Okfbwin 1 12

Winter 2010

The Magazine Of The Oklahoma Farm Bureau

Inside: Inside:

Garfield Family Couple Farm Family of the Year Not Your Typical Grocery Store

The shopping carT was invenTed in oklahoma, much To our chagrin.

The shopping cart is a perfect example of Okie innovation — a nice, simple invention that makes everyday life a whole lot easier. It’s the same sort of innovative thinking that goes into the products and services of Oklahoma Farm Bureau Insurance. We not only offer quality insurance at an affordable price, but we’ve also figured out ways to make claim service faster and easier, with professional adjusters across the state and a 24-hour claims hotline. It’s not the kind of innovation that’s going to make headlines or save the world. But it does make life easier for our members. And hey, that’s the Okie way. 24/7 CLAIMS HOTLINE:* 1-877-OFB-CLAIM (OR 1-877-632-2524)

For details about Oklahoma Farm Bureau, visit us online at okfbins.com

* Not applicable for some policies, including crop, life, health, or disability / long-term care.

Oklahoma Country

Contents

Features

8

8 – Overwhelmed!

A lifetime of dedication to agriculture was

recognized when Garfield County’s Joe and Mary Jo Peeper were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year Nov. 6 at the 68th annual state convention in Oklahoma City.

By Dustin Mielke

14 – Not Your Typical Grocery Store

With as much floor space as an entire football field

plus nearly half of another, shoppers might think they’re entering just another club or discount chain when the automatic doors under the arched entryway slide open.

14

By Mike Nichols

Columns

Departments

2 – Presidentially Speaking 4 – Insurance Matters 6 – Country Gardening

20 – Convention Wrap Up 28 – All Around Oklahoma 42 – Country Classifieds 44 – Country Kitchen

Hidden number worth $50!

O

ne member family’s Oklahoma Farm Bureau membership number is hidden somewhere in this issue of OKLAHOMA COUNTRY, and could earn that member family $50.

To claim the cash prize, the member family must find its own hidden membership number and contact Mike Nichols before the last day of the month Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to

4 p.m. at 405-523-2300.

The OFB membership number hidden somewhere in OKLAHOMA COUNTRY must match the number on the face of your individual OFB membership card for you to claim the cash prize. The member­ ship 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.

Cover Image Joe and Mary Joe Peeper, the 2009 Farm Family of the Year, inside a wheat storage bin.

Photo by Dustin Mielke

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 1

Presidentially

Speaking

By Mike Spradling President, Oklahoma Farm Bureau & Affiliated Companies

Is your glass half full or half empty?

W

inter is the time of year for celebration and family gatherings. Farm Bureau members all over this land are spending time with friends and family to reflect what this time of year means to them.

After the holiday events and football games, many of us actually take a moment for reflection.

We realize how fortunate we are to farm and ranch in this great country known as the United States of America. How fortunate we are to work in an industry where we can labor side-by-side, day in and day out, with our best friend, our partner, and our spouse for a lifetime.

Where farm and ranch kids take on major responsibilities at an early age, in an environment where they learn all the lessons of life – and yes, death as well. Where they learn to tend to the needs of the animals they care for before they tend to their own needs.

Where they learn to enjoy, respect and care for the environment because they feel responsible for its well being. Where they can

learn to become productive citizens and become a positive influence on society.

We are fortunate to live in an environment where one can witness the unobscured view of the rising and setting of the sun.

These are just a few of the things we can be thankful for living in rural America.

M

y first term as president just ended and as I start into my second, I have taken time to reflect on some of the things important to me.

One of these is the many relationships I have developed with members as I travel this state. I appreciate the opportunity to listen to the things they care about, and those things important to them and their loved ones.

One of the many things I appreciate most about people in agriculture is their positive attitude about life in general.

When they speak of their wheat crop, they tell of the bushels they made, not dwelling on the losses from the flood, fire, freeze, drought or hail. The cattlemen tell you of the pride in producing high quality beef, not complaining

of the high cost of feed.

With all the things going on in this world that one could complain about, our members focus on the positive side of things. Many people look at 10 percent unemployment as one in 10 out of work. Many of my friends in agriculture look at it as 90 percent employed or nine of 10 working.

No matter what the situation, many in agriculture make the best of the situation. . . always looking on the bright side and finding a way to make it better.

