PERSPECTIVE OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
®
April 23, 2010
Governor signs HB 3202 By Lori Kromer Peterson, OFB Vice President of Public Policy On April 16, Gov. Brad Henry signed HB 3202 into law. The bill clarifies that acts of animal husbandry are not prohibited by the Veterinary Practice Act. It also requires that of the five veterinarian members of the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (Board), one must be an equine practitioner and one must be a large animal practitioner. HB 3202 also sets up a certification process for equine teeth floaters under the Board. The bill had been amended in the Senate at the request of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. The amendment further clarified that no controlled dangerous drugs could be obtained without a prescription from a veterinarian. This amendment required that HB 3202 be heard again by the full House of Representatives. It passed the House and was then sent to the governor’s desk. The governor’s office received many phone calls, emails and letters. The governor and his policy advisors reviewed and considered the information and input provided them; ultimately, the governor signed HB 3202. HB 3202 protects traditional animal husbandry practices for livestock owners across the State of Oklahoma. Thank you, Farm Bureau members, for your work on this issue!
PROCLAMATION – Taking advantage of a recent Farm Bureau event at the State Capitol, OFB leaders and staff met with Gov. Brad Henry to show appreciation for his Farm Bureau Week proclamation. From left, are Mike Spradling, Lori Peterson, Gov. Henry, Phyllis Holcomb, Clara Wichert, Tom Buchanan and Monica Wilke.
Legislation continues to move as session nears end By Lori Kromer Peterson, OFB Vice President of Public Policy
The 2010 Legislative Session is quickly approaching its final deadline where bills must pass the opposite house to remain alive in the process. Following this deadline, a few more bills will reach the governor, but many more will go to conference committee for further improvement. A bill in conference committee must be signed out by a majority
CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TOUR – Sen. Jim Inhofe discussed new climate change legislation during a meeting with Farm Bureau leaders who were in Washington, D.C. April 11-15 for Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Congressional Action Tour. See more photos on page 4.
of the conferees and pass before the full House of Representatives and Senate before making it to the governor’s desk. The budget still remains a work in progress and a top priority for the legislature. Below are just a few of the issues OFB continues to monitor. LANDOWNER RIGHTS FOR W IND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT HB 2973 and SB 2132 have passed the Senate and now await hearings on the floor of the House. Both bills, authored by Rep. Mike Sanders and Sen. Bryce Marlatt, seek to address some concerns for landowners wishing to develop wind rights, such as the decommissioning of commercial wind energy facilities while still encouraging wind development in Oklahoma. Both bills will likely go to conference committee for additional work before final passage. SB 1787, by Sen. Mike Schulz and Rep. Fred Jordan, would prohibit the severance of wind rights from the surface. SB 1787 recently passed the House and will now go to conference committee for further discussion. REMOVAL OF W HEAT COMMISSION
FROM THE CENTRAL PURCHASING ACT
HB 3204 has been signed into law (See Legislation, page 2)
Member Benefits • Choice Hotels International™ – Members can save up to 30 percent off their next stay.
• Lands End Business Outfitters – Offers
members 10 percent off catalog pricing. Call 1-800-916-2255.
Find a complete list of savings online at www.okfarmbureau.org.
OFB Calendar State FFA Convention April 27-28 • Oklahoma City Contact: Marcia Irvin, 405-523-2405 YF&R Golf Classic May 7 • Turkey Creek in Hennessey Contact: Marcia Irvin, 405-523-2405
Oklahoma Farm Bureau Online Monitor the latest Farm Bureau and agricultural news and information online at www.okfarmbureau.org. Currently online: • Photo Galleries – View photos from the most recent OFB events and activities. Photos were posted following the YF&R Legislative Leadership Day and the Congressional Action Tour. • YF&R Golf Classic – Information is available on the 8th Annual YF&R Golf Classic, which will be held May 7 at the Turkey Creek Course in Hennessey. Proceeds will benefit the OFB Legal Foundation. Flyers are available for download and distribution. Sponsors are welcome!
www.okfarmbureau.org
Legislative Meetings
Legislative Meetings
RIGHT – Sen. John Ford, center, poses with leaders Don Spaulding, Marilynn Spence, Ethel Spaulding and Tom Spence at the Craig-Ottawa Legislative Dinner April 9.
