Breaking News– since the interview with Kelsey- The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) announced on Tuesday that Gentner Drummond will join Mike Mazzei and Cyndi Munson for the Gubernatorial Agriculture Forum on Saturday, July 25, during the 74th Annual OCA Convention and Trade Show in Tulsa.
Drummond’s campaign confirmed Monday evening that he will participate in the forum. With his confirmation, all three candidates remaining in the race for governor are scheduled to attend. “We are pleased that all three candidates will participate in the forum and appreciate their making time to discuss the issues affecting Oklahoma agriculture and rural communities,” said Michael Kelsey, OCA executive vice president.
The forum will begin at 3:15 p.m. in Seville 1–3 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center. Oklahoma Farm Report’s Ron Hays will serve as moderator. Each candidate will answer the same questions and receive equal response time. Questions have been provided to the candidates in advance and will focus on issues important to agriculture, the challenges facing farmers and ranchers and each candidate’s goals for Oklahoma.
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Earlier this month- Oklahoma Farm Report intern Haden Snelson sat down with Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Michael Kelsey to discuss the upcoming convention and trade show.
The convention is set for July 24-25 at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center. Kelsey said OCA is excited to return to Tulsa for the first time since 2020 and to host the event in the hotel’s newly renovated facility.
“We are really excited about the convention this year,” Kelsey said. “It is our 74th annual convention, and it’s in Tulsa this year. The last time we were in Tulsa was 2020, so it has been about six years since we have been there.”
Kelsey said the move to Tulsa gives the association a chance to take the convention to a different part of the state while also resetting some of its facility contracts. While OCA has traditionally held its convention in Norman, he said Tulsa provides a fresh location for members across Oklahoma.
“We are hearing even some of our western members say they are excited about going to Tulsa this year,” Kelsey said. “It is going to be different. It is going to be fresh.”
This year’s trade show is already sold out, and Kelsey said attendees can expect a full lineup of educational sessions, learning lounges, networking opportunities and policy discussions. The convention will include updates on weather, cattle markets, prescribed fire, water rights and animal health.
A weather update from Matt Makens and a market update from OSU Extension livestock marketing specialist Dr. Derrell Peel are among the featured educational sessions. Kelsey said Peel’s market update has become one of the most popular sessions each year.
“Dr. Peel’s market update is always elbow to elbow in that room,” Kelsey said.
Another key session will focus on prescribed fire and will be led by John Weir. Kelsey said the session will specifically address the legal side of prescribed burning, giving producers a better understanding of how to use the tool properly.
“We know the advantages of prescribed fire, but a lot of times we get questions on the law,” Kelsey said. “We really want folks to get comfortable with the law and the process for it.”
Water rights will also be a major topic. Kelsey said McAfee & Taft representatives will discuss groundwater, surface water and produced water from oil and gas activity. He said understanding water ownership is critically important for Oklahoma landowners.
“Who owns the water is critically important, and that is who controls it,” Kelsey said.
Policy will also be a major part of this year’s convention. Kelsey said OCA members are expected to discuss several issues, including eminent domain, transmission line corridors, water, green energy, wind and solar development, and the proposed aluminum smelter project.
“We are excited about facilitating our members’ discussion,” Kelsey said. “That is what we do as a membership organization.”
The convention will also include an opening session with a screwworm update from Oklahoma State University experts and a closing session featuring Congressman Kevin Hern. Kelsey said there will also be a presentation on OSU’s Beef Cattle Center of Excellence.
While the convention has changed over the years, Kelsey said its purpose remains the same. The event now runs all day, Friday and Saturday, compared to earlier years when it stretched across parts of three days. However, the focus on education, policy, trade show opportunities and networking remains central.
“One of the key benefits of convention is that our members continually tell us they really appreciate coming and spending time with cattle producers,” Kelsey said.
He said some of the most valuable business conducted at convention happens outside formal sessions, as producers visit in the hallways, exchange ideas and even make cattle deals.
“There is no telling how many millions of dollars of cattle and supplies and services have traded hands in the convention hallways,” Kelsey said.
To learn more you can visit the convention website here:
