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Mutual funds are subject to market risk and possible loss of principal. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or pay money. Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC*+ 5400 University Ave. West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904 Life insurance and annuity products offered through Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,* West Des Moines, IA • Property-casualty products offered through Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company,+ Oklahoma City, OK *Affiliated +Not affiliated © FBL 2003 013 Oklahoma Country Contents Features 6 6 – Spiro to Seattle It’s about 2,000 miles from the southeastern Oklahoma town of Spiro to the Pacific Northwest hub of Seattle, Washington. But Ryan Franklin’s journey from his LeFlore County home in the quiet community of 2,300 to the rainy northwest’s largest city of more than 560,000 took about nine years and thousands upon thousands of miles.

BY MIKE NICHOLS 12 12 – The Power of Wind Greg Adams has been interested in wind energy potential since he was a little boy hanging on to a barbed wire fence to keep the wind from sweeping him off a hill in northwest Oklahoma. He’s now looking at wind differently as new opportunities emerge to harvest one of the state’s biggest resources.

BY TRACI MORGAN

Cover Image Columns Departments Oklahoma Farm Bureau member 2 – Presidentially Speaking 5 – Country Kitchen Ryan Franklin is on 4 – Country Gardening 18 – All Around Oklahoma the mound for the 17 – Insurance Matters 24 – Convention Roundup . 34 – Country Classifieds Photo courtesy of Ben VanHouten of the Seattle Mariners.

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Oklahoma Country • Winter 2004 • 1 PresidentiallySpeaking

Winter 2004 Y TEVE OUPLEN B S K Volume 56 No. 1 President, Oklahoma Country Oklahoma Farm Bureau (ISSN 1544-6476)

Published four times per year in April, July, October and January by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126, inter has been another challenge; holidays and New Years Telephone 405-523-2300. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, are a recent memory; and if you’re like me you’ve already and Additional Mailing Offices. W broken all your resolutions for the New Year. So, we’re off Postmaster: Send address corrections to: to the beginning of 2004 with basically the normal OKLAHOMA COUNTRY, P.O.B. 53332, Oklahoma City, OK opportunities and challenges that face us every New Year. 73152-3332. Oklahoma Farm Bureau, being the largest organization in Oklahoma with more than 156,000 members, begins each year with EDITORIAL TEAM Sam Knipp priority issues that are voted on and approved by delegates at our Director of Corporate Communications/ annual meeting every November. These issues are ones that either Public Relations have been directed to be priority issues, or have been chosen by the Mike Nichols state board of directors from resolutions passed at our convention. OKLAHOMA COUNTRY Editor and Senior Writer Traci Morgan Unlike the resolutions I made on New Year’s Day, Farm Bureau PERSPECTIVE and Online News Editor doesn’t break its resolutions. We work to ensure our policy book is our road map which we follow until our members change our destination. DIRECT YOUR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO This distinction is one we are extremely proud of because it OKLAHOMA COUNTRY guarantees our policy comes from our grassroots members in every Attn: Mike Nichols 2501 N. Stiles county in our state. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Because our state – like every other state in the union – is facing 405-523-2300, Ext. 2345 very tight budget issues, we know that we must be ever diligent in working with our elected officials to find solutions without enacting ADVERTISING POLICY additional burdensome taxes or fees on our members and citizens of All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. our state. Recent data does show that our economy is showing signs of Advertisers assume all liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to rebounding and hopefully those trends will continue to improve and cancel advertising. Publisher does not guarantee strengthen into our new year. advertiser service or products, and assumes no Our agricultural economy, too, has shown steady improvement in liability for products or services advertised in some areas, but as usual, our producers face issues of weather, input OKLAHOMA COUNTRY. costs, and uncertain trade concerns with our biggest importers. As a state that exports as much as two-thirds of the commodities we TO SUBSCRIBE produce, we must continue to work to add value to those products in OKLAHOMA COUNTRY subscription rate is $1 per year for members as part of the dues, our state and export them as higher valued items. This will not only $15 for non-members. help our state, but will help to add jobs in rural Oklahoma where we are seeing a slow, but steady, exodus to the urban areas of our state. WEB SITE Nationally we must work in D.C. to achieve the passage of an www.okfarmbureau.org energy bill that will include a renewable energy component. Renewables such as ethanol, bio-fuels, wind generation of electricity, OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS and soy-diesel cannot only reduce our dependence on foreign sources Steve Kouplen, President Ervin Mitchell, District 1 of energy, but also can help improve and strengthen our rural Merle Atkins, District 2 agricultural economy. Henry Jo VonTungeln, District 3 As you can see some things never change even if it is a new year. Bob Drake, District 4 There is no shortage of challenges or issues of concern, but as usual Larry Boggs, District 5 your staff and board will work to ensure that our policies are worked Wade Rousselot, District 6 on until they are achieved. Scott Dvorak, District 7 Billy Gibson, District 8 Have a wonderful new year and if your staff or I can be of any Mike Spradling, District 9 assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. Matt Wilson, Executive Director

