In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Michael Kelsey, who says Oklahoma cattle producers were encouraged by the results of the state’s primary election, especially the overwhelming defeat of State Question 832.
Kelsey said the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association viewed State Question 832 as a major concern for rural Oklahoma. “832 resounding no, and we’re very thankful for that, and I really have to believe that the reason 832 was unsuccessful was because number one, it was so poorly written in our opinion.” He said the agricultural exemptions included in the proposal created serious concerns. “When you exclude those agricultural exemptions, that really is just a non-starter for rural Oklahoma.”
Kelsey added that beyond the $15 minimum wage proposal, the automatic annual increases also raised red flags. “I think rural Oklahoma rolled out… and then just a conservative type message also rolled out, but thankful that that one went down, and that we can move on from that.”
According to the Oklahoma Election Board’s Election Results for the June Primary, seventy-four of the seventy-seven Oklahoma counties voted against SQ 832. Only Cleveland, Oklahoma and Tulsa counties supported the measure.
Governor’s Race Takes Shape
Kelsey also weighed in on the governor’s race, congratulating the candidates advancing after Tuesday’s primary. He noted the Republican runoff between Gentner Drummond and candidate Mike Mazzei, along with Cindy Munson on the Democratic side. “Certainly, congratulations to General Drummond and congratulations to Senator Mazzei for making the runoff.”
Kelsey said the results largely matched expectations. “I think it kind of shook out probably the way most folks thought. That Trump endorsement really pushed Mazzei. Drummond had such a strong showing early on that even though he floated down, he still had enough to make the runoff.”
Kelsey said OCA has already reached out and invited all three gubernatorial candidates to a forum during the association’s convention in Tulsa later this summer.
State Senate Races Important for Agriculture
The State Senate races were another major focus for OCA. Kelsey said several strong agricultural allies survived difficult primary challenges. “The State Senate was the one that, honestly, of the big picture that I was watching the closest. We had some really good friends who were up for re-election and were successful, and we’re very grateful for that.”
He specifically highlighted senators, including Grant Green and Chuck Hall, for their support of agriculture.
Kelsey said that maintaining continuity in Senate leadership is important for long-term agricultural policy. “This allows the Senate to stay intact in terms of leadership and continue to move forward on some of the strategies they have in place that I think are very good for agriculture long term.”
Independent Voters Could Shape November
Looking ahead, Kelsey said OCA will closely evaluate runoff races to determine where the organization may become involved. He also noted the growing importance of independent voters in statewide elections. “That independent voter is going to be critical, no matter what party I may be of. That independent voter is going to be critical and could really shape some things. There are more independents than we’ve probably ever had in the state.”
Federal Races Show Strong Ag Support
On the federal side, Kelsey praised Kevin Hern after his strong showing in the Senate race. “Mr. Hern’s been a strong supporter of agriculture and the beef cattle business ever since he got into Congress… we’re very, very good friends with him, and we’re just tickled to see that.”
Kelsey also noted the importance of returning congressional leaders such as Tom Cole and Frank Lucas, citing their leadership and support for agriculture.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
