A resolution that would put an immediate halt to the reduction of county extension staff pending the release of certain information, was filed at the State Capital this past week. The House Concurrent Resolution 1003 was introduced Wednesday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives by State Rep. Tommy Hardin, R-Madill, and carried in the State Senate by Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer. The resolution calls on the Oklahoma State University Board of Regents and the Extension Service to halt their current plans to reduce the number of extension agents in Oklahoma counties until the Board can provide the Governor, House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore and the Secretary of Agriculture with information on its decision to scale back on county extension staff. In a release from his office, Hardin cites his concern over the impact a reduction in staff would have on the local communities affected.

"County extension programs are valuable services to their communities and a huge economic boost that is difficult to measure," Hardin states. "Extension service is an investment in our children's future and a valuable resource for our farmers and ranchers with a large economic impact on our state."

While the Oklahoma Constitution prohibits the Legislature from telling the Board of Regents where to spend the money appropriated each year, Simpson insists that given the vital service Cooperative Extension delivers in "forwarding research to support and grow our state's agriculture industry," further consideration is warranted in this matter.

Certified Angus Beef is arguably the gold standard when it comes to branded beef programs. However, Mark McCully, vice president of production at CAB, admitted that at one time there was some discussion about whether or not to lower the brand's standards enough in order to get more cattle into the CAB program and meet consumers' growing demand for the product. In the end though, he says the decision was made to stay the course and looking at how things turned out today - it has paid off.

 

Even since that critical decision was made though, the consumer has continued to evolve and over time has changed. Today, consumers are seeking more information about their food, wanting to know how it was produced, where it came from, etc. McCully says this is of course something that CAB takes seriously and assumes responsibility for when marketing to their consumer base. However, he says key to the brand's success still stands on its foundation and can not be divorced from it.

 

"The one thing we consistently hear though, is that the consumer is not willing to back up on taste, flavor and juiciness. They still want those things. We have to keep the foundation of this great thing we've created," he said. "But now we have to add those additional assurances - all things we know are truly happening and so we take on a little more responsibility to help communicate that story and continue to elevate that trust and assure the consumer that product, those cattle, were handled in an way that aligns with their values."

 

Listen to McCully speak about consumer priorities and how CAB works to meet those on on our second of two Beef Buzz  feats with him-  click or tap here.

You can also go back and hear part one of our convo with Mark- click or tap here for our earlier story highlighting the increase in the number of cattle qualifying for Certified Angus Beef in recent years.

On Monday, we featured Reagan Stephens of the Weatherford FFA Chapter, part of our continuing coverage of the 2019 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists. Reagan is our first contestant to feature in the Agribusiness category and represents the Southwest Area. Reagan is recognized for her achievements in owning and operating her small business, Eclectic Equine, LLC. which offers boarding and horseback riding lessons.

 

The genesis of Reagan's venture began with just two students, who she offered free riding lessons to in exchange for their help in caring for the horses. Since then, her enterprise has grown to include 12 students and two boarding horses.

 

During her FFA career, she has excelled in areas of public speaking and veterinary science, winning Reserve Champion in both at the national contests. This year, she is trying her hand extemporaneous public speaking. After high school, Reagan plans to pursue a degree in biology with the ultimate goal of specializing in equine surgery and working at a veterinary clinic.

 

You can hear our entire conversation to learn more about Reagan and her equine business by clicking over to the Blue-Green Gazette on our website. Be sure to check back each day as we continue to feature your 2019 Star Award Finalists.