FALL 2004
THE MAGAZINE OF THE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
INSIDE:
Taking The Heat It’s No Hog Heaven Popcorn Takes Center Stage
4
HE STORY OF THE 'REATER 3EMINOLE !REA IS LITERALLY A STORY OF RAGS TO RICHES TO MODERATE LIVING $URING THE S AND S OIL BROUGHT MONEY INTO THE AREA SO THAT TENANT AND SHARECROPPER FARMING COULD BE ABANDONED BETTER HOMES COULD BE BUILT HIGHWAY SYSTEMS COULD BE DEVELOPED AND CULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE MADE THUS THE STANDARD OF LIVING SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED "UT ALSO LEFT BEHIND WERE THE REMNANTS OF THE BOOM AS NEGLECTED WELLSITES DRILLED DURING THE UNREGULATED ERA BECAME EYESORES AND BLEMISHES ON 3EMINOLE #OUNTY S LANDSCAPE &OR LONGTIME /KLAHOMA &ARM "UREAU MEMBER 3YD -ORGAN THE ABANDONED WELLSITES LEFT HIS PROPERTY VIRTUALLY FUTILE /NE EVENING THOUGH AFTER SEEING AN /%2" COMMERCIAL ON TELEVISION 3YD REALIZED /KLAHOMA S OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCERS AND ROYALTY OWNERS WERE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR MISTAKES OF THE PAST (E MADE THE CALL TO THE /%2" AND WITHIN MONTHS THE ABANDONED WELLSITES BECAME A PART OF 3EMINOLE #OUNTY S HISTORY IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE !LONG WITH HAVING THE PROPERTY RESTORED 3YD S PHONE CALL ALSO BROUGHT FAME TO 3YD AND HIS WIFE .ORITA MUCH TO THEIR SURPRISE 4HE CLEAN UP PROJECT ON THEIR PROPERTY WAS THE TH SITE TO BE RESTORED IN 3EMINOLE BY OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCERS AND ROYALTY OWNERS .OW NOT ONLY DOES THE AREA HOLD A PIECE OF HISTORY AS BRINGING VITALITY TO 3EMINOLE #OUNTY YEARS AGO BUT WILL SERVE AS A MILESTONE OF COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS BETWEEN PRODUCERS ROYALTY OWNERS AND IN THIS CASE A FARMER AND HIS FAMILY
1-.#*1/#ŏ5 1+. #0& 0#674#. )#5 241&7%'45 #0& 41;#.6; 190'45 914-+0) 61 /#-' #$#0&10'& 9'..5+6'5 *+5614; %#.. ':6 14 (14 /14' +0(14/#6+10 #$176 6*' 1+. #0& 0#674#. )#5 +0&7564;ŏ5 '08+410/'06#. 4'5614#6+10 241)4#/ 14 8+5+6 999 1'4$ %1/
Oklahoma Country
Contents 8
Features 8 – Taking The Heat Rural fire fighters take the lead in protecting their farms and communities. BY TRACI MORGAN
16 – It’s No Hog Heaven Thirty-three producers in Haskell and LeFlore counties face impending financial ruin at the hands of the largest private corporation in America. BY MIKE NICHOLS
20 – Popcorn Takes Center Stage The sound of popcorn popping from the kitchen is familiar and welcoming to Jon and Natalie Leeds.
16
20
It has become more than just a snack. It’s a growing crop and business. BY NICOLA FREEMAN
Columns
Departments
2 – Presidentially Speaking 4 – Insurance Matters 6 – Country Gardening
24 – All Around Oklahoma 37 – Country Classifieds 40 – Country Kitchen Cover Image
Find Your Hidden Number! ne member family’s Oklahoma Farm Bureau membership number is hidden somewhere in this issue of OKLAHOMA COUNTRY, and could earn that member family $250 since the number in the last several issues was not found. To claim the cash prize, the member family must find its hidden membership number and contact Mike Nichols before the last day of the month Monday through
O
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 405-523-2300. The OFB membership number is hidden somewhere in OKLAHOMA COUNTRY. It must match the number on the face of your OFB membership card for you to claim the cash prize. The membership number that appears on your magazine’s mailing label is not the hidden number, but must match the hidden number for you to claim the cash prize.
Chad Budy, a young farmer and volunteer fire fighter, manages a controlled burn on a wheat field which he farms.
