FARM BUREAU

® ERSPECTIVE P June 13, 2014 OKAgFund endorses, supports OKFB calls for candidates in state elections comments on

As the Oklahoma primary election ap- Greg Howard, HD 63; Will Fourkiller, HD Clean Water Act proaches on June 24, the OKAgFund recently 86; and , HD 100. expansion announced its endorsement of 21 candidates The OKAgFund made contributions to running for election in state Senate and several statewide candidates, including Gov. House races. Mary Fallin, Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Attorney Oklahoma Farm Bureau urges members The OKAgFund, Oklahoma Farm Bu- General Scott Pruitt, State Treasurer Ken to comment on the expansion of the Clean reau’s political action committee, is made up Miller, Insurance Commissioner John Doak Water Act through the proposed Waters of OKFB members from across the state who and Corporation Commissioner . of the U.S. rule. The proposed rule would identify candidates who demonstrate beliefs The OKAgFund contributed to the fol- remove the word “navigable” from the Clean and actions that are consistent with OKFB lowing Senate campaigns: , SD Water Act, expanding the EPA’s regulatory policies, regardless of political affiliation. 6; , SD 10; John Sparks, SD 16; reach beyond “navigable” waters. It would While the OKAgFund contributes financially Stephanie Bice, SD 22; ; SD open potential regulation for ditches, ponds, to several state campaigns, an endorsement 24; Rick Brinkley, SD 34; Bill Brown, SD 36; waterways, streams that only have water in is the highest level of support the committee and Ralph Shortey, SD 44. them for short periods of time, and other gives to select candidates. The OKAgFund also contributed to the localized waters that are non-navigable. “Agriculture is one of Oklahoma’s top following House campaigns: John Bennett, A link to the comment page and more producing industries, and it is essential that HD 2; Mike Brown, HD 4; , information about the proposed rule is avail- our legislators understand and are sympathetic HD 6; , HD 7; Earl Sears, HD able at www.okfarmbureau.org. Some sample to the issues affecting the state’s farmers and 11; Ed Cannaday, HD 15; Donnie Condit, text is provided; however, it is recommended ranchers,” said John Collison, OKFB vice HD 18; Bobby Cleveland, HD 20; Charles that members share their own stories on president of public policy and media relations. McCall, HD 22; Terry O’Donnell, HD 23; how the rule would negatively impact them. candidates receiving an Justin Wood, HD 26; Kevin Wallace, HD 32; The comment period ends Oct. 20. endorsement from the OKAgFund include Dennis Casey, HD 35; Ralph Meade, HD 38; Adoption of the proposed rule would , SD 4; Curtis McDaniel, SD 5; John Pfeiffer, HD 38; Aaron Stiles, HD 45; expand the EPA’s regulatory authority on , SD 12; Frank Simpson, SD Pat Ownbey, HD 48; , HD water to unprecedented levels. Many farm- 14; , SD 18; A.J. Griffin, SD 20; 49; Scott Biggs, HD 51; Harold Wright, HD ing and ranching practices could require and , SD 28. 57; Jeff Hickman, HD 58; Mike Sanders, government approval thorough a complex Oklahoma House candidates receiving an HD 59; Dan Fisher, HD 60; Pam Peterson, series of federal permitting and regulations. endorsement from the OKAgFund include HD 67; Katie Henke, HD 71; David Derby; From American Farm Bureau’s analysis James Lockhart, HD 3; Wade Rousselot, HD HD 74; Dan Kirby, HD 75; Randy Grau, of the proposed rule: “For example, normal 12; George Faught, HD 14; Jerry Shoemake, HD 81; Randy McDaniel, HD 83; Jason farming and conservation activities, such as HD 16; Josh Cockroft, HD 27; Tom Newell, Nelson, HD 87; , HD 90; Mike fencing, brush management and pruning HD 28; Sean Roberts, HD 36; John Enns, Christian, HD 93; , HD 94; shrubs and trees, were exempted by Con- HD 41; Scott Martin, HD 46; Mark Charlie Joyner, HD 95; Michael Rogers, HD gress and have never required permits under McBride, HD 53; , HD 61; 98; and Gary Banz, HD 101. the Clean Water Act. EPA and the Corps would now require farmers and ranchers to meet otherwise voluntary Natural Resources Recent rains have delayed wheat harvest across much of the state, Conservation Service standards for these ev- but not before District 4 Director Jimmy Wayne Kinder began cutting eryday normal farming activities and volun- in fields near Walters. Kinder was hoping to average approximately 20 tary conservation practices, or else face Clean bushels an acre about halfway through his harvest. Water Act liability. By linking the normal farming exemptions to NRCS standards, the rule would make voluntary conservation standards subject to EPA enforcement.” For more information about the proposed rule or making a comment, contact Marla Peek at [email protected] or Wheat harvest begins (405) 523-2437. Member Benefits Bond joins OKFB Save the date for • Hertz Rent A Car offers OKFB field services OKFB Commodity members several special offers, includ- ing one car class upgrade, $10 off Conference weekly rental, up to $15 off a weekly Brady rental or a free child seat on a weekly Bond of rental. Call 1-800-654-3131 and use Garber is The OKFB Commodity Committee will the Hertz/OKFB recap CDP#314386 Oklahoma host an organizational meeting, July 7, at to make reservations. Farm Bu- the home office in . Mem- reau’s new bers are invited to attend the program to OKFB highlights a benefit in each northwest learn more about the role of Farm Bureau issue of Perspective as a reminder of the field rep- commodity committees and to discuss ideas savings available to OKFB members. resentative. for the future of the OKFB Commodity Find a complete list of savings online Bond started Committee. at www.okfarmbureau.org/benefits. his position “This is an opportunity for members with OKFB to talk about their needs as producers and June 2. what resources the commodity committee “This is can provide to help them in their opera- OKFB Calendar an exciting tions,” said Todd Honer, OKFB director opportunity Brady Bond of commodities and safety services. “We Oklahoma Youth Leading to promote would like to get input from members Agriculture Conference agriculture and Farm Bureau’s mission to across the state so we can begin to make a June 23-26 • Oklahoma City protect rural Oklahoma,” Bond said. “I’m roadmap for the committee.” Contact: Holly Carroll (405) 530-2681 looking forward to building relationships Program topics on Monday afternoon with the members in this area and helping will include overviews on how commodity OKFB Summer Conference create an even stronger organization.” committees are utilized in other states and July 11-12 • Midwest City Bond graduated from Oklahoma State on the national level. Members will also Contact: Marcia Irvin (405) 523-2405 University with a degree in agricultural have the chance to learn more about how education and taught at Garber High unmanned aerial systems are improving OSU Big 3 Field Days School for three years. He also runs cattle precision agriculture. July 15-17 • Stillwater near Garber. Bond can be reached at For more information about the confer- Contact: Holly Carroll (405) 530-2681 [email protected] or (580) 542-8189. ence or to RSVP, contact Honer at (405) 523-2391 or [email protected].

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Online

Monitor the latest Farm Bureau and agricultural news and information online at okfarmbureau.org. Currently online: • Agricultural News – Oklahoma Farm Bureau features a new agriculture-related story every day on its site. Read about both AFBF and state Farm Bureau news by visiting Rep. Mark McBride (left) and the homepage. Rep. Jon Echols (right) recognize the Oklahoma Farming and • OKFB Harvest Watch Blog – Ranching Foundation for donating The annual OKFB Harvest Watch funds to Shelter Oklahoma Schools blog season is underway. Visit after last year’s deadly tornados. www.okfarmbureau.org and click on OKFB President Tom Buchanan www.okfarmbureau.org the OKFB Harvest Watch link to accepts the honor on behalf of follow families from the Oklahoma the foundation, May 29. Look for a Farm Bureau Young Farmers and story in the digital summer issue of Ranchers Committee. Oklahoma Country that discusses how the Shelter Oklahoma Schools funds have been used. 2 OKFB recognizes legislators for WRRDA supporting rural Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Brian Bingman, , Cliff Branan, Directors today announced the 2014 OKFB , Bill Brown, Kim David, Ed- 100 Percent Club members. The award is die Fields, A.J. Griffin, Constance Johnson, based on a 100 percent voting record on key Clark Jolley, , Kyle Loveless, Bryce Farm Bureau legislative measures during the Marlatt, Al McAffrey, Susan Paddack, Mike 2014 Oklahoma legislative session. Schulz, Ralph Shortey and John Sparks. “This honor is given to those legislators In the House, the list includes 23 who support Farm Bureau’s mission to pro- representatives: John Bennett, Scott Biggs, tect personal property rights, keep taxes low David Brumbaugh, Donnie Condit, David and boost agricultural and rural business,” Derby, Dale DeWitt, John Enns, Kay said John Collison, OKFB vice president Floyd, Elise Hall, Mike Jackson, Skye Mc- of public policy and media relations. “We Niel, , Tom Newell, Leslie greatly appreciate their leadership at the Osborn, David Perryman, Brian Renegar, state Capitol this year.” Sean Roberts, Mike Sanders, Seneca Scott, The following 20 senators received the T.W. Shannon, Jerry Shoemake, Jason designation: Mark Allen, Don Barrington, Smalley and Mike Turner.

