • Mayonnaise, down 4 cents to $3.23 per 32-oz. jar.