Agricultural News
Terry Peach- Leaving Things in Better Shape Than Before He Arrived at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture
Thu, 30 Dec 2010 6:10:29 CST
Most of Oklahoma agriculture has had a good year in 2010, with the possible exception of the timber industry in the southeastern part of the state. That's the assessment of outgoing Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach, who sat down with us as 2010 ends and as his eight years of service to Oklahoma agriculture concludes as the top man at the state Department of Agriculture. Peach cited the historically high cotton prices as a highlight for 2010, as well as a better wheat crop compared to a year earlier and strong prices for livestock as other positives for the year.
We talked about 2010 and the year it was for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers as well as looking back at the eight years of service that marks the Terry Peach era as State Secretary of Agriculture. He mentioned to us his pride in setting up the Agritourism efforts in the state a little over six years ago, with more than 500 venues now available to experience as Agritourism destinations. Other key efforts include the expansion of Ag in the Classroom to include materials from Kindergarten to 8th grade- it had been K to 6th grade as well as the development of the Department's social media efforts with a blog, facebook page and twitter accounts all active and telling the Department's story to whoever wants to check this information out.
We also talked about his involvement in the "ag mafia" meetings that were held regularly at the Department of Agriculture. Peach says it actually goes back to his days as the State Director of the Farm Service Agency when he asked to meet with the state farm leaders once every six months or so to just stay in touch with them. When he arrived at the State Department of Agriculture eight years ago- he asked all of the farm groups and organizations to come and meet with him- and that evolved into the weekly meetings that allowed the farm groups here in Oklahoma to communicate with one another- and find ways to speak with one voice in legislative issues at the state capitol and in other venues as well.
Terry Peach will be our first guest of the new year on our In the Field Segment that is seen Saturday mornings on KWTV News9. A video version of our visit with Secretary Peach will be aired around 6:40 AM on Saturday morning, January 1, 2011.
You can hear our full audio conversation with Secretary Terry Peach by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below.
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