Agricultural News
President Tom Buchanan Champions Development of OKFB's '18 Policy Ahead of Annual Convention
Fri, 13 Oct 2017 15:00:33 CDT
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau annual state convention is quickly approaching, scheduled this year for November 10 - 12, 2017. Before that happens, though, members and OFB leadership from across the state are working together to develop the organization's policy book that will map out the group's legislative goals for the following year. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays sat down with OFB President Tom Buchanan of Altus, Okla. this week to discuss OFB's grassroots philosophy and what issues are drawing the most attention heading into 2018. Listen to Hays and Buchanan discuss these topics at length, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.
The process to craft Farm Bureau's policy began a couple months ago in August, Buchanan explained, during the organization's regular area meetings. Issues and concerns were heard by the leadership in open forums and from these conversations, resolutions were drafted and sent to OFB's state resolution committee for review. From there, Buchanan says, the resolutions will wind up at their state convention to be voted on and either denied or approved into policy. As is done each year.
"On the delegate floor, those resolutions are voted up or down by the delegate body," Buchanan explained. "So, true grassroots at work. Individual needs and concerns are met this way. It sets the policy book for the coming year as far as in state policies. But, additionally it also reaches as far as Washington, D.C. and what are those national concerns that are impacting Oklahoma agriculture."
Thus far into the process, Buchanan comments that several themes seem to be taking shape in the resolutions that have come from the county level.
"A standard that we always have is property rights - landowner rights. Protecting those, that's a cornerstone of Oklahoma Farm Bureau," he said. "We truly believe in an individual's property rights. Additionally, we're watching this special session and what is being proposed to plug the budget hole."
One proposal being made to that affect, is a new fuel tax. Buchanan says rural Oklahomans will be disproportionately impacted by this, as rural citizens, farmers and ranchers typically drive more than their urban neighbors. OFB's real concern, though regarding this tax, lies with the language of the proposal that directs all funds collected under this tax will be deposited in the general fund - not for the maintenance of Oklahoma's infrastructure.
"It's really, in our mind, robbing Peter to pay Paul," Buchanan remarked. "If a fuel tax is going to be placed on Oklahomans, we believe those dollars should be dedicated to the repair and maintenance of our roads and bridges."
Beyond that, the feral hog issue remains a vexing problem with the situation apparently continuing to intensify. And, obviously, the 2018 Farm Bill is beginning to draw focus on the national stage.
To hear Buchanan explain OFB's position regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's effort to repeal and replace the Waters of the United States rule and other water issues relevant to Oklahoma, click or tap the LISTEN BAR below.
Buchanan will also join Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays for his weekly In the Field segment on KWTV News9 in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday morning at 6:40 a.m.
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