ABOVE – U.S. Rep. Markwayne Attorney General Pruitt Mullin talks about the Water Resource Reform and Development Act during a press conference at the Port of Catoosa, June 6. The bill includes funding to improve the infrastructure of inland waterways such as the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. WRRDA was recently passed by Congress and signed by President Obama June 10. LEFT – Attorney General Scott Pruitt visits with Muskogee County Farm Bureau members in Muskogee, June 5. Pruitt addressed EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service overreach and the need to hold activist groups like HSUS accountable.

YF&R awards scholarships to nine graduating seniors

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young will encourage students to continue their District Five Farmers and Ranchers Committee recently involvement in agriculture and Oklahoma Aaron Purkins, Bryan County awarded nine $1,000 scholarships, one per Farm Bureau.” District Six each state board district, to graduating high The scholarship recipients are: Jacob Hammons, Adair County school seniors. District One Each recipient is a member of a voting Bert Blasdel, Harper County District Seven Logan Johns, Kay County Farm Bureau family and will enroll in a District Two District 7 full-time agricultural degree program at an Colvin Null, Kiowa County District Eight accredited Oklahoma university. Wyatt Shaw, Pontotoc County “Oklahoma’s agricultural youth are District Three Brittany Krehbiel, Caddo County District Nine the future of farming and ranching,” said Morgan Vance, Pawnee County Marty Williams, chairman of the YF&R District Four Committee. “We hope this scholarship Ty Landon Fisher, Cotton County 3 Published by Oklahoma Farm Bureau PublishedPostmaster by: Send Oklahoma address corrections Farm Bureau to: Oklahoma Farm Bureau Non-Profit PerspectivePostmaster, P.O.: B.Send 53332, address OKC, corrections OK 73152-3332 to: 2501 N. Stiles U.S. Postage Perspective, P.O. B. 53332, OKC, OK 73152-3332 Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126 PAID Staff Directory Permit No. 131 Staff Directory Okla. City, OK. Monica Wilke, 523-2303 Executive Director Traci Morgan, 523-2346 John Perspective/Online Collison, 523-2539 News Editor VP of Public Policy and Media Relations MaceySam Knipp Hedges, 523-2347, 523-2346 Director Vice President of Corporate of Communications/PR Communications Sam Knipp, 523-2347 DirectorTyler Norvell of Corporate, 523-2402 Communications DustinVice President Mielke, 530-2640 of Public Policy Director of Corporate Communications KarolynMarla Peek Bolay, 523-2437, 523-2320 Communications Director of Regulatory Specialist Affairs

McIntosh Washita County Youth Day Camp County hosts collaborative membership drive

Multiple agricultural organizations, in- cluding the McIntosh County Farm Bureau and McIntosh County Cattlemen’s Associa- tion, gathered for an informational meeting in Checotah, May 20. The McIntosh County Farm Bureau used this as a time to recruit new members for their county. Oklahoma Farm Bureau hosted the event while the other groups, including the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Investigative Services, McIn- tosh County Sheriff, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and the Farm Services Agency, More than 50 local students participate in the Washita County Farm discussed agricultural issues and their respec- Bureau Youth Day Camp, May 27, near Cordell. Participants learned about tive organizations. livestock, farm safety, forensics, first aid, cooking and more. , vice president of organization and membership, and Lane Jeffrey, southeast field representative, also addressed the group OKFB Women’s Leadership Team and discussed the benefits of becoming a Farm Bureau member. Summer Conference approaches “This collaborative meeting was a unique opportunity for McIntosh County to spread Registration is still available for the Visit the word about Farm Bureau to a variety of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leader- www. members in the community,” Jeffrey said. ship Team’s 2014 Summer Conference, July okfarmbu- The OKFB organization and membership 11-12, in Midwest City. The conference reau.org to department is available to help other coun- will take place at the Reed Center attached download a ties with membership drives. OKFB suggests to the Sheraton Midwest City hotel. registration working with other agricultural organizations The two-day leadership training event is form. Call in an area to maximize the effectiveness of a perfect time to meet other OKFB women, the Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at these events. For counties interested in host- learn more about agricultural issues and (405) 455-1800 no later than June 16, to ing a membership drive, contact an OKFB grow as a leader. All OKFB women are make hotel reservation. For questions, con- field representative or the organization and encouraged to attend. Spouses may attend tact Marcia Irvin at (405) 523-2405. membership department at (405) 523-2402. for an additional $50 charge. 4