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Oklahoma Country • Winter 2004 • 3 CountryGardening BY PAUL JOHNSON Extension Horticulturist, Oklahoma County Host of the Garden Show on AM1000 KTOK Saturday mornings in Oklahoma City

House Plant Care Editor’s Note: Oklahoma Country’s Country Gardening “specialized” plant lights except for of 60 to 70 F. degrees, but the humidity of the columnist Paul Johnson is on vacation. The House Plant germinating seeds. Either fluorescent or average home is too low to suit them. A plant Care information is authored by Oklahoma Cooperative incandescent lights are satisfactory for prospers in relative humidity of about 50 to 60 Service Horticulturist Paul J. Mitchell. growing plants. percent, which is more than most people like. Avoid placing plants in hot spots or cold This can be helped by using a humidifier, or drafts. Very few plants like the top of a T.V. set. by setting the pot on a tray of wet gravel. Do PLACEMENT: Success with house plants is Almost none will survive the blast from a not allow the water to rise above the bottom of governed by light, temperature, water, furnace vent, nor do they like to be placed the pot. A transparent polyethylene bag can be nutrients and humidity, along with the proper near a door where cold drafts alternate. draped over the top of plants which are soil. Very few plants tolerate dark corners. Most house plants prosper in a temperature excessively humidity sensitive or which are in Most house plants poor condition. Set require the light that the pot on water- would be found within covered gravel as four to eight feet of a well. bright south window. WATERING: More Some will tolerate light house plants some distance away. succumb from Too little light can improper watering result in tall, lanky, than from any other small-leafed plants. single cause. Too much light can Plants need to be cause leaf burn to thoroughly watered sensitive species like whenever they are African Violet. Do not watered. Enough place plants close water needs to be enough for the leaves poured in the pot to to touch the glass force water to drain window. Drapes should freely through the be left open during the drain hole at every day where house plants watering. Do not put are being grown. broken pots or gravel LIGHT: If the room is in the bottom of a not naturally lighted, pot with a drain hole. artificial lights should Cover the hole itself be used. A 100-watt with a small broken table lamp can be used piece of pot or about three feet above similar item to keep the plants. Specially soil from draining built fluorescent plant through the hole. lights or flood lamps Do not include are available. The other aggregates in deluxe cool white the bottom, since the fluorescent lights are aggregate actually just as good as the slows water 4 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2004 movement through a pot with a drain hole Country rather than aiding it. Research has shown that pots with the drain holes should be filled with Kitchen the proper soil medium to grow the plant. Pour water in the top of pots with drain holes until it comes to the brim of the pot top. LEMON-HERB BEEF POT ROAST If water does not drain out the bottom, 1 boneless beef chuck pot roast (3 to 3 1/2 pounds), rewater until it drains freely. Use tepid water 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cups baby carrots 1 pound red when watering house plants in the winter. skinned potatoes, halved, 1 medium onion cut into 6 A saucer will be needed to catch excess wedges, 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil water. Dump the excess. Do not allow excess Seasoning water to stand above the pot bottom. 2 teaspoons lemon pepper, 2 cloves garlic, minced, A better method of watering is to place the 1 teaspoon dried basil potted plant in a pan or basin filled with 1. Combine seasoning ingredients; press onto beef pot roast. Heat oil in Dutch oven over water. The water line should come to the top medium heat until hot. Brown pot roast. Pour off drippings. of the pot when placed in the basin. When 2. Add 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 2 hours. Add vegetables; continue cooking, covered, 30 to 45 minutes or until pot roast and vegetables water appears on the top of the soil, drain the are fork-tender. Remove pot roast and vegetables; keep warm. basin and allow the pot to drain thoroughly 3. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Stir in cornstarch mixture and 1/2 teaspoon basil. Cook before returning it to its location. and stir 1 minute or until thickened and bubbly. Carve pot roast. Serve with vegetables FERTILIZERS: The easiest way to fertilize and sauce. Makes 6 servings. your house plants is while watering. Select a liquid fertilizer for house plants and dilute it WINTER WHITE CHILI 1 pound lean ground pork, 1 medium onion, diced, as directed. Use it in the watering operation 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons chili about once every four to six weeks. Fertilizer powder, 1 16-ounce can white beans, drained, also frequently varies with season, amount of 1 14-ounce can corn, drained, 1 14 1/2-ounce can light, temperature, plant species and soil mix. chicken broth, 1 4-oz. can diced green chilies Do not fertilize as often or as much in the In large saucepan, brown pork with onion, stir in winter as in the summer, or in dark rooms as cumin and chili powder; stir well. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil, cover and simmer for in light rooms or in mixes with soil as with 15-20 minutes, until heated through and flavors are blended. Servings: 6 artificial soil mixes. Wash any liquid fertilizer Approximate Nutrient Information per Serving: Calories: 330, Sodium: 720 mg, off the soil promptly. Protein: 18 g, Cholesterol: 55 mg, Fat: 18 g, Sat. Fat: 6 g Very diluted household ammonia can be used as a supplement in fertilizing. However, SPICY MEXICAN PEANUT SOUP it applies only to nitrogen. Plants also need This hearty peanut soup with a spicy appeal can take the chill out of any winter evening. phosphorus and potassium, as well as other 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 onion, chopped, micro-elements found in commercial liquid 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups chopped, cooked fertilizers. Fertilizer brand is not important, chicken, 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) peeled, diced but the degree of solubility is. House plant tomatoes with green chilies, 1/2 cup creamy or fertilizer should be completely soluble in crunchy peanut butter, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon water. Specialty fertilizers may be purchased crushed red pepper flakes, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley, 1/4 cup chopped peanuts in most variety or garden stores. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is Shop wisely, and compare actual ingre- transparent. Add chicken, tomatoes, peanut butter, salt and red pepper flakes. Heat, dients and volume of fertilizer to total price. stirring occasionally, until peanut butter is melted. Blend in buttermilk and cook until Many highly advertised fertilizers have no heated through. Stir in cilantro or parsley. To serve, ladle soup in bowls and garnish with more fertility than less costly ones. However, cilantro and chopped peanuts. Yield: 4 servings (1 1/2 cups per serving) certain conveniences in using the fertilizer SOUTHWEST TORTILLA WRAPS should be considered as part of the price. 4 10-inch flour tortillas, 2 tablespoons low-fat salad Slow release tablet or pellet-type fertilizers dressing or mayonnaise, 1/2 cup chunky salsa, such as Agriform tablets or Osmocote pearls 4 oz. sliced turkey or roast beef, 1/3 cup shredded can also be used. A small amount of fertilizer low-fat cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup thin strips red pepper, 1/4 cup sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons sliced black dissolves with every watering. Follow label T FOODS COUNCIL directors for the amount to use for each pot olives, pinch of cayenne pepper (optional) Spread salad dressing on tortilla; spread salsa over size. Slow-release fertilizers are effective and

