Okfbfall04 3

"It was a take it or leave it deal.

We don't want to lose our

"This is just a slow death.

They give us just long enough to

"They're putting us on a

operations, because they are

get in debt and leave us

leash and yanking

family farms. We put everything

holding the bag.”

us around."

into these farms."

– Ron Dill

– Robert Owens

– E.L. Coplen

wants “us to keep on because it will be years before the big 3,500-sow units come on line. Right now, they need us to meet their obligations.”

“Cargill did a great job of selling in Oklahoma,” said Harlan Hentges, an Oklahoma City attorney specializing in agricultural law. “Now, these growers are in a terrible position.

“They have basically two choices – do business with Cargill, which will probably bankrupt them; or fight Cargill, which probably means they end up in a lawsuit and go bankrupt. These are not good choices,” he declared!

“Pulling out is a recurring practice in the industry,” said Hentges, who indicated there are many similarities in what Cargill intends to do and what Tyson did to pork producers in eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas.

“Tyson is the subject of a lawsuit. It’s a class action suit for fraud,” he said. It was filed on behalf of 80 Tyson contract growers after that company announced it was restructuring and would not renew contracts.

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n Alabama firm representing the Tyson contract growers cited “Tyson’s abandonment of its hog farmers, disregard for their corporate responsibility and the devastation the profit-driven decision has and will cause.”

The suit against Tyson was filed in Arkansas, and the Arkansas Supreme Court already has rejected Tyson arguments that courts had no jurisdiction since contracts growers signed afforded them only arbitration. (The Cargill contracts also state growers are entitled only to arbitration).

The Alabama law firm has asserted that Tyson “growers based their decision to get into the business on their reliance of Tyson’s commitments that Tyson was fully committed to their live swine operations and they were in business to stay.”

The Tyson growers – just like the Haskell and LeFlore County Cargill growers – built new hog houses, made hog housing upgrades and purchased new equipment to become exclusive contract growers.

“The farmers were ready, willing and completely trusting that Tyson would help them provide for their futures and their families’ futures in

the long term,” the Alabama law firm asserted. “Tyson has used their growers as a temporary venture and have now abandoned them completely.”

The lawsuit explains how Tyson’s restructuring means the farmers are saddled with debt related to their hog farms that can’t be paid without the proceeds from their hog farms.

“The Haskell and LeFlore County Cargill growers definitely need help,” said Hentges.

“There’s nothing whatsoever we can do when they’re contracting,” said Oklahoma Agriculture Commissioner Terry Peach. “We can’t infringe on private enterprise and private business.”

Peach has contacted Cargill officials.

“I asked why. They said the efficiency of the operations wasn’t good enough that they could continue to be profitable and that they weren’t close enough to processors and feed mills.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson was one of 16 state attorneys general to endorse model legislation dubbed as the “Producer Protection Act.” The act proposes new laws to protect producers who enter contracts to provide livestock or grain. It specifically addresses protecting producers who have made sizeable capital investments required by contracts.

Oklahoma has not enacted the Producer Protection Act. “Around the country, people know what Cargill is doing and how it’s going to affect Oklahoma,” said Hentges. “We’ve got a mess to clean up, and Cargill created the mess.

“It is important to have a healthy, open discussion of this issue instead of keeping our heads down. Sometimes if a man keeps his head down,” the attorney conceded, “he’ll end everything by blowing it off.”

“In production contracting, there is great disparity in bargaining power between the contractor companies and individual producers.

Producers can easily be stuck with unfair contract terms,” said Rich.

“The continued use and expansion of production contracts is appropriate only as long as producers have equality. We must work to be sure the scales aren’t tipped against farmers and ranchers.”

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 19

TAKES CENTER STAGE The lights dim, the audience quiets and its attention is drawn to the big screen in front. The film begins to roll out the previews of the next blockbuster hits for the fall. As a young couple anticipates the introduction to the movie they have been anxiously waiting to see, their hands automatically reach for their bag of popcorn. Their attention is directed to the actors and actresses on the screen with little thought to the popcorn they enjoy.