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 1
Presidentially
Speaking BY STEVE KOUPLEN President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau
O
klahoma has got to be one of the most beautiful states in the union this time of year. We, as Oklahomans, can enjoy magnificent fall foliage of the southeast to the vast green wheat fields of the northwest to the splendor of our many lakes all across the state. This time of year also brings the beginnings of our holiday season, with Thanksgiving fast approaching and Christmas not far behind. Two of the most important events of November for us are our local, state and national elections, and preparation and anticipation of our annual meeting in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma Farm Bureau has had its maiden voyage into our state election process by initiating our OK AgFund. In a process that involved months of work by our grassroots members, we financially supported candidates who had views on issues that went hand-inhand with our policies. Completely controlled by our county members all across Oklahoma, we aspire to educate and acquaint our leaders about the various issues that affect agriculture and rural Oklahoma. Being one of the major economic industries in Oklahoma, it is of utmost important that we tell agriculture’s story; especially with the impact of term limits. Our AgFund will be a major tool for us to use to help accomplish that goal. Next, in November, comes our state convention in Oklahoma City. From November 13th through the 15th, more than 1,000 Farm Bureau members from across Oklahoma will meet to have good fellowship, discuss and make policy, and be entertained by a great show with Jerry Reed. Vespers activities, under the direction of our OFB Women’s Committee, and a very educational discussion meet held by our OFB Young Farmers & ranchers Committee also will be highlights of the meeting. We will have the newly elected U.S. Senator as well as the Second District U.S. Congressman. Also, there will be an evening dedicated to awarding our members for a successful year – highlighted by the naming of the Farm Family of the Year. These are just a few of the many events along with a new trade show – so don’t miss it!
2 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004
Fall 2004 Volume 56 No. 4 Oklahoma Country (ISSN 1544-6476) Published four times per year in April, July, October and January by Oklahoma Farm Bureau, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126, Telephone 405-523-2300. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Additional Mailing Offices. Postmaster: Send address corrections to: OKLAHOMA COUNTRY, P.O.B. 53332, Oklahoma City, OK 73152-3332. EDITORIAL TEAM Sam Knipp Director of Corporate Communications/ Public Relations Mike Nichols OKLAHOMA COUNTRY Editor and Senior Writer Traci Morgan PERSPECTIVE and Online News Editor Nicola Freeman Coordinator of Media Relations DIRECT YOUR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO OKLAHOMA COUNTRY Attn: Mike Nichols 2501 N. Stiles Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-523-2300, Ext. 2345 ADVERTISING POLICY All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers assume all liability for content of their advertising. Publisher maintains right to cancel advertising. Publisher does not guarantee advertiser service or products, and assumes no liability for products or services advertised in OKLAHOMA COUNTRY. TO SUBSCRIBE OKLAHOMA COUNTRY subscription rate is $1 per year for members as part of the dues, $15 for non-members. WEB SITE www.okfarmbureau.org OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU DIRECTORS Steve Kouplen, President Bob Drake, Vice President Scott Dvorak, Secretary Mike Spradling, Treasurer Ervin Mitchell, Director Merle Atkins, Director Larry Boggs, Director Billy Gibson, Director Matt Wilson, Executive Director
Oklahoma Farm Bureau Journal 7.375"X9.75"
The Galapagos tur tle can live to be 193 years old. Mus t be nice.
Here’s to a good life.
Farm Bureau for life . . . Insurance. Annuities. Mutual Funds.
Mutual funds are subject to market risk and possible loss of principal. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest or pay money. Securities & services offered through EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC,* 5400 University Ave., West Des Moines, IA 50266, 877/860-2904, Member SIPC • Oklahoma Farm Bureau is not affiliated with EquiTrust Marketing Services, LLC. Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company,* West Des Moines, IA *Affiliated © FBL 2004 651
Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 3
Executive
Outlook BY MATT WILSON Executive Director, Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies
I
’m pleased to report that Oklahoma Farm Bureau stands stronger than ever before. We have a record number of members and more to offer our members than at any time in our history. Our insurance company and the federation are on sound financial footing. Our organization is held in high regard by the citizens of Oklahoma. In the political arena, we have maintained a position of influence. We have a tremendous working relationship with our Congressional delegation. With the recent additions of our Legal Foundation and our AgFund we have made our already stout legislative effort even more influential! Our state legislators still look to us for guidance on farm and rural policies. I’m proud to say that the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company are a key component of our society. We touch the lives of many people, organizations, businesses and other entities. If you stop and think about all that we do in the Farm Bureau family, you’ll
4 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004
realize that we have tremendous reach – more so than any other organization I can think of. To put it another way: If we disappeared, we’d be sorely missed. It would be front-page news throughout our state. All of us can take great satisfaction in the tremendous growth of Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Our successes are tied to the hard work of many dedicated individuals on the local and state levels. But while the people truly deserve the credit, let us not forget the underlying principal, which has forged this success story – and that is a commitment to service. Service is what Farm Bureau is all about. Our ability to provide valuable services is what has propelled us into the 21st Century as an organization that is strong, stable and accomplished. In my view, there’s never been a more opportune time to stress the importance of providing good service. Those of you who are my age or older probably will agree that one of the more significant changes we’ve seen in