(continued from page 1) by Gov. Henry. The bill, authored by Rep. Don Armes and Sen. Ron Justice, removes the Wheat Commission from the requirement of the Central Purchasing Act. HB 3204 is a cost saving measure for the Wheat Commission, a nonappropriated agency that runs completely on producer dollars. DISAPPROVAL OF $50 TO $500 FEE FOR GROUNDWATER PERMITS HJR 1036 passed the House of Representatives, but was not heard in the Senate. Authored by Rep. George Faught and Sen. Ron Justice, this resolution would have disapproved an administrative rule promulgated by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to require a $50 fee for all groundwater permits, including those used for agriculture irrigation. This $50 fee will be per permit up to $500 per person and will be paid annually with an additional $50 late fee. Passage of HJR 1036 would have disapproved the proposed fees; however, without legislative disapproval the rule will become law. Oklahoma Farm Bureau policy advocates a change in Oklahoma law to require the legislature approve agency rules before they become law. Other bills remain alive in the process seeking to make this needed change.
Legislative Meetings RIGHT – Sen. Joe Sweeden addressed Farm Bureau leaders during a legislative breakfast March 26, hosted by Nowata and Washington County Farm Bureaus.
LEFT – Rep. Leslie Osborn, left, visited with Kenneth Bales during Canadian County’s legislative dinner April 15 at the county office.
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Legislation.......
LEFT – Rep. D Morgan discus during a legisl hosted by Cre Lincoln County Bureaus on Ap
Audrey Harmon is named a National AITC Teacher of the Year
CAPITOL VISIT – Pottawatomie County Farm Bureau leaders met with Speaker Pro Tempore Kris Steele during a recent Capitol Visit. From left, are Rep. Steele, county President John Grundmann, OFB Public Policy Vice President Lori Peterson and county Vice President Todd Kennedy.
Noble County Farm Bureau member and Morrison Elementary School kindergarten teacher Audrey Harmon has been selected for the National Ag in the Classroom Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award. Harmon is one of five nationallyrecognized teachers selected for their outstanding contributions to education about American agriculture and successful efforts in teaching agricultural concepts in their curriculum. Harmon will be recognized during the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, which will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, June 24-26.
COALITION – OFB President Mike Spradling spoke during a recent One Oklahoma Coalition press conference to kick off a campaign to defeat State Question 744. Approval of SQ 744 would take away the legislature’s ability to fund common education in accordance with state revenue collections. SQ 744 mandates common education be funded at the per pupil average of all Oklahoma’s neighboring states, regardless of Oklahoma’s budget, and regardless of other needs. It is estimated the cost of compliance to Oklahoma would begin at $850 million. State agency directors informed a legislative interim study that if SQ 744 is approved by the voters in November, planned roads and bridges wouldn’t be built, thousands of prisoners would have to be released, mentally ill Oklahomans would be left without care leaving them destined for the streets or prison, thousands would be dropped from the Medicaid rolls and several health services would be eliminated, fewer state troopers would protect Oklahoma streets, more children and senior citizens would be cut out of state care and state college tuition would increase. OFB policy opposes SQ 744. Information about the One Oklahoma Coalition can be found on its Facebook page.
Legislative Meetings
Danny ssed issues lative dinner eek and y Farm pril 9 in Stroud.
Legislative Meetings
RIGHT – Sen. David Myers addressed a large crowd gathered in Blackwell for the annual tri-county legislative dinner hosted by Alfalfa, Grant and Kay County Farm Bureaus on April 8.
Legislative Meetings BELOW – Sen. Tom Ivester, left, and Rep. Todd Russ took questions during a legislative dinner March 26, hosted by Kiowa and Washita County Farm Bureaus. The dinner was held in Cordell.
LEFT – Rep. Todd Thomsen made a point while OFB Director Billy Gibson looked on during Pontotoc County’s recent legislative dinner.