THE SOUND OF POPCORN POPPING from the kitchen is familiar and welcoming to Jon and Natalie Leeds. This popular snack has become a nightly ritual for the couple to share. Popcorn has become more than just a snack to enjoy, but a growing crop and business. With more than 400 acres of popcorn planted within feet of their home in Webbers Fall, popcorn is never in short supply.

“We have grown accustom to eating a lot of popcorn over the years,” said Jon. “It is a common snack for us and our family to eat.”

Their farming operation is several miles north on Interstate 40 in Webber Falls. They were married in August of 2000 and moved to Natalie’s 20 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004

By Nicola Freeman

From the field to their kitchen, popcorn is a common topic and snack for the Leeds.

With more than 400 acres of popcorn harvested this year, Jon and Natalie foresee popcorn in their future for years to come.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 21

family farm a year later. With the move came the opportunity for Jon to become a partner with his father-in-law, Charles Pearson, on their diverse farming operation.

“I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to come back to the farm and work with my in-laws in a partnership,” said Jon. Jon had little experience with popcorn as a crop, but he felt it would be a great challenge and found few differences in popcorn compared to field corn.

However, popcorn is a familiar crop for Natalie and her family. Natalie’s father began growing popcorn in 1994. He was one of the few farmers in the area to grow popcorn and felt it would diversify their operation.

Natalie can still recall her family’s reaction when Charles told them they were going to start growing popcorn.

“I remember asking Dad what it would look like; it is a common misconception,” laughed Natalie. “We were excited about Dad growing popcorn and it was fun telling our friends in the community that we were popcorn growers.”

THE INITIAL IDEA OF GROWING POPCORN began when Charles read an article about specialty crops and thought it might be interesting to try something new.

“I met a farmer from Jasper, Mo., who was growing cucumbers for a processing plant and he mentioned that the plant also processed popcorn,” said Charles. “That conversation led to meeting with a field representative and we were able to set up a contract and grew a little over 100 acres of popcorn the first year.”

Several farmers in the area were interested in popcorn, and tried it, however, Charles and now Jon have become the sole producers of this popular microwavable treat for the last three years.

Together Jon and Charles farm more than 1,400 acres of field corn, popcorn and soybeans. They have been able to capitalize on growing crops with irrigation available for over 1,000 acres of cropland, along with several hundreds acres of dry land crops.

Jon recognizes the strengths in having a diverse farming operation and says that popcorn brings a new dynamic to the farm.

“Popcorn has a niche market and is based on the supply and demand linked to consumers. The number of planted acreage of popcorn is based primarily on the demand needs of the processing plants and our returns.”

The Leeds have a contract with Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation, in Jasper, Mo., to grow popcorn on a year-to-year basis. Popcorn is sold on a per ton basis.

Jon and Natalie’s popcorn is processed into several consumer ready products. The majority of the popcorn is used for microwavable popcorn, flavored and buttered; other uses include fundraiser sales associated with the Boy Scouts.

“Our popcorn has become a great crop in our operation with it being a smaller crop and earlier harvest dates we have been able to spread our risks more,” said Jon. “Popcorn is a weaker crop, not forgiving of any lack of moisture, which has not been a issue with our irrigation capabilities.”

Planting begins in early March, with irrigating beginning by late May to early June. The popcorn will begin to tassel by mid-June, followed by the ears formatting and filling with kernels. The stocks will then dry out throughout late July and harvest starts in August.

22 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004

Being in the southern region of Gilster-Mary Lee Corporations popcorn suppliers, the Leeds are able to provide the food manufacturer with raw popcorn before many other growers in the north.

“We have been one of the few popcorn growers in Oklahoma and the southern region of the U.S.,” he said. “The top producing states are in the northern plains, including Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois and into Missouri.