society over the past 25 to 30 years has involved a de-emphasis on service in the retail sector. Of course, the most glaring change we’ve seen is the movement toward selfservice. In most aspects, like in buying gas and food, that’s been a positive because it has lowered our costs. But how many times have we encountered businesses that put great emphasis on selling us something, and then show little or no interest in servicing what they sell? How many times have we encountered a waiter, waitress or sales clerk who gave poor service and then would shrug off your complaint about it? How many times have you stood in a long line while the clerk or whoever moved at a snail’s pace and was so indifferent about the situation that they wouldn’t call for help? And how many times have you dealt with a salesperson that obviously knew very little about the products they were selling? I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen that in many types of stores, particularly big department stores. We’re now living in a time when some in the younger generation seemingly think it is “cool” to be rude and uncaring. There’s this “me-first” attitude and a reluctance to accept responsibility for their actions. But in Farm Bureau, our world revolves around a concern for others. For our members. Our employees. Our communities. Our schools. Our churches. Our government. We are committed to services that enhance the quality of life in many ways. And we are committed to providing these services in a friendly, professional manner. We certainly have a wide variety of services to offer our members. I’m especially pleased with the expansion of the products and discount arrangements under our member services program. And I hope you will take every opportunity to familiarize yourself with what we have to offer and promote these services to prospective and current members. We really do have some good deals that should be of interest to most, if not all, of our members. I think the combination of our insurance products and member services gives our organization tremendous appeal to a broad cross-section of Oklahomans. But it is our service capabilities that will enable us to retain members, as well as to acquire new ones through referrals. Our commitment and dedication to the principles of good service is why we use the advertising slogan. . . All Around Service – All Around Oklahoma.
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Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 5
Country
Gardening BY PAUL JOHNSON Garden Consultant
GARDENING WITH THE PLANT DETECTIVE
Think Spring – Plant Bulbs
I
n order to get those flowers in Spring we need to plant them in the Fall. Try to purchase your bulbs early in the Fall, but hold off on planting them. We want to wait for the soil temperature to drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Most years we can plant starting Thanksgiving weekend. This works out well for our thrifty readers. Many stores start discounting their bulbs a few weeks before the holidays. Try to get all your bulbs planted by Christmas. For the sake of simplicity, I refer to bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes as bulbs. Daffodils (Narcissus species) can be planted almost any time. Bulbs that are planted before the soils cool off have an increased chance of sprouting in the Fall. We have had many calls about bulbs that have already leafed out this Fall. If yours have
6 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004
sprouted, don’t cut the foliage off. Let nature take its course. You guarantee that the plant will be damaged if you cut the foliage. In gardening there are just about as many opinions as there are gardeners. I plant tulips in containers and I enjoy the large mass plantings of tulips other people do. There are some species tulips that I like to plant. They can naturalize and come back year after year. My tastes lean towards bombproof plants that come back year after year and increase in numbers. I love daffodils, crocus (Crocus species), grape hyacinth (Muscari species), and iris (Iris species). These bulbs tend to be consistent performers in the spring garden. Go to your garden center and look at all the pictures on the displays and pick the ones with colors and shapes you like. Pay attention to the estimated heights and the flowering
period. You can extend your bloom season by having several varieties of each kind of plant that you want. Crocuses, for example, are some of our earliest bloomers. However different colors tend to bloom at different times. In my yard I have dark purple, light purple and yellow crocus that extend the bloom over a couple of weeks. There is also a Fall blooming crocus that the spice saffron comes from. Choose a planting site that has fairly good drainage for the best performance year after year. Also, choose a site that gets quite a bit of sun, at least when the leaves are off the trees. As a general rule of thumb, plant bulbs two to three times as deep as the bulb is wide. If your daffodil is one-inch in diameter then plant it two to three inches deep. Dig a hole to plant the bulb. Don’t just make a slit in the ground and push the bulb into the soil. You could damage the bulb by forcing it into the ground. Most soils in the metroplex don’t need additional fertilizer added to the planting area. After years of 10-20-10 fertilization of lawns and gardens, we have plenty of phosphorus and potassium available in the soil. If in doubt, have the soil tested. Plant masses of color together to get impressive displays. For a natural look, toss the bulbs gently in the air and plant them where they fall. Remember to put taller varieties in the back. You can make baskets out of chicken wire to plant your bulbs in if you have had trouble with animals eating them before they flower. I have no greater joy than seeing early spring color following a cold Winter, so please plant some bulbs for your own enjoyment and that of your neighbors. Please call 405-476-1731 or email paul@plantdetective.com if you have questions.
FARM BUREAU 9/04
9/14/04
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Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 7
Taking the Heat BY TRACI MORGAN
Rural fire fighters take the lead in protecting their farms and communities
8 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004