SOURCE:WHEA salad dressing. Top with meat, cheese, vegetables and convenient. cayenne pepper as desired. Roll and serve or heat 45 seconds in microwave on medium TIPS: The pleasing natural gloss of leaves is power. Each tortilla can be wrapped in plastic wrap after rolling and then refrigerated. enhanced more by cleaning with water or with Serves 4. a weak solution of a mild soap than with leaf Nutrition analysis (per serving): Calories: 140, Carbohydrate: 19 g, shining products. Remove any soap residue Protein: 7 g, Fat: 4 g , Fiber: 1 g, Sodium: 390 mg WHEAT FOODS COUNCIL with clear water. Spiro to Seattle

The trip for this Oklahoma Farm Bureau member to fulfill a dream has covered many years and thousands upon thousands of miles.

BY MIKE NICHOLS

6 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2004 o to Seattle

t’s about 2,000 miles from the southeastern Oklahoma town of “The minor leagues are like being in boot camp,” says Ryan. “But, I Spiro to the Pacific Northwest hub of Seattle, Washington. think the minors helped me continue to work and keep up good work But Ryan Franklin’s journey from his LeFlore County home habits. It had always been my dream to pitch in the majors and I was iin the quiet community of 2,300 to the rainy northwest’s largest city of going to stay with it until I made it.” more than 560,000 took about nine years and thousands upon He logged thousands of miles on buses in the minor’s system. There thousands of miles. were no airplanes waiting for the major league prospects working their He began his odyssey in 1991 while he was a senior at Spiro High way through the “farm team” system. Instead, there were many 16-hour School, pitching the Bulldogs to the Class 2A state championship and bus rides plus stays in motels that will never earn a single star from AAA. earning All-State honors. “You lived with two or three different guys and you just tried to make “We won the first state championship at Spiro in any sport. It was,” it,” says Ryan. says Ryan, “a pretty special team.” His solid performance in the minors caught the eye of general He and a teammate were drafted by teams managers, scouts and one very important selection committee. The U.S. following the 1991 season, and two other teammates signed with colleges. Olympic Committee came calling and the right-hander earned a Ryan didn’t sign after being drafted in the 25th round in 1991, opting pitching spot and round trip ticket to the XXVII Olympic Games in instead to travel State Highway 9 from Spiro to Seminole Junior Sydney, Australia. College where he played for the legendary Lloyd Simmons on the Team USA Baseball was composed of a pitching staff of high draft perennial powerhouse Trojan baseball team. picks and an everyday lineup of big league castoffs under the guidance He was undefeated in his two years at Seminole. The Seattle of Hall of Famer . Mariners drafted him in the 23rd round of the 1992 draft, but Ryan “I wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity if I still hadn’t been in the returned to Seminole for the 1993 season where he went 12-0 en route minors. You couldn’t be on the 40-man roster of a Major League to earning Junior College All-American honors and tantalizing the Baseball team.” Division 1-A college recruiters and pro baseball scouts with his Lasorda sensed he had something special with the 2000 2.99 ERA (). team. “I had a lot of offers. I could probably have went anywhere I “I said when this is over, everybody in the world is going to wanted,” Ryan remembers. “If I’d went to OU, I would have know about these players,” the ex-Dodger manager said been on the national championship team.” about the team. “And by golly, they do.” This time the lure of a career was Lasorda’s expectations were realized. Team USA won the strong, and the Junior College All-American pitcher accepted Gold Medal in 2000, its first-ever gold in baseball since the an offer and became a member of the Seattle Mariners sport was granted medal status in 1992. The U.S. Olympic organization. Committee later named the baseball team its 2000 Team “I was just ready to go on to the next