Agricultural News
OK Farm Bureau Prepares for Milestone 75th State Convention Amid Major Ag Policy Discussions
Fri, 04 Nov 2016 04:31:41 CDT
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau hits a milestone this month as they prepare to host the organization's 75th annual state convention being held at the Cox Convention Center in Downtown Oklahoma City, November 11-13. LeeAnna McNally says that several issues will be top of mind for the delegates as they gather during the business sessions and consider their policies for the coming year.
After the State Resolutions Committee met in October, feral hog policy topped the list of resolutions, as members reiterated support for complete eradication of the invasive species. Other highlights include the creation of an OKFB farm bill committee, declaring the black buzzard as an invasive species and a nuisance, and continued support for the funding of county extension agents.
The full delegate body will consider and vote on resolutions on Saturday.. County Farm Bureaus will receive the suggested policies to review before state convention. Once accepted, the resolutions will help direct the organization for the next year.
One issue that will have been decided by the time the Farm Bureau meets next week is State Question 777 - Right to Farm. The general farm organization has been a major proponent for a Yes vote- and they continue to make a final push ahead of election day next Tuesday, November 8th.
"777 has been on the forefront," McNally said. "State Question 777 allows Oklahoma farmers and ranchers the opportunity to know and direct how Oklahoma agriculture will continue into the future. Right to Farm is a proactive measure that tells the Humane Society and other out of state interest groups who are the main funders - the deep pockets - of the opposition to State Question 777, that they can't come into Oklahoma. They can't dictate how Oklahoma agriculture will continue."
McNally explains that there has been a lot of confusion regarding SQ-777; that if passed, it could allow puppy mills, cock fighting and harmful farming practices into Oklahoma that would damage the state's water quality. McNally insists these allegations are simply not true.
"State Question 777 has nothing to do with water quality. You hear individuals with no experience in agriculture talking about puppy mills.," McNally said. "Livestock is clearly defined in Oklahoma statute; that does not include dogs and cats."
It is very clear the intentions of the out of state interest groups like the Humane Society of the United States as they have been very vocal about wanting to end production agriculture in Oklahoma and other ag-centric states, says McNally. She hopes voters will follow Missouri's example, turning out to vote and passing the Right to Farm Question.
"A YES on State Question 777 is a vote for the family farmer in Oklahoma," McNally said. "You hear people talk about every vote counts and that's absolutely true."
Listen to LeeAnna McNally of Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Ron Hays discussing ag policy ahead of OFB's 75th state convention, by clicking the LISTEN BAR below.
The Radio Oklahoma Ag Network encourages you to perform due diligence on State Question 777- we have several resources gathered together in one place that may help you do that- click here for info that will help you on State Question 777- which includes the actual language of the measure that you will see on Ballot and several interviews done by RON with proponents and opponents of the State Question.
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