Past Features
AFR/OFU Focuses on Farm Stress
AFR/OFU has adopted farm stress management as this year’s initiative. Throughout 2020, we will identify and build resources to help producers identify and mitigate their farm-related stress. The largest component of this initiative is the AFR/OFU Farm Stress Management Team, which is a group of agricultural producers and small business owners who are trained and ready to work directly with producers in mental distress. The goal of the Farm Stress Management Team is twofold. 1. Train others in Oklahoma to identify stress in their friends and neighbors. 2. Be the front line for mental health crises related to agriculture in Oklahoma.
Roger Johnson Announces Retirement
After serving as NFU president for more than a decade, Roger Johnson has announced he does not intend to seek reelection. His current term will end at NFU’s annual convention in March, when his successor will be elected.
During his eleven-year tenure, Johnson has led efforts to fight corporate consolidation in the agriculture industry, help farmers adapt to and mitigate climate change, develop fair international trade agreements, provide information and resources to rural communities struggling with mental health issues, and ensure the economic and social viability of family farm agriculture.
McDaniel Receives OFU Meritorious Service Award
Pete McDaniel received the OFU Meritorious Service Award at the 115th AFR/OFU State Convention. The OFU Meritorious Service Award is rarely awarded; McDaniel is only the 13th recipient in history. The award is only given when an individual has merited such an honor and the organization feels it is deserved. The award shines a spotlight on those who give selflessly to the organization, who tirelessly advocate for AFR/OFU, family farms and Oklahoma agriculture, and who set a positive example for other members. Award recipients must exhibit these qualities over a long history with the organization, showing commitment, loyalty and consistency.
AFR/OFU Celebrates 2020 Convention
The 115th Annual AFR/OFU Convention was held in Norman Feb. 14-16. This year’s convention theme was “Focused in 2020.” The three-day event featured Governor Kevin Stitt and new National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. Delegates voted on three contested seats on the AFR/OFU Board of Directors. Incumbent Terry Peach, Mutual, won the seat for Northwest Independent Director District 1. Newcomer Mike Goodwin, Roberta, won the seat for Southeast Independent Director District 4. Former board member John Ogden, Oktaha, won the seat for Northeast Agent Director District 3.
75 Years of Speaking Excellence
Professional development in rural youth has always been a priority for Oklahoma Farmers Union. The contest has gone through many changes over the years, but has maintained its agricultural theme. Today, the AFR Youth Program has grown far beyond the speech contest and is considered the premier agriculture youth organization in the state.
AFR/OFU recognizes the important role young people play in the future of our state. We believe in the youth of Oklahoma; we believe the best and the brightest go through the AFR Youth Program and we are beyond proud to provide our state with this service.
2019 Oklahoma Ag Woman of the Year
Suzanne Gilbert, Tecumseh, has been named the 2019 Oklahoma Woman of the Year by the Diamond Hats organization. She is an AFR agent and chairman of the AFR/OFU Political Action Committee (PAC) board.
The 2019 Oklahoma Ag Woman of the Year announcement was made at the 2019 Diamond Hats Gala held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in October. Each year, the organization honors an Oklahoma woman who has gone above and beyond to influence the agricultural industry and promote its significance throughout the state. Nearly all recipients of this prestigious award were raised in production agriculture and have never left it.
2019 AFR/OFU Fall Ag & Historic Conference
AFR/OFU Cooperative members enjoyed an agriculture-focused fall conference Sept. 28-Oct. 2. The “Vintage Vermont Hub & Spoke” focused on the agricultural history of Vermont, such as the Billings Farm, UVM Morgan Horse Farm, maple sugarworks and cider mills, and today’s trends in New England agriculture, such as hydroponics and niche wagyu beef. The Vintage Vermont Hub-and-Spoke adventure was just one of many AFR/OFU Ag & Historic Conferences. For more information on upcoming excursions, contact Marilyn Sanders (405-218-5567) or Paul Jackson (405)218-5559.