level.” of the Year. Ryan’s first assignment with the Mariners was with “It was something special,” says Ryan, the team’s Minor League A team in Bellingham, remembering that Sept. 27 day in Sydney Wash. He played a “short season” there, which when “we cleared the benches with them started in June 1993. (Cuba). We got in a pretty heated He headed east in August 1994, when game.” the Mariners sent him to an Appleton, The USA posted a historic 4-0 Wisc., minor league team. Two months later, Ryan was off to Riverside, Calif., A slightly younger Ryan is pictured with where he finished the 1994 season. His his Olympic Gold Medal and warm-up journey took him to Wilmington, N.C., for jacket in this photo, which is courtesy of the 1995 and 1996 AA seasons before he the Oklahoma Sports Museum. The museum honored Ryan following his finally was assigned to the Mariner’s AAA outstanding pitching performance in the farm team in Tacoma, Wash., in 1997. 2000 Olympic Games. Oklahoma Country • Winter 2004 • 7

shutout over defending champion Cuba, leaving them without a gold lot of countries that I’d never heard of,” and getting to watch other USA medal for the first time in three Olympic tournaments. teams compete in venues ranging from beach volleyball to women’s “The Olympic Gold Medal is the highlight of my career. It mattered. softball are important parts of his Olympic experience. It felt to me that I was actually doing something for my country – “It was,” he says with a smile, “pretty special.” something I never thought that I’d do.” And Lasorda? Ryan was a relief pitcher for Lasorda in the Olympics and won three “He’s a pretty good friend now. He’s a comical guy. There was never a games coming out of the bullpen for Team USA. His three-win pitching quiet moment.” performance not only helped the team to a Gold Medal but also earned With about 20,000 air miles logged to and from Australia, an Olympic him an Olympic record for the most wins by an individual pitcher. Gold Medal to his credit and eight successful years in the minors Ryan While the Gold finally got the Medal game and the pitched by number 45, Ryan Franklin, will be opportunity he had medal ceremony are an integral part of the Seattle Mariners games for at worked so hard to least the next two years. The Associated Press reported memories he treasures, in mid-December that Franklin had signed a two-year, earn. The Mariners “meeting people from a $4.3 million deal with the American League club. summoned him to the team’s 40-man roster. Now it’s charted jets to games and five-star accommodations. “I remember what it took to get here and it makes me appreciate it that much more.” He spent the first year and a half as a long reliever out of the bullpen with the Mariners, establishing himself as a dependable right- hander before earning a spot in the starting rotation in the 2003 season. “I didn’t think I was going to be nervous my first pro game, but I had buddies telling me I was chewing my gum a million miles per hour. I tried not to be nervous, but I couldn’t help it.” Facing his first batter as a Mariner, Ryan remembers the pitch being hit but resulting in a routine fly ball out. “I thought to myself this is easy. The next guy hit a homerun.” After pitching his way into the starting rotation, Ryan made his debut on April 23, 2002, a memorable one. Going against Anaheim, he recorded a 1-0 victory retiring 15 of the first 16 batters he faced by throwing 51 strikes in only 68 pitches and allowing only one base runner through five innings. He finished the 2003 season with a record of 11-13 with a 3.57 ERA, good enough for ninth in the American League. “I had a real good season,” says Ryan, calling his best game a two-hit, complete game shutout over Oakland. “I really learned a lot this year. You have to accept that not every time (out) you’re going to be good. You are going to fail sometimes.” The 2003 season started with great promise for the Mariners. The team led the AL West for 134 days beginning on May 16 only to end the 162-game season in second place behind the 8 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2004