“We have the advantage over these states by having earlier planting and harvesting dates, allowing us to supply popcorn seed during times of the year that the other producers are unable.”

Popcorn, though traditionally not grown in Oklahoma, is grown in over 25 states with the domestic production of over 996 million shelled pounds. The U.S. exports of popcorn totaled 206 million pounds in 1999, with a value of $58 million. Mexico and Canada have become the largest export markets for the U.S. over the past five years.

According to the Popcorn Board, Americans today consume 17.3 billion quarts

of popped popcorn each year, with the average Jon inspects an ear of American eating about 59 quarts. Approximately popcorn in his field.

70 percent of popcorn is eaten in the home and 30 percent outside of the home in theaters, stadiums and schools.

Popcorn always hasn’t been in high demand; it took a slump during the 1950s, when television became popular. Attendance in movie theaters dropped, and with it, so did popcorn consumption. When the public began eating popcorn at home and the invention of microwave popcorn, a new relationship between television and popcorn resurged in popularity.

Though popcorn is new to the their relationship, agriculture is a common thread for the Leeds. Farming comes naturally to both Jon and Natalie, both raised on farms operations in eastern Oklahoma. Jon is a third generation farmer, originally from Ft. Gibson. Jon’s first experience in farming came at an early age when his father gave him 15 acres of land to use.

“I planted wheat and double cropped it with soybeans,” he said with a smile remembering his first experience. “That 15 acres has grown to 1,400 acres.”

Jon’s love for farming is apparent in the growth he has had in the industry and his desire to make their operation more productive while keeping conservation a top priority.

Natalie as well, was raised with a rural background, her grandfather and father farmed together, establishing their main farm in the 1960s, were she and Jon live today.

“It is a wonderful experience to grow up involved in agriculture. It is a comfortable and meaningful lifestyle,” said Natalie. “Farmers play an important role in our society.

“I hope that Jon and I can be role models to young individuals in our community that want to come back to the farm,” she added.

“This is all I have every wanted to do. I love my work and it is second nature to me,” Jon said.

Jon and Natalie have been married four years, WISCONSIN with Jon working on the farm for over three years CHEESE! with Charles. Jon has brought many new ideas A Wisconsin Farm Bureau Service and enthusiasm to the family operation.

Quantity Delivered Total “Jon is a smart young man, a fast learner and Ordered Wisconsin Cheese Variety Cost/Box Cost has a deep love for farming,” said Charles.

New! “Go Team” Tailgating Box: Over the past three years Jon has converted (1 lb. Medium Cheddar, 1 lb. Co-Jack & their cropland from conventional till to no-till.

1 1/4 lb. Beef “Football Sausage”) $26.95 “We have been successful with implementing Sharp Cheddar– 4-1 lb. per box $24.50 no-till on more than 80 percent of our land,” Medium Cheddar – 4-1 lb. per box $23.95 said Jon. “No-till is a practice I felt would be Colby Cheese – 4-1 lb. per box $23.50 Co-Jack – 4 -1 lb. per box $24.50 beneficial and vital to conserving our Variety Pack: 1 lb. ea. / above 4 cheeses $25.00 resources.”

Aged Cheddar – 5 lb. wheel $25.75 Jon is ambitious that the farm will continue Cheddar Spread (Sharp) – 4-1 lb. tubs $22.25 to grow in terms of conservation practices and Gift Box: (10 oz. Med Cheddar, number of acres.

10 oz. Colby, 10 oz. Brick, & 2-12 oz.

