Agricultural News
American Farmers & Ranchers Gear Up for 112th Annual Convention to Debate and Develop Policy
Tue, 14 Feb 2017 17:27:19 CST
Members of American Farmers & Ranchers are gearing up for their 112th Annual Convention, this year with the theme, "The Power of Cooperation." President and CEO Terry Detrick says this is fitting as the organization was established two years before statehood as a cooperative. He spoke with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays about several of the issues sure to be discussed, just ahead of the event, scheduled for February 17-19 at the Norman, Oklahoma Embassy Suites convention facility.
Some of the topics brought up by Detrick, include the current economic situation rural communities are facing, not just in Oklahoma, but nationwide.
"I'm concerned what's going to happen," Detrick confided. "There's not a lot of new machinery being purchased with the down economy we have and there's an awful lot of used machinery that's coming on the market from people that are just having to get out."
Excited to do his part though in making farmers' situations better, Detrick says he looks forward to bringing in delegates from across the state to shape their policy issues for the next year during the convention.
"We'll add to; we'll take away, but the when we leave, it's the wishes of the grassroots and that's what I love about this opportunity," Detrick said, listing such docket items as budget, immigration and sales tax reform.
Detrick adds, too, that he is also hearing about a growing interest in finding more options for veteran health care in rural areas. He says his members have voiced opinions that there needs to be more convenient ways for veterans to get the medical assistance they need without having to travel long distances to Oklahoma City.
Lastly, Detrick says it is of his board's opinion that, concerning the feral hog predicament here in Oklahoma, the alternative plan created as ordered by Gov. Mary Fallin, should be allowed a chance to prove its effectiveness.
"That has been developed," he said. "We kind of feel like they went to the trouble to do it - let's watch it for a year or two before we start trying to change it again."
For more information about the event, or to see the event schedule, click here.
You can listen to Detrick talk more in depth about AFR's position on these issues and more with Ron Hays, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