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Published by Oklahoma Farm Bureau Postmaster: Send address corrections to: Perspective, P.O. B. 53332, OKC, OK 73152-3332
Oklahoma Farm Bureau 2501 N. Stiles Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3126
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Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 131 Okla. City, OK.
Traci Morgan, 523-2346 Perspective/Online News Editor Sam Knipp, 523-2347 Vice President of Communications/PR Lori Kromer Peterson, 523-2539 Vice President of Public Policy Marla Peek, 523-2437 Director of Regulatory Affairs Tyler Norvell, 523-2402 Director of State Affairs
Congressman Dan Boren posed for a photo with Sequoyah County’s Charles and Mary Sloan.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau leaders listened to Congressman Tom Cole during a visit to his office.
Congressional Action Tour • April 11-15, 2010 • Washington, D.C.
John Senger, Congressman John Sullivan’s executive assistant, met with OFB leaders while the congressman attended a hearing. Congressman Frank Lucas answered questions and talked ag issues with the Farm Bureau group.
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Congresswoman Mary Fallin posed with the Farm Bureau group during a visit to her office. Sen. Tom Coburn made his opinion about recently passed health care legislation known to the OFB group.
OKLAHOMA FARM BUREAU
®
YOUNG FARMERS & RANCHERS This is a special insert for young producers, ages 18 to 35, who have a vested interest in agriculture and desire to be a part of a group, which is actively engaged in leadership training, networking and promoting their industry. For more information, contact Coordinator Marcia Irvin at 405-523-2405.
YF&R Committee announces 2010 scholarship recipients OFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee is excited to further the education of eight future agricultural leaders, who were chosen as 2010 YF&R Scholarship recipients. They are: District 1: Tyler Price, Laverne; District 2: Brian Null, Hobart; District 3: Clarissa May Fulton, Chickasha; District 4: Fred A. Chapman IV, Sulphur; District 5: Tyler Patterson, Keota; District 6: Brooke Ramsey, Checotah; District 7: Cooper Eden, Freedom; and District 9: Justin B. Smith, Chandler. (District 8 had no applicants.) These outstanding high school seniors were chosen to each receive $1,000 scholarships, funded by the state YF&R Committee and OFB & Affiliated Companies. They were chosen from applicants in the nine OFB board districts.
YF&R Summer Conference will be held July 23-25 in Shawnee Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee is planning the 2010 YF&R Summer Conference. This year, the conference will be held July 23-25 in Shawnee. YF&R will take advantage of the area’s many agricultural operations and businesses, with several tours already set up for the threeday conference. The conference will kick off with a tour of Shawnee Milling Company at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, July 23. Shawnee Milling Company’s Food Division meets the custom milling and mixing needs of customers with outstanding flour and corn milling facilities and a sophisticated mix plant providing the finest baking products available. Special packaging capabilities
allow Shawnee to offer flour, corn meal and custom mixes in a range of sizes from several ounces to bulk transport. Shawnee’s flour mill has the flexibility to mill a wide variety of wheats to meet our customers’ diverse needs and is located in the heart of the wheat belt, providing access to the finest grains available. Few, if any, grain processing companies can offer this breadth and depth of grain based products from a single location. For more, visit www. shawneemillingcompany.com. For those unable to join the group at Shawnee Milling Company, registration will begin at the hotel at 3:30 p.m. On Saturday, YF&R will tour several places, including Our Field of Dreams Alpaca Ranch, Valley View Pecan
Proceeds to benefit OFB Legal Foundation
Company, Blackjack Angus Farms, Grissom’s Implement and Crow Farms. Our Field of Dreams Alpaca Ranch is home to over 100 alpacas with a retail area on site. The owners purchased their first alpaca in 1994 and have grown slowly over the years. Striving to improve every year, the herd includes well known bloodlines such as Hemingway, Victor, Caligula, Kaspa, Synopsis Nocturna, Axtion Jaxon, Microsoft, Pachacuti, Moustachio, Dom Lucilio, Royal Fawn, and El Nino. For more on the ranch, visit www. ourfieldofdreamsalpacas.com. As active leaders in Pottawatomie County, John and Janice Grundmann are no strangers to Oklahoma Farm Bureau. They will be providing a tour of their (See more on back page)
YF&R to sponsor 8th Annual Golf Classic May 7 in Hennessey Register now for the 8th Annual YF&R Golf Classic, sponsored by Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. The golf tournament will be held May 7 at the Turkey Creek golf course in Hennessey. All proceeds will benefit the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation, which protects private property rights and production agriculture. Space is limited, so act now! The first 36 teams registered will play in a fourman scramble. Participants may register as a team, or individually. The cost is $340 per team, or $85 per person. Mulligans are also available for purchase for $10 each (limit 3 per person). Sponsorships are welcome! Teams or individuals must be registered and paid by May 1. To register, contact OFB’s Marcia Irvin, (405) 523-2405 or mirvin@okfb.org. Send checks, payable to the OFB Legal Foundation, to Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Attn: Marcia Irvin, 2501 N. Stiles, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Check-in is at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. Teams will tee off at 1 p.m.