“I would like to see our operation grow to packages, all-Beef Summer Sausage) $28.75 2,000 acres. We have the equipment, man power Total Order $ and desire to utilize our resources to their full Shipped Direct by UPS to the Address Provided Below. (Allow 10-14 days for shipping.) extent,” said Jon. Please make check payable to Wisconsin Farm Bureau Service Cooperative, and Mail to: PO Box With deep ties to agriculture, it seemed only 5550, Madison, WI 53705, Attn. Direct Sales. First-time Customer names will be added to our mailing list and you will receive our “complete line” order form each time an order is placed. natural for the couple to be involved in a farm Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ organization. Last year Jon was elected to the Street:(No PO Box) ____________________________________________________________________ Muskogee County Board of Directors. On a statewide level, the couple is currently serving ____________________________________________________________________________________ on the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Young Farmers City: State: Zip Code: ________________________________________________________________ and Ranchers State Committee as district 6 Telephone Number: ______________________________ County:_____________________________ representatives.

Order by Dec. 3, 2004 for Christmas Delivery • Offer expires April 30, 2005 “Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the YF&R are great programs for young farmers like Natalie and myself,” said Jon. “It has allowed us to network with young farmers “It gives me great pride to know that I am one of many farmers that is and ranchers throughout Oklahoma, learn about their operations, their helping provide a safe, reliable and affordable food supply to others,” Jon said. challenges and successes.”

Jon and Natalie said growing popcorn is a given with them, though they It is apparent that Jon and Natalie love what they do and are proud to might not be the largest producers, it gives them satisfaction in growing a be members of a team of individuals who feed the world. popular snack among many moviegoers.

’s a c i r Ame

st e n i F Dairy

As the credits begin to role and everyone gets up, commenting on the film, a trail of popcorn is left behind, where it comes from many do not know, however the Leeds know that they are serving a popular industry with a commodity that is in demand.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 23

All Around

Oklahoma Cow-calf operators now can obtain Livestock Risk Protection policies to hedge some of their risk. Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance agents offer the program, which was expanded this year to add more coverage classes.

Risk protection policies offered to cattlemen klahoma Farm Bureau once again is looking to arm farmers and ranchers with a weapon in their ongoing battle to improve their bottom line.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the resumption of the sale of Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) policies.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company first introduced the program to customers June 9, 2003. Sales of LRP were suspended on Dec. 23, 2003, when bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was detected in Washington State.

“Producer interest last time was very high,” said Scott Bulling, OFBMIC Crop Program manager, who also heads the livestock risk protection program.

LRP is designed to insure against declining market prices. The initial program offered coverage for feeder steers only, but Bulling said this year’s edition encompasses feeders plus calves, fed cattle and heifers within the various classes.

“For the first time, the cow-calf operator can hedge some of the risk. I think that could be pretty valuable,” said Bulling.

“We started selling the policies Oct. 1, and there is now no cutoff date,” he continued.

“Producers are hedging against the actual

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24 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004

cash market, so they don’t have to worry about basis risk between the futures market and the cattle market.”

Producers may select from a variety of coverage levels and periods of insurance.

“Most of our agents in the rural areas have been to our classes on LRP, so producers interested in this program shouldn’t have any trouble finding an agent who can provide them with all the details.

If producers do have any concerns our agents might have difficulty addressing, they can contact me at 405-649-2328 or 405-523-2438.”

Bulling said coverage under LRP is available “on any number of cattle” from one up to 2,000 on calves and feeders, and up to 4,000 per year on fed cattle. Prices vary according to the coverage level selected by the producer, and OFBMIC agents can provide details about the costs.

The LRP coverage is relatively economical since the federal government provides premium assistance. 007057587 “Producers can come in and sign up and it does not obligate them in any way. They can take out an endorsement later,” he added.

“Farm Bureau is about improving the bottom line for producers, and LRP clearly is

a risk management tool that producers should take a close look at. Oklahoma sold half of the policies in the 10 states last time and half of the policies in Oklahoma were sold by Farm Bureau, so we were responsible for 25 percent of the total sales.

“I think,” said Bulling, “that response in Oklahoma shows the progressive nature of our state’s producers and their eagerness to eliminate as much risk in their business as possible. They’re removing the risk of how much they get paid for their cattle.”

If producers receive payments under the LRP program, Bulling said the process works essentially the same way as it did when the program was implemented in 2003. The payments won’t be based on what the individual producer’s cattle bring, but the average of what the covered classes bring during a specified time period. If that average is below what the producer’s policy was, there is a claim and the LRP policy will make up the difference.

“We’re taking good part of the risk out for producers,” Bulling concluded. “The policies also can be used as collateral, so that should make the cattlemen and their bankers happy.”

Annual convention is set for Nov. 13-15 klahoma Farm Bureau’s 63rd annual convention truly will be “Agriculture in Action” when nearly 1,000 delegates and guests converge on the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City November 13-15.

Taking care of the business of the state’s largest voluntary farm organization and setting policy to help mold the future of the state and nation will see that this year’s convention lives up to its theme of “Agriculture in Action.”

In addition to setting policy, delegates attending will elect three state directors plus the state’s delegates for the American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in January.

Two of the three state director posts are vacant due to a death and a resignation. Seats in districts 3 and 6 are open, with the district 9 office currently held by Mike Spradling. The caucuses are scheduled for November 14.

Top state awards to counties and individual members also will be presented during the

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annual meeting and competitions, such as the Discussion Meet, will be held.

An array of top-notch speakers along with some of the state’s top federal lawmakers will be on hand.

American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Administrative Officer Dick Newpher, Miss Oklahoma Elizabeth Kinney and U.S. Senator Jim Infofe will appear during the convention’s opening session.

U.S. Representative Frank Lucas also is scheduled to be on hand for the Oklahoma AgFund reception, which begins at 5 p.m. Nov. 13.

The annual banquet will be held that evening and will feature the multi-talented Jerry Reed. After multiple chart-topping songs, two CMA Awards, three Grammy Awards, a People’s Choice Award and numerous movie roles Reed’s first number one record came with “Amos Moses.” The winning streak continued with “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot,” “Alabama Wild Man,” “Lord Mr. Ford,” “East Bound and Down,” “The Bird,” “She Got the Goldmine, I Got The Shaft” and many more.

OFB Expo, the official trade show of the 63rd annual convention, is back for 2004. It will host more than 20 vendors from across the state promoting agricultural businesses and associations within the state, along with shopping vendors. Other vendors include the Made in Oklahoma Coalition, Knuston Irrigation Design, Oklahoma’s Ag in the Classroom, Oklahoma AgrAbility, Oklahoma Mesonet, All Terrain Cedar Saw, High Plains Journal publication, Farm Credit, Vance Auto Group, Farm 4 Less, Nichols Soap N’ Stuff, to name a few. The trade show will satisfy the interest of all participants.

The trade show will be located surrounding the meeting room within the Cox Convention Center on the second floor. The OFB Expo will open Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. and will conclude after the awards and recognition program Nov. 14.

The Nov. 14 morning general session features the annual vespers and memorial service. LaDonna Gatlin, the baby sister of the legendary Gatlin Brothers, will share her message. She is a singer and entertainer and speaks to people’s hearts as well as to their heads.

The afternoon general session that day kicks off with OFB President Steve Kouplen’s annual address and will be followed by the

Jerry Reed

announcement of district caucus election results. Oklahoma’s new U.S. Senator will speak before delegates begin work on resolutions.

An ice cream social will be held that evening, following the awards and recognition program, to raise funds for the Oklahoma Agricultural Legal Foundation.

The convention’s final day, Nov. 15, will feature an address by Oklahoma’s new second district U.S. Representative before delegates finish the consideration of resolutions. The annual insurance policyholders meeting also will be held that day.

New tax check-off supports county, state fair programs klahomans will see something new this tax season on their income tax forms. Denny Tuttle, President and CEO of the Tulsa State Fair, says there is a great opportunity for citizens of Oklahoma to support their local county fair and 4-H and FFA youth at the Oklahoma Youth Expo and Tulsa State Fair with their 2004 income taxes.

