Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Annual Policy Meeting

Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) members gathered in Oklahoma City on Thursday, January 26th for the 2023 Annual Winter Policy Meeting. “This is one of two policy making opportunities for OCA members during the year,” said Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President, “with the other being the annual Convention in July.”

OCA members heard from two of Oklahoma’s government leaders during the day long program. Governor Kevin Stitt kicked off the meeting thanking cattle men and women for their hard work, integrity and leadership establishing and maintaining Oklahoma as a top three beef state. Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) Executive Director Adria Berry updated the attendees on the work of the agency in regulating marijuana growers.  

OCA members had lively discussion in two sessions of the day, all focusing on issues important to raising beef cattle. Policy issues ranged from environmental regulation, ad valorem taxes, education priorities, cattle markets and the beef checkoff. OCA leadership provided an update of a range of bills that the Oklahoma legislature will be considering this coming session beginning on February 6th.

One of the policies discussed and passed in the morning session addresses prompt payment for cattle. “The process for prompt payment needs to be updated to include more options than standard mail,” remarked OCA Beef Business Committee Chairman Jeremy Kinder. “The policy adopted allows for the expanded use of ACH and wire transfers for those buyers and sellers who desire to use that type of settlement process.”

The afternoon session including many different topics focused on beef production policies. OCA members adopted a strong support for the proposed Oklahoma State University Veterinary Medicine Authority being considered by the Oklahoma Legislature this session. “Oklahoma rural food animal veterinarians are critical to the health and success of Oklahoma cattle ranchers,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, chair of the OCