Welcome to OKAgPolicy.org

As president of the state's largest general farm organization. I'd like to welcome you to an exciting new Web site covering a topic that affects every Oklahoman, directly or indirectly, and especially those whose livelihood depends upon agriculture.

Please browse around the site and take advantage of the many resources we have made available to you. From briefings on national and state policy, to a blog filled with insights from the decision makers who help develop policy, we have assembled a collection of information that is of vital importance to our state's agriculture industry.

Whether you are an agricultural producer, member of the media, student, or just an ag policy enthusiast, we hope you will make the most of this exciting new resource.

Sincerely,

Mike Spradling
Oklahoma Farm Bureau President

Featured content from OKAgPolicy.org...

Legislative Update, March 4, 2010

Lori A. Kromer Peterson, Vice President of Public Policy, Oklahoma Farm Bureau

It may only be March, but the 2010 Oklahoma Legislative Session has already seen its share of important legislation move though the process. A budget agreement was reached to fill holes in the 2010 budget and allow agencies such as corrections and public safety to avoid furloughing prison guards or troopers. The Legislature must still reach an agreement on the next budget year before adjourning this session. Senior nutrition programs have received a tremendous amount of attention and funding for this program will certainly be discussed as the state’s budget for the upcoming year is negotiated. In addition to the budget talks, Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s priority legislation is making its way through the process.

Protecting Traditional Animal Husbandry Practices
HB 3202 authored by Representative Don Armes and Senator Mike Schulz passed by a vote of 71 to 25 on the floor of the House of Representatives. 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 must now go before the Senate Agriculture committee and the full Senate before reaching the Governor’s desk.