On Feb. 12, 1919, ten of the eastern states that already had a statewide Farm Bureau organization met in Ithaca, New York, to discuss the advisability of a national Farm Bureau organization. At the time, agricultural prices had plummeted and inflated had slashed purchasing power after World War I. The Oklahoma State Farm Council represented the state of Oklahoma. George Bishop, president of the Oklahoma State Farm Council, M.A. Beeson, secretary, and Extension Director James A. Wilson attended the meeting. Bishop was seated as the official delegate and served for a time as a member of the original AFBF executive committee. For more history of the American Farm Bureau Federation, click here.