BY HANNAH DAVIS PHOTOS BY DUSTIN MIELKE
Deeply rooted in agriculture, in Oklahoma Farm Bureau and in service to others, Thad Doye seeks to take the grassroots organization to new heights as its executive director.
or Thad Doye, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is more than just an organization. It’s a way of life. As a fourth-generation family farmer, a third-generation Farm Bureau member and a 20-year OKFB employee, Thad is firmly planted in the agricultural community and in Farm Bureau. His grandfather, Fred Doye, was a charter member of Comanche County Farm Bureau, and his parents, Damon and Georgia Doye, have served the county and state Farm Bureau for decades. In fact, some of Thad’s first memories are playing under the table at the county Farm Bureau meeting. “There’s never been a moment in my life without Farm Bureau,” Thad said. “I was always the ornery kid crawling under the table; that’s how long I’ve been going to Farm Bureau meetings.” The lifelong member was named executive director of the state’s largest agricultural organization in March. 30 — Oklahoma Country
As a farmer himself, Thad brings with him a unique perspective to his role as leader of the state’s leading farm organization. He grew up on a farm homesteaded near the time of Oklahoma’s statehood. He and his son still raise cattle and grow wheat outside of Lawton. With a humble and servant-hearted nature, Thad said at first he hesitated to apply for the position. But his sonin-law, Shane, who also is a farmer and a Farm Bureau member, reminded him of the opportunity to serve and make a difference in the industry he loves. “As I was applying for the job, Shane told me, ‘We need someone like you that can think like us and think about the things we need in the future for agriculture. You’re so involved, and you understand the things agriculture is going through. You’d be in a position where you can change the industry for the better,’” he said. Thad said he also was encouraged toward the position by his father, Damon Doye.