Two programs have been established to support county fairs across the state and the

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livestock auctions at the Oklahoma Youth Expo and Tulsa State Fair through a check-off program called the Oklahoma Junior Livestock Scholarship Fund and the Oklahoma County Fair Enhancement Program.

Leadership from the Tulsa State Fair, Oklahoma Youth Expo and the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals approached the state legislature two years ago about formatting a check-off program that would benefit the Oklahoma county fair system and a scholarship fund.

The Oklahoma County Fair Enhancement Program is designed to assist county fairs with implementing new programs, renovations, and upkeep along with youth programs.

The Oklahoma Junior Livestock Scholarship Fund was developed to generate assistance and funds for scholarships related to the Oklahoma Youth Expo and Tulsa State Fair.

“Several other neighboring states have created check-off programs to benefit their county fairs and youth programs,” added Tuttle.

“We felt that creating these programs in Oklahoma would help youth and allow citizens the opportunity to support these growing programs on a county and state level.”

The goal of the check-off programs is to benefit the county fairs and 4-H and FFA youth in Oklahoma, said Cas Salley, President of the Oklahoma Association of Fairs and Festivals and Tulsa State Agribusiness Manager.

“There are more than 60 active county fairs in our state that are trying to find ways to improve their program. The Oklahoma County Fair Enhancement Program will allow them the opportunity to better their county fair,” Salley said, “as well as raise scholarship dollars for youth participating in the Tulsa State Fair and Youth Expo premium auctions.”

For citizens that cannot afford to purchase an animal at the livestock auction, they can donate to the programs through their income taxes this year, said Salley.

Currently there are several other check-off programs available to Oklahoma taxpayers on their income tax forms, however, this marks the first year contributions can be made relating to Oklahoma’s 4-H and FFA programs.

For more information regarding these programs contact Cas Salley at 918-744-1113 extension 2929, or Oklahoma Youth Expo Executive Director Justin Whitefield at 405-235-0404.

Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004 • 25

Former state director Orville Emmons dies ormer Oklahoma Farm Bureau Director Orville Emmons died Aug. 23 following a lengthy illness.

Emmons, 72, was first elected to the state board of directors Nov. 17, 1996, serving Farm Bureau members in district four. He was re-elected in November 1999 and served until May 16, 2002, when he resigned due to health reasons.

He was born July 16, 1932, in Mountain Park and graduated from high school at Snyder in 1950, the same year he joined Farm Bureau.

Emmons was a farmer-rancher in the rural community of Indiahoma in Comanche County.

He ran a large commercial cow herd, and also produced some wheat and cotton.

He served as president of the Comanche County Farm Bureau board of directors for 10 years before being elected to the state director post. Emmons also was a member of the local Saddle and Sirloin Club and was an active FFA and 4-H Booster Club member as well serving on the board of the local Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Freda, and the

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couple’s two adult children, Judy Spraggings of Hollister and Rocky Emmons of Frederick.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Orville Emmons Ag Youth Fund, c/o IBC, Attn: Jeanie Davis, P.O. Box 888, Lawton, OK 73501.

16 couples vie for OFB Farm Family of Year amilies from 16 counties have been nominated by their county Farm Bureaus for consideration as the 2004 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year.

The winning family will be announced Nov. 14 during the Awards and Recognition Program of the 63rd annual meeting of Oklahoma Farm Bureau in Oklahoma City.

The winner will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2005 American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in Charlotte, N.C., use of a new Dodge pickup, a set of luggage and other prizes.

The annual Oklahoma Farm Bureau contest honors the farm family who best represents farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture.

Farm families nominated, listed in county alphabetical order, are: n Jet’s Dean and Mary Campbell of Alfalfa County. They have been farming for 40 years.

