ALL AROUND OKLAHOMA OKFB sponsors law students interested in agriculture at University of Oklahoma
OU Law students (left to right) Garrett Reed, Hammons Hepner, Allison Christian, Gatlin Squires and Ridge Howard help lead the newly-created Agricultural Law Association at the University of Oklahoma. klahoma Farm Bureau has announced its support for the University of Oklahoma College of Law’s Agricultural Law Association, a studentled organization established for students with an interest in agriculture and agricultural law. “We’re excited for the opportunity to invest in law students at the University
of Oklahoma who have a passion for the agriculture industry,” said Rodd Moesel, OKFB president. “Many of these students have deep roots in agriculture, rural Oklahoma and Farm Bureau, so we’re proud to help foster their enthusiasm to contribute to the agriculture community in their legal careers.” The ALA hosted its first meeting in
August 2019 after several students noticed an absence of a student organization that focuses on agriculture. The students worked to create a new organization focused on educating others about the agriculture industry while also providing networking opportunities within the field. “The Agricultural Law Association is ecstatic about the opportunity to advocate for the agriculture industry and provide networking opportunities for interested students,” said Allison Christian, ALA president. “There are many students from diverse backgrounds who wish to work in this industry in some facet after law school. ALA is optimistic about the level of interest at OU Law and is excited about the future of agricultural law in this state.” Programming for the organization involves monthly meetings, networking events and social events. The group hosts practitioners from different facets of the industry to discuss opportunities for students interested in a career in agricultural law.
AFBF, NFU and Farm Credit partner to better help farmers manage stress ecognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have partnered on a program to train individuals who interact with farmers and ranchers to recognize signs of stress and offer help. A combination of online and in-person training, this program is designed specifically for individuals who work alongside farmers and ranchers. It 40 — Oklahoma Country
provides participants with the skills to understand the sources of stress, learn the warning signs of stress and suicide, identify effective communication strategies, reduce stigma related to mental health concerns and connect farmers and ranchers with appropriate resources. “Many of us think of farms as idyllic,” said Jeff Dwyer, director of MSU Extension. “And what is portrayed is ideal, but what is not often shown is how
hard farming is on both the body and the mind.” The partnership between American Farm Bureau, National Farmers Union and Farm Credit will build on that project by further increasing farmers’ access to the information and services they need to get through financial and personal emergencies. Resources may also be accessed on MSU Extension’s “Managing Farm Stress” website.