As we take time to reflect on what 2009 brought us, will we think of what we have, not what we don’t have? Will we think of the good times, not dwelling on the bad experiences of life? Will we be thankful for what we produced, not what we lost?

As 2010 gets started, what about you? Is your glass half full, or is it half empty?

From all of us here at Oklahoma Farm Bureau, may 2010 bring you a full glass of health and happiness.

HappyNewYear!

2 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2006 • 3

Matters

Insuranc e

By Darryl Sinclair General Manager, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company

Winter 2010 Volume 62 No. 1 Oklahoma Country (ISSN 1544-6476)

You can help hold down insurance costs

P

roperty and casualty insurance premiums are on the rise. Not just for Oklahoma Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, but for most property and casualty companies doing business in Oklahoma. It is particularly true for property insurance including Homeowners, Mobilehomeowners and Farm and Ranch policies.

Reasons for the rise in insurance premiums are the increase in the number of wind and hail events, the severity of those events and the increased cost of repairing damage after a loss is suffered. Hopefully, we are not experiencing the effects of a permanent climate change. We do not think so, but no one really knows. Issues affecting auto premiums are the increase in auto claims, possibly resulting from more deer on the highway, inattentive driving (including “texting” while driving) and the general economy.

There are things you can do to hold down your costs. As an automobile policyholder, you should purchase as high a deductible as you can afford. When changing from a lower deductible to a higher deductible, you will receive a premium credit. When making a decision regarding additional coverage, you may choose not to carry physical damage on a paid-off vehicle, as long as the value is below what you can afford to bear in the event of a loss. Completing a defensive driving course can qualify you for an additional auto premium discount.

Discounts can be received on property lines of business as well. Like auto policies, a higher homeowners deductible earns a premium credit. Homeowners with an alarm system will receive a discount, with an increased discount being given if the alarm is monitored. Both auto and homeowners policies are experiencerated policies, meaning you can earn a discount based upon favorable claims experience.

The insurance mechanism works such that 4 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

all policyholders bear the cost of claims that are filed. As a result, fewer claims filed overall will positively affect everyone’s premium. Here are some things that will help hold down auto premiums collectively: 1. Defensive driving – often the not-at-fault party could have avoided the accident by driving defensively, 2. Monitor your children’s driving – most youthful drivers have an accident sometime before gaining experience and most are avoidable, 3. Keep your vehicles in good running condition and tires in good shape, 4. Keep your vehicles garaged when possible, many times hail comes when we are at home, 5. Observe posted speed limit signs and do not drink and drive – claims from these causes can be very costly and even deadly.

T

o hold down costs on property lines of business, homeowners should be firewise. To be fire-wise one must keep chimneys clean, routinely service heaters, make sure electrical wiring is up to code and in good shape, never leave candles burning unattended, keep combustible materials such as paint and gas properly stored and away from fireplaces and space heaters, never overload outlets, keep brush and dry grass cleared away from structures, and of course keep red cedars away from barns and homes. Other things that can be done include trimming limbs away from property to avoid ice damage, keeping pets under control, maintaining fences especially if you have livestock, keeping steps, railings and plumbing in good repair, and possibly turning water off when you are gone for an extended period of time. Lastly, lock up your valuables and keep a Farm Bureau reward sign posted on your property.

If we each do our part by observing these things, it will help hold down premiums for all of us.

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 Mike Nichols Oklahoma Country Editor and Senior Writer Sam Knipp Vice President Corporate Communications / PR Traci Morgan Perspective / Online News Editor Dustin Mielke Multi-media Producer / Writer 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.

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 Mike Spradling, President Bob Drake, Vice President Tom Buchanan, Treasurer Roland Pederson, Secretary Ervin Mitchell, Director Donna VonTungeln, Director Larry Boggs, Director Charles Sloan, Director Billy Gibson, Director Phyllis Holcomb, Director Monica Wilke, Executive Director

!"##$%%&'(%"(")*(+"##),$%$&!"#$%&'#$&%()*+&",#-+#&+*%./01+#%)&#&+"$%/"0203045#4%#*%/4&02)4+#4%# 6#2+44+&#7)63045#%8#308+#0/#%)&#*%99)/040+":#;%&#4<+#$6"4#8%)&#5+6&",# ='36<%96#$%&'#$&%()*+&"#<6>+#$6&4/+&+(#-04<#4<+#='36<%96# ?3%%(#@/"404)4+#%/#6/#6//)63#23%%(#(&0>+:#A<+#(%/640%/"#*%33+*4+(# ()&0/.#4<+"+#(&0>+"#<6"#$&%>0(+(#9)*<#/++(+(#23%%(#6/(#23%%(# $&%()*4"#8%&#='36<%96/"#0/#409+"#%8#*&0"0":#A<0"#0"#B)"4#%/+#"9633# -65#-+#*%/4&02)4+#4%#%)&#3%*63#*%99)/040+":

!"#$%!&$

'!()'*# CDEEEDF!GDH=IJ##K#---:%'$%&':%&.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 5

Country

Gardening

By Joe Benton

Extension Education, Ag & CED Pottawatomie County OSU Extension Service

Late winter recommended for landscaping chores

I

f you’re itching to get outdoors, now’s a good time to survey your landscape and decide what needs pruning. But keep in mind that not all plants need to be trimmed.

Landscape plants should be pruned to maintain or reduce their size, to remove undesirable growth, to remove dead or damaged branches, and to rejuvenate older plants to produce more vigorous foliage, flowers and fruits. In some cases, pruning is necessary to prevent damage to life and property.

Pruning isn’t as difficult as most people think, but there are proper techniques to keep in mind. Late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, is generally considered the optimum time to prune most plants. This is when the plant’s wounds heal quickly, without threat of insect or disease infection. However, plants that bloom in early spring, such as forsythia, magnolia and crabapples, should be pruned later in spring after their blooms fade.

These early bloomers produce their flower buds on last year’s wood, so pruning early will remove many potential blooms. Trees that have large quantities of sap in the spring, such as maple, oaks, elms and dogwood, are not harmed by early spring pruning but can be pruned in mid-summer or late fall to avoid the sap bleeding.

It’s best to allow a tree or shrub to develop its natural shape as much as possible.

However, removing selected branches because they are weak or formed at a poor angle to the trunk will help the rest of the plant receive more sunlight. Thin this type of growth by removing unwanted branches at their point of origin. Make the cut just beyond the branch collar, which is the ridge of bark that surrounds the junction of that branch to its point of origin. This will leave a very short stub of about one-half to two inches, depending on the size and age of the branch.

6 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

If reduction in size is desired, a technique called “heading back” is recommended.

Shorten branches by cutting back to a healthy side bud or branch that is pointing in the direction you want future growth to occur.

Make a cut about one-fourth inch above the bud or branch.

E

vergreen trees, such as pines and spruce, are not pruned by the same methods as other plants. They can be encouraged to produce stockier trees by pinching the “candles” of new growth, which emerge in late spring. Pinch out onehalf of the candle when it reaches approximately two inches long. Use a sharp knife or your fingers to pinch, instead of shears, which can damage the needles surrounding the candle.

Shrubs that have become overgrown, or perhaps don’t flower like they used to, might benefit from renewal pruning. Each winter for the next three years, you remove about onethird of the oldest, largest-diameter stems, all the way back to the ground. The other twothirds can be headed back about one-third of their height by cutting back to an outwardfacing bud or side branch. After the third year, all of the plant's stems will be no older than three years.

Whatever the tree or shrub, remember that topping or haircut trimming are not sound pruning practices. Topping results in numerous, fast-growing new shoots, which are much weaker and more susceptible to wood rots than the original growth, and are more likely to cause damage to property and power lines. Use the heading-back technique to reduce the plant’s height. This technique may be more costly in time or money, but the results are worth the extra effort.

Also, keep in mind that for larger trees and shrubs, which are beyond the ability of the

average homeowner’s hand tools, you may need to call in a professional. Be sure to ask for estimates and references from satisfied customers.

A

nother winter chore in preparation for spring should be soil sampling. Now is a great time to get that out of the way in anticipation of future plantings.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the nutrients that are measured from a soil sample. Nitrogen is the nutrient responsible for growth, yield and even color. Nitrogen applications are determined by yield goal.

Whether growing vegetables or a lawn, nitrogen needs have been determined through past research according to how much growth or yield you want to occur. All crops normally grown here in Oklahoma have an established nitrogen need depending on yield desired.

Phosphorus and potassium needs can only be determined by a soil test. No one can look at soil and give a recommendation for these nutrients. To complicate this matter, phosphorus and potassium can limit plant growth. In other words, if these nutrients are not present in sufficient amounts, growth will not occur at the plant’s maximum capacity.

No matter how much nitrogen you apply, it will not be utilized efficiently for plant growth.

This is the case for lawns, flowers and vegetable production.

Another reading you will get from a soil sample is pH. This reading tells us the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.

All plants have a range where they live and grow best. A pH of 6.9 or less is acid. Soils with a pH of 7.0 are neutral, higher than 7.0 are alkaline. Under normal conditions, most plants grow well when soil pH is in the range of 6.0 to 7.5.

Even in winter, you still have plenty to do before spring.

See you next time!

NEW Diet Discovery Lets You...

&'(')%Y'-)%U='%EZ-A'%?D-.+9 ?@@A'%B.8')%C.+'D-)%6A7$ UL

ACV Plus Provides Powerful Nutrients for Safe and Effective Rapid Weight Loss ®

body for efficient weight loss.

• Boosts the health and strength of your heart and circulatory system.

;%<*=>#%$&%3,"0$,"0%2*,=$2A%+=&&D%#'@,(%% % =*H*=#%."$2"0%0&(3,=%(,0@*

Apple Cider Vinegar 300 mg. - Nutrient rich in trace minerals and enzymes. !"#$%&'(')%*''+%,-$.')%"/%0/$'%123%42%/)%,('+% Green Tea 250 mg. - Helps burn fat and 52%6/7+8$9 boost energy safely.

New & Improved ACV Plus is scientifically Apple Pectin 400 mg. - Helps speed blended with Apple Cider Vinegar and seven elimination of dangerous toxins. powerful weight reducing herbs. These safe Bromelain 200 mg. - Helps break down and natural ingredients work to stop fat protein for better digestion. absorption and turn your body into, literally, Cayenne 100 mg. - Helps promote higher a fat burning machine. metabolism to burn more fat.

ACV Plus works by promoting a simple body Citrin 300 mg. - Helps suppress function known as cravings so you eat less. thermogenesis (the E"-+8$%"='%"'$"%/G%".N'9% Ginger 200 mg. - Helps to improve the burning of fat cells to 6N!%C='#%2,#%+**0%% digestion process. create energy) which $*#$*D%+A%3&(*%$2,0% FenuLife® 100 mg. - Helps support is key to permanent X88^888%>*&>=*/%% proper blood sugar levels within normal weight loss. a',(,0$**D%$&%.&(B%% range. :%;'-$/+$%<=>%?@@A'% &(%A&'(%3&0*A%+,1BZ ACV PLUS will help you burn calories, B.8')%C.+'D-)%6A7$IJ% fight cravings and support your weight E=/7A8%F'%6-)"%/G%H/7)%I->9 loss goals when combined with a reduced • Suppresses the appetite so you eat less. calorie diet and exercise program which is • Lowers the amount of fat the body included. absorbs while enhancing calorie burning.

• Breaks down fat faster so it moves out... fast!

• Promotes healthy digestion.

• Helps regulate the pH balance in the

You’ll love the results!

J')'#$%K=-"%L-M'$%?BC%6A7$%E/%% ;'N-)M-FA'O

122P%LQ&,H%*?BR%ST?;?&U,,% Try ACV Plus for just 30 Days. If you’re not 100% totally satisfied with the results, just return the unused portion for a full and prompt product refund.

Doctor Recommended for Weight Loss

“Apple Cider Vinegar Plus has helped me so much with weight loss support. Plus, I have tons of energy. I advise everyone to try it. I feel 20 years younger!”* — Glenda Owens, Philadelphia, MS “My husband and I have been on your ACV Plus for 5 years. It really helps to maintain our weight. It is truly great.”* —Lillian Cargill , Holly Springs, MS

!"##$%&##'()**+

,--'.//',012 VK%<&'(#%,%[,A%\%T%[,A#%,%)**B% RJ*0$"&0%C(&3&-%56789:U

YES! Y%.,0$%$&%#$,($%=&#"0@%.*"@2$%,0D%

2,H*%3&(*%*0*(@AZ%C=*,#*%#*0D%3*%6>>=*%N"D*(% !"0*@,(%C='#%,#%"0D"1,$*D%+*=&. % % % % % % % % % %

%*,EU%I,?09%K%3&0$2%#'>>=A F'A%LM8%N,>#'=*#%% O*@/%PQQ/QQ%E-A'9%V4WXWW RS,H*%PT8/88U% 6A7$%Y;,,%E=.@@.+D % *,UU,;%I,?09%V%3&0$2%#'>>=A F'A%7W8%N,>#'=*#%% O*@/%PXT/QQ%E-A'9%V1:XWW% RS,H*%PK7/88U%6DD%PL/QX%S2">>"0@ %SQQI%I,?09%7%3&0$2%#'>>=A F'A%Q8%N,>#'=*#%O*@/%PVQ/QQ% E-A'9%VWXWW%RS,H*%PV8/88U% 6DD%PL/QX%S2">>"0@

�

�

:01=&#*D%"#%,%%%%%%%%%%N2*1B%%%%%%%%%%J&0*A%5(D*(%P]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

�

�

�

JA%N(*D"$%N,(D%9'3+*(%"#-

�

“ACV PLUS is the new secret that I am recommending — it’s guaranteedPlus to getworks you thinner, sexierused and in healthier, or your money back!” *Your results may vary. ACV best when conjuction with a reduced

Here’s What Satisfied ACV Plus Users Say:

�

;%<*=>#%?'3>#$,($%.*"@2$%=&##%+A%1'(+"0@%% % A&'(%,>>*$"$*%."$2&'$%3,B"0@%A&'%?"$$*(A ;%C(&3&$*#%+*$$*(%D"@*#$"&0%E%*="3"0,$"&0 ;%F*0*G"$#%A&'(%*0$"(*%1,(D"&H,#1'=,(%%% % #A#$*3

calorie diet & exercise plan, which isexpert included.

Renowned in clinical nutrition and chiropractic physician,

Dr. Karen Yale is a leader in integrative medical care, emphasizing preventative and natural healthcare solutions.

231!!!.4!!!5678%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /+98#,:(%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Dr. Karen Yale, B.A., D.C., C.C.N., D.A.C.B.N., F.I.A.M.A.

"#$% !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! &''(%))

!"#$%&%'($)*(&+,-&.,%-/&0#%&1'(*&%'($)*(&$('&23&4#35$34*2#3&62*7&,&%'8$4'8&4,)#%2'&82'*&9&':'%42('&;),3/

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *+,-................................./,#,%..................................0+1.....

!"#"$%&'(%)*+#"$*%,$-%.../+&$,0"112&"1*/1&3456789: I<:S:%SI6I:J:9IS%<6!:%95I%F::9%:!6bc6I:[%Fd%I<:%e55[%E%[Oca%6[JY9YSIO6IY59/%I<:S:%CO5[cNIS%6O:%95I%Y9I:9[:[%I5%[Y6a95S:^%IO:6I^%NcO:^%5O%CO:!:9I%69d%[YS:6S:/%

J,"=%$&-%%F&$,0"1%N2&"1*^%LK87%)/%LT$2/%6H*/%% [*>$/%56789:%<&+,($^%Y9%KMLKV f%V878%Y0D",0,%F&$,0"1%a,(D*0#^%Y01/

6_`XW

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 7

Overw

8 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

A Garfield County couple is named Farm Family of the Year.

Written and Photographed by Dustin Mielke

whelmed!

A

lifetime of dedication to agriculture was recognized when Garfield County’s Joe and Mary Jo Peeper were named Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year Nov. 6 at the 68th annual state convention in Oklahoma City.

“We’re overwhelmed by it all,” Joe said shortly after winning the award. “We’re surprised and shocked and just very excited and happy about it.”

A panel of judges selected the Enid-area family from 13 entries in the annual contest, which honors the farm family who best represents farming and ranching and the spirit of Oklahoma agriculture.

Joe and Mary Jo, both 59, were married in 1971 after he graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. Joe first had to fulfill his military obligation, and then taught agricultural education in Missouri for five years and also completed his master’s degree in agriculture.

Both grew up on farms, and when Mary Jo’s father became ill they moved back to Oklahoma in 1977 to manage her family’s farm. They purchased the equipment, cattle and home along with grain storage, and they also rented another 480 acres. Their focus was on wheat, hay and stocker cattle.

Today’s operation consists of 320 owned acres and 320 leased acres plus more than 500 acres of contracted cropland. Foundation and registered wheat is planted on the majority of their acres, and the Peepers usually have four or five varieties of certified seed wheat each year.