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Their operation consists of wheat, cattle, stockers and a farrow-to-finish hog operation. n Watonga’s Brandon and Cari Webb of Blaine County. Their farming operation is a quartercentury old, consisting of wheat, small grains and pasture for a large cow herd and stockers. n El Reno’s Henry and Angela Heinrich of Canadian County. Their nearly 30-year-old farming operation focuses on sod production but also includes wheat and pasture land with a cow herd. n Chattanooga’s Phil and DeAnn Bohl of Comanche County. They have 30 years in farming. The large cropland base is devoted to wheat, cotton and grain sorghum in rotation and pastures hold the family’s 300400 head of cattle. n Welch’s Calvin and Betty Lou Brady of Craig County. Soybeans, corn, milo, wheat, hay and pecans plus a crossbred cow herd and feeders in addition to a custom pecan harvesting business keep this veteran farm couple occupied. n Lindsay’s Stanley and Doris Miller of Garvin County. They have devoted nearly a half century to farming. Alfalfa, milo, wheat, corn, soybeans and a small truck farm with seasonal vegetables plus cattle keep this fourth generation family busy. n Loyal’s Steven and Sandra Pope of Kingfisher County. They have 25 years on the farm. The operation is a large dairy, but also encompasses wheat, alfalfa and pasture

PASS IT ON

ISSUES

OK AgFund Success

State Director Larry Boggs, standing, distributes copies of Farm Bureau’s Policy Development book to leaders attending the District 5 Area Meeting in McAlester on Aug. 19. Twelve areas meetings were held during August, attracting hundreds of county leaders to hear updates on current issues and those expected to surface in 2005. The leaders use the information to help their counties develop policy recommendations on local, state and national issues.

Field Services Director Kathy McNally distributes copies of the issues Farm Bureau will be following during next year’s legislative session to State Director Billy Gibson at the District 8 Area Meeting in Ada Aug. 12. Hundreds of county leaders attended the 12 statewide area meetings to learn about the issues Farm Bureau will be facing in the new year. Information was provided to assist the county leaders with the policy development process that all counties will undertake during the resolutions sessions of county annual meetings.

Okfuskee County Farm Bureau President Joe Cheatwood, who serves as the district 9 representative on the state AgFund Committee, told those attending the Farm Bureau area meeting at Mannford how big a role the new group played in the state’s primary elections. AgFund endorsed 31 candidates seeking state legislative office, and 30 of those candidates either won their primary outright or made it to the run off. The OK AgFund affords the opportunity to ensure the election of friends of agriculture and Farm Bureau for state political office. AgFund was established by voting delegates at the state convention in 2002. Candidate support is determined by the grassroots members.

26 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004

land plus stocker cattle. n Mountain View’s Eddie Lee and Becky Mandrell of Kiowa County. This longtime farm couple raises goats and sheep plus a few miniature horses. The main enterprise is a dog operation, which sells canines all over the U.S. n Heavener’s Kevin and Karen Wiles of LeFlore County. The couple has devoted a lifetime to farming. They have three large poultry houses, a cow-calf operation and a custom baling business. n Boynton’s Larry and Valerie Naumann of Muskogee County. With a combined 75-plus years in farming, the couple produces wheat, soybeans, corns, oats and hay in a no-till double crop rotation in addition to running a cow herd and stockers. n Jones’ Robert and Rada Manwell of Oklahoma County. The family has more than a half-century in farming, with the farm in the same family for a century. They raise alfalfa, wheat, corn and soybeans. n Coyle’s John and Kathryn Williams of Payne County. They have more than 50 years on the farm. The diverse operation includes wheat, milo, corn and alfalfa along with a large cow herd and stockers in addition to a hunting lease business. n Stonewall’s Roger and Cindy Stinchcomb of

Pontotoc County. Their well-established operation runs a large cow herd along with stockers and feeders plus a ranch and cutting horse enterprise. They also have 20 commercial swine finishing barns. n Seminole’s Syd and Norita Morgan of Seminole County. They have more than 40 years in farming. They run stocker cattle on pasture before cutting and baling the forage. n Copan’s Kent and Margie Jeter of Washington County. The family is the fourth generation on the farm. They have a large cow-calf operation and raise alfalfa and prairie hay along with wheat, soybeans, corn, milo and a patch of sweet corn. n Alva’s Larry and Rita Wilcoxson of Woods County. The family has been farming for a quarter century. They have a large cow-calf herd and run hundreds of stockers annually as well as growing wheat, alfalfa, sorghum, oats and operating a custom hay operation.