YF&R Summer Conference................. (continued from front page)
pecan processing facility, Valley View Pecan Company, as well as their retail area, and sharing about their entire business. Learn more at www.valleyviewpecans.com. Blackjack Angus Farms is family owned and operated by the Grissom family. The farm was started by Sam and Joi Grissom with the purchase of show cattle for their sons Keith and Vic, and 40 acres of land. The farm was named in 1976, although they had cattle and farmed for most of their lives. Blackjack Angus has grown to what it is today with three generations of family values, 1,500 acres of land with leasing another 750, and having 350 Registered Angus cows with two sales, yearly. On August 1, 1965, Sam Grissom and his wife, Joi, purchased the John Deere dealership in Prague with their entire life savings of $27,500. Today, Grissoms LLC has approximately 85 full-time employees and sales of over $32 million. Grissoms LLC has six locations: Prague, Shawnee, McAlester, Checotah, Muskogee and Ada. Visit Grissoms LLC online at www.
grissomonline.com. The Crow family has been growing fresh fruits and vegetables since 1987 when it started with five acres of watermelons and cantaloupe and an acre of assorted vegetables. Currently, Crow Farms consists of 40 acres of assorted produce. In December 2006, the Crows purchased Stratford Greenhouses, which is home to their year-round hydroponic tomato production. They currently market their produce at three farmers markets, and recently started growing for the Shawnee School District through the Farm to School Program. YF&R will wrap up the conference with a Vespers Program on Sunday morning. For more information about the conference, including updates and tour sites, visit OFB online at www.okfarmbureau.org. The conference hotel will be the Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 4909 N. Union in Shawnee. The conference room rate is $94. For reservations, call (405) 2758880. The hotel’s Web site is http://www. ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/snlok.
YF&R Legislative Leadership Day OFB's Young Farmers and Ranchers met April 6 for the group's annual Legislative Leadership Day. The group met with their legislators and volunteered at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank during the event. A photo gallery is available at www.okfarmbureau.org.
YF&R CALENDAR
APRIL • State FFA Convention – April 27-28 MAY • YF&R Golf Classic, May 7 – Hennessey JULY • OSU Big Three Field Days, July 20-22 – Stillwater • YF&R Summer Conference, July 23-25 – Shawnee AUGUST • Contest Deadline – Aug. 15 (Achievement/Excellence in Ag) SEPTEMBER • Livestock Judging Contest, Sept. 17
OCTOBER • Contest Deadlines – Oct. 15 • OSU International Student Ag Tour, Oct. 15-16 – Location TBA • State Resolutions, Oct. 26-27 – Oklahoma City
Tulsa County’s Chad Selman, left, and Jon Vantrease, center, and Rep. David Derby.
NOVEMBER • OFB Annual Meeting Nov. 19-21 – Oklahoma City
Pottawatomie County’s Jeff Weeks meets with Rep. Todd Thomsen.
Rep. John Auffet visits with Adair County’s Jodi Simmons.
Bill Shelby, left, Will Cubbage, center and Adam Martens sort loaves of bread at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.