Joe and Mary Jo Peeper, Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Farm Family of the Year, received one year’s use of a Dodge pickup. The Peepers have a 640-acre operation northwest of Enid, growing seed wheat, sesame and canola, and they have stocker cattle on pastureland.

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 9

The Peepers have four to five different varieties of seed wheat available every year, adding to their own supply with wheat grown by contract producers. Lots of time is spent cleaning bins, combines and trucks to ensure the purity of the seed.

Mary Jo spends her summertime running the combine in the couple’s north-central Oklahoma wheat fields.

With grandchildren nearby, she and Joe are able to teach agriculture to the sixth generation of her family to be raised in the area.

10 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010

“In the last 25 years, we’ve been involved in the seed-wheat business,” Joe said. “We always grew pretty good, clean wheat, we thought, so we thought we might as well get into the seed business and get a premium for our quality wheat.”

The Peepers supplement their seed supply with wheat produced by contract growers. In 2009, the family contracted 550 acres of wheat with other producers.

“Between the bins that I own and the bins that I rent, we have close to a 60,000-bushel storage capacity for the seed,” Joe said.

“Our marketing plan is to get the product to the farmer in the most efficient method and outstanding quality for our seed wheat customers,” the Peepers wrote in their application, adding, “We must keep detailed records on the seed wheat to fulfill all rules under the Plant Varieties Protection Act.”

M

ary Jo is responsible for sending information and contracts to their seed wheat customers and keeps sales records and tracks grain availability. Some of that information and records are computerized.

“We measure our success by producing consistently high quantity and high quality seed wheat and by having the variety available that the customers need and desire,” they wrote.

Joe said growing seed wheat involves special considerations, such as keeping fields clean and free of weeds, following rules set by different seed organizations, and being diligent during harvest to clean the combines and bins between each variety.

“It’s a lot more work than just taking it to the elevator, but we enjoy the work and we enjoy meeting the people in the seed business,” Joe said of growing seed wheat. “It’s been a lot of fun over the years.”

To supplement the wheat, the Peepers grow rotational sesame, plus test plots of canola. Throughout the years, the Peepers have tried various crops in their rotation, including soybeans and milo, with sesame being the most recent addition.

While the sesame has come with a learning curve, Joe praised the crop for requiring few inputs while being high-value. He foresees sesame playing a larger role in Oklahoma agriculture, especially with fluctuating wheat prices. The Peepers’ son Dan works for Sesaco, a sesamecontracting company, and he provides help and knowledge with the crop.

“I think it’s a crop of the future,” Joe said. “We all need to rotate our fields more, whether it be summer or other crops, to keep our fields cleaned up.”

The Peepers also have canola test plots on their farm, which Joe’s brother, Tom, a plant and soil science professor at Oklahoma State University, uses for research.

“He’s involved in canola research and he has a canola test plot on the farm every year,” Joe said of his brother. “He tests the different varieties and different planting dates and so forth.”

Pasture now is used to graze a small herd of stocker cattle in the summer and for hay since their cow-calf herd was dispersed after all their children graduated from college.

“We used to have cows and calves when the kids were small,” Joe said. “When the kids grew up and left, we started doing just the stocker cattle. We take in cattle for gain on the summer grass.”

There is lots of family history in the area where the Peepers farm.

The Peepers live on the home place next to the house Mary Jo’s greatgrandfather built. Mary Jo’s other great-grandparents, her grandfather and her parents all built houses within a few miles of where the Peepers live. Their three adult children, William, Christie and Daniel, were raised on the family farm. Two of their own grandchildren live a half mile away, making them the sixth generation to grow up on the northern Oklahoma plains.

“I think there’s no better place to raise your kids than on a farm,” Mary Jo said. “You can see it as your kids grow older and they start raising their kids, just how much they learned from the farm.

“You stay close because you do work so hard together in all situations.

Yes, you do lose your temper sometimes, but there’s a lot of love going on

Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010 • 11

The Peepers have included Sesame in their crop rotation. Sesame is used in foods throughout the world, most famously in sesame oil, which is used for cooking, and on top of hamburger buns.

The Peepers have raised canola in the past, and Joe’s brother, Tom, an OSU professor, maintains canola test plots on the family farm.

The Peepers also take on stocker cattle in the summer, converting their pasture acreage into weight gain they can cash in on at the sale barn.

12 • Oklahoma Country • Winter 2010