The 2010s continue to prove to be a successful decade in the history of OKFB. With new programs and legislative successes, OKFB continues to be the voice of rural Oklahomans in a variety of ways.

Legislation and policy

Sustained legislative efforts to protect agriculture from out-of-state interests and unfair taxation provided continued protections for farmers and ranchers growing food for a country and a world that is growing more and more removed from the farm and ranch.

OKFB Caucus

In November 2016, OKFB welcomed the inaugural members of its OKFB Caucus. Comprised of Farm Bureau-members in the state legislature, the OKFB Caucus is a non-partisan group created to foster fellowship and discussion of agricultural and rural policy issues

OKAgPolicy

To expand its public policy reach, OKFB launched OKAgPolicy in 2016. OKAgPolicy is a news outlet designed to educate farmers, ranchers, legislators and consumers about laws and regulations affecting Oklahoma agriculture. The goal of OKAgPolicy is to become the state’s leader in agricultural policy news and information.

Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation

In 2011, the Oklahoma Farming and Ranching Foundation was born, designed to connect consumers with accurate agricultural information while supporting agriculture. The foundation is committed to enhancing awareness and understanding of agriculture’s contribution and importance to the state of Oklahoma. From promoting and assisting beginning farmers and ranchers to educating youth interested in agricultural pursuits, the foundation creates agricultural awareness. Through the foundation, the Beef for Backpacks and Pork for Packs programs have provided hungry children across Oklahoma with an invaluable protein source.

OKFB Commemorative Courtyard

Kicking off its 75-year anniversary, OKFB dedicated a new commemorative courtyard. Designed by an Oklahoma-based architecture firm, the courtyard contains 77 pillar sculptures, each one in the shape of one of the state’s counties. Each sculpture also contains soil from the county it represents. There is also an elevation change in the four planting beds which represent four quadrants of Oklahoma per the geography elevation map. The elevation changes start in NW Oklahoma at Black Mesa, the highest point in Oklahoma at 4,975 and ends at the Little River located by the Arkansas border at 289’ above sea level. The courtyard also contains pavers which were bought and engraved by employees, families, organizations and companies associated with and trusted by OKFB.

Social Media

With social media’s growth, Oklahoma Farm Bureau embraced new ways to reach Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers and consumers throughout the state. The organization joined Facebook in 2010, followed by Twitter in 2012 and Instagram in 2013. All aspects of Farm Bureau are featured on social media, including Women’s Leadership Committee events, Young Farmers & Ranchers events, legislation and policy news, personal stories from members, benefits, Safety Services and more.

Timeline: The 2010s