Grassroots-led policy reforms
Grassroots policy development and implementation have long been a core function of Oklahoma Farm Bureau. From our first resolutions focusing on farmers’ contributions to help win World War II to today’s efforts to keep out-of-state special interest groups at bay, Farm Bureau members have crafted and implemented a myriad of policies to help Oklahoma’s farming and ranching communities.
Below are a few milestones in OKFB’s policy development and implementation efforts throughout our 75 years.
Policy
Legislature grants exemption to workers comp laws
In 1980, the Oklahoma legislature granted an exemption to workers compensation laws for farmers whose cash payroll did not exceed..Read More
OKFB takes lead in tax reform conference
In 1980, Oklahoma Farm Bureau took the lead in arranging a conference in July to deal with problems of implementing..Read More
OKFB passes bill for nuisance suit protection
In 1980, Oklahoma Farm Bureau was responsible for the passage of a bill to give farmers protection from nuisance suits..Read More
OKFB plan adopted for water resources development
In 1981, Oklahoma Farm Bureau delegates adopted a plan for statewide water resources development, which pledged statewide development of our..Read More
Estate tax exemption raised to $175,000
In 1981, the estate tax exemption was raised to $175,000.
Bill passes for surface damage
In 1982, Oklahoma Farm Bureau finally succeeded in passing a surface damage bill, with Rep. Vernon Dunn playing a key..Read More
OKFB delegates want “return to the basics” in education
In 1982, Oklahoma Farm Bureau delegates were critical of school curricula, which helped spearhead a resolution calling for a “return..Read More
Abandoned minerals and royalty owners issue highlighted
In 1983, Oklahoma Farm Bureau succeeded in amending OKFB’s 1978 law to allow any mineral or surface owner to bring action..Read More
Litter laws and trespass laws are toughened
In 1983, litter laws were toughened, and trespass laws were clarified to make it easier for landowners to control access..Read More
Increases in motor fuels tax help maintain state’s rural roads
The year 1984 was described by many veterans of the legislature as one of the toughest years. The legislature was..Read More
OKFB works to dedicate revenue to rural roads
After the legislature raised the gasoline tax by a dime, Oklahoma Farm Bureau worked to see that $22 million of..Read More
OKFB helps remove ag from “fast track” foreclosure bill
In 1986, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau helped remove agriculture from the “fast track” foreclosure bill.
OKFB helps pass tort reform bill
In 1986, Oklahoma Farm Bureau helped pass a bill on tort reform.
Brucellosis bill passes
In 1987, the Oklahoma legislature passed a bill to help with the eradication of brucellosis.
Economic development laws pass
In 1987, multiple laws dealing with economic development pass in the Oklahoma legislature.
OKFB Property Owners Protest Committee formed
In 1988, Oklahoma Farm Bureau members formed the Property Owners Protest Committee with the purpose of battling new ad valorem..Read More
Additional farm machinery and repair parts added to exemptions
In 1989, farmers and ranchers gained tax exemptions for farm machinery and repair parts using in custom agricultural operations.
OKFB members lobby for private property rights bill
In 1990, Oklahoma Farm Bureau members lobbied congressmen to pass a bill that protected private property rights.
U.S. Supreme Court rules Rails to Trails Act constitutional
In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Rails to Trails Act was constitutional.
OKFB’s Meritorious Service Award program begins
In 1990, Oklahoma Farm Bureau began presenting the Meritorious Service Award. The Meritorious Service award was presented to legislators who..Read More
Private property rights bill introduced in Congress
In 1991, a bill concerning private property rights was introduced in Congress.
OKFB supports petition requiring vote to raise property taxes
In 1992, Oklahoma Farm Bureau supported a petition to amend the state constitution requiring a vote of the people to..Read More
NAFTA implemented
In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement was implemented to remove barriers to agricultural trade among the U.S., Canada and..Read More
Petition filed to cap ad valorem taxes
In 1994, a petition was filed to cap ad valorem taxes.
Ad valorem tax reform becomes reality
Ad valorem tax reform becomes reality following defeat of SQ 669 and subsequent passage of SQ 675, 676 and 677...Read More
OFB Legal Foundation organized
In March 2001, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors created the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Legal Foundation for the purpose..Read More
Right-to-Work amendment passes
Through a vote of the people, Oklahoma Farm Bureau helped pass a Right-to-Work amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution in 2001.
First win by OFB Legal Foundation
The legal foundation’s first major win came in 2002 when it obtained a favorable outcome for a state rancher in..Read More
OKAgFund established
At the 2002 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Convention, delegates established the OKAgFund, OKFB’s political action fund to support candidates for state..Read More
OKAgFund record 97% success rate
In 2004, the OKAgFund reported a 97 percent success rate in backing candidates for public office during primary elections.
OKFB joins fight concerning animal waste
In 2005, Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined the legislative fight to prevent animal waste from being declared a hazardous substance and..Read More
Legislature updates trespassing laws
In 2006, the Oklahoma legislature, responding to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, updated the state trespassing laws by eliminating the requirement..Read More
Trespassing law expanded to include hunting and fishing
In 2007, the state trespassing law updated in 2006 was expanded to include hunting and fishing without permission.
HB 2639 signed into law
In 2008, House Bill 2639 was signed into law, creating a transfer-on-death deed that allows an owner of real property..Read More
OKFB passes HB 2151
To counter animal rights activist groups, Oklahoma Farm Bureau passed HB 2151, which put the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture in..Read More
OKFB spearheads defeat of SQ744
In 2010, Oklahoma Farm Bureau spearheaded the effort to defeat SQ 744, which would have required the state to spend the..Read More
OKFB supports annexing land bill
In 2011, Oklahoma Farm Bureau supported a bill that requires a city government to obtain the consent of a majority of..Read More
HB 1249 passes
In 2011, House Bill 1249 removed the exemption under current trespass law that allowed owners to retrieve animals by entering the..Read More
Landowner’s Bill of Rights created
In 2012, the Oklahoma legislature, with urging from Oklahoma Farm Bureau, created a Landowner’s Bill of Rights in the long..Read More
HB 2994 passes
In 2012, House Bill 2994 required petitioners or a municipality to seek written consent of the owners of more than half..Read More
Legislature expands Oklahoma Water Resources Board directors
To improve the chances that the Oklahoma Water Resources Board will consider policies affecting agriculture, the Legislature expands the board..Read More
HB 1999 passes
In 2013, Oklahoma Farm Bureau worked to protect the private property rights of animal owners and passed HB 1999, which..Read More
OKFB creates OKAgPolicy
To expand its public policy reach, Oklahoma Farm Bureau launched OKAgPolicy in 2016. OKAgPolicy is a news outlet designed to..Read More
OKFB Caucus created
In 2016, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Caucus was created, including 20 House members and 11 Senate members. Comprised of Farm Bureau-members in the..Read More