Achievement Award draws two entries wo county Farm Bureaus submitted nominations for consideration as the 2004 YF&R Achievement Award. The award honors

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the state’s top young farm family.

The winner will be announced Nov. 14 during the Awards and Recognition Program of the 63rd annual meeting of Oklahoma Farm Bureau in Oklahoma City.

The winner receives an expense-paid trip to the 2005 American Farm Bureau Federation convention. The Oklahoma winner also receives a year’s use of a Dodge pickup, the use of a Kubota tractor, $500 worth of Syngentia crop protection products and other awards.

The nominees, listed in county alphabetical order, are: n Ryan and Hope Pjesky of Goltry in Alfalfa County. The couple operates a large diversified wheat and cattle operation, with a heavy emphasis on grazing stockers on winter wheat pasture. They also have a registered Dorset club lamb flock. Part of the land was homesteaded by his great great grandfather in the Land Run of 1893. n Biron and Karee Shirley of Alva in Woods County. The couple is a partner in a diversified farming operation that includes 2,800 acres of farmland, 75 cow-calf pairs and 900 stockers. They also do off-the-farm seed cleaning as well as producing, cleaning and selling certified seed.

Marketbasket prices sizzle hile Oklahoma’s summer was unusually mild, prices heated up for state shoppers in grocery stores during the third quarter, according to the marketbasket survey conducted by members of the state Women’s Committee.

The informal survey on the total cost of 16 basic grocery items showed an increase of $3.14 from the second quarter survey.

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n Grade A large eggs, up 2 cents per dozen to 92 cents. n Mild cheddar cheese, up 13 cents a pound to $3.62. n Red delicious apples, up 11 cents a pound to $1.03. n Russet potatoes, up 43 cents to $1.85 for a five-pound bag. n Kraft mayonnaise, up 9 cents to $2.82 for a 32-ounce jar.

Three items showed decreases compared to the second quarter. Sirloin tip roast dropped 40 cents a pound to $3.08. A gallon of whole milk slipped to $3.19, off 28 cents from a near record second quarter high; and the price of a 20-ounce loaf of white bread slipped a penny to $1.07.

College is costly; FB Bank can help college education is a necessity for anyone hoping to meet the challenges in our rapidly changing world. Years ago, the majority of employers expected workers to have a high school diploma, today, a college degree is considered a minimum requirement for most well-paying jobs.

As college costs have increased dramatically over the last decade, paying for a college education has become one of the greatest financial challenges for many families. In fact, the cost of a four-year education at many private colleges is approaching the median price of

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The $35.71 average paid by the volunteer shoppers for the 16 items is, however, well below the national second quarter average of $38.85.

Of the 16 items surveyed in eight cities across the state, 13 increased in average price compared to the 2004 second quarter survey.

Crisco oil showed the largest increase, jumping 67 cents to a $2.36 average for a 32-ounze bottle from the second quarter’s $1.69. A 32-ounce bottle of Mazola corn oil also increased significantly, costing 30 cents more than its second quarter $1.93 average.

Bacon prices also sizzled up by 62 cents a pound, averaging $3.11. A 10-ounce box of Cherrios cost the shoppers 47 cents more than the second quarter’s $2.19 while a five-pound bag of all-purpose flour went up 43 cents to $1.36.

Other items that increased in price were: n Ground chuck, up 18 cents a pound to $2.20. n Center cut pork chops, up 10 cents a pound to $3.20. n Whole fryers, up 28 cents a pound to $1.01.

28 • Oklahoma Country • Fall 2004

a single-family house in the United States.

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