The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) has announced its 2024 Legislator Appreciation Award recipients. OCA annually honors legislators who are dedicated to promoting and protecting the beef cattle industry through their work at the State Capitol. OCA’s commitment to advocating for the Oklahoma beef cattle producer at the Capitol has been a cornerstone strategy of the organization since its inception. OCA recognizes the importance of having strong legislator advocates who understand and value the beef cattle industry and those involved in it. OCA is pleased to honor three Legislators this year with our 2024 Legislative Appreciation Award.
Representative Kyle Hilbert – Representing District 29 in the House, Representative Kyle Hilbert lives with his family in Bristow. A former state FFA officer, Hilbert was also served as Student Government Association President during his college days at OSU. His leadership in the House is outstanding, having served as vice chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee and in the position of Speaker Pro Tempore of the House since 2022. This past session, the House elected Hilbert as the Speaker Designate. In 2025, when he becomes the Speaker of the House, he will be the youngest Speaker in the history of Oklahoma. “Speaker Designate Hilbert is a true agriculturist and a great friend of OCA. His work this past year supporting agriculture priorities was paramount and is consistent with his long-standing support and advocacy of Oklahoma agriculture,” shared Michael Kelsey, lobbyist for OCA.
Representative Trey Caldwell – Representative Trey Caldwell was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2018 serving the 63rd District in Southwest Oklahoma. Caldwell is a rancher and hay producer with strong agriculture roots which he brings every day to the Oklahoma House. He has served on several important committees including Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources and Utilities. This past session, Representative Caldwell was appointed Vice Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. “Vice Chair Caldwell is an outstanding advocate for cattlemen and brings great agriculture experience and insight into the House Appropriations process,” shared Kelsey. “His work this past year to help secure funding for key agriculture priorities was paramount,” Kelsey continued.
Senator Grant Green – Senator Green was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2022 representing District 28. He grew up and lives in Wellston and his families cattle ranch which is a six-generation agriculture enterprise. Senator Green sits on several Senate Committees including Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Appropriations, Education and Energy and Transportation. “Senator Green is a strong advocate for agriculture in the State Senate. He knows agriculture because he lives it and thus he is very willing and able to stand up against the anti-animal agriculture extremists,” said Kelsey. “Additionally, he lends his credible voice to promoting the positives of agriculture in the Senate room and on the floor. Agriculture is blessed to have him serving in the Senate,” continued Kelsey.
The OCA is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry and works to protect and empower Oklahoma cattlemen today, to serve tomorrow. OCA is the only voice that speaks solely for the cattlemen of Oklahoma and represents beef producers in all 77 counties across the state. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes, and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership, the theft reward program or activities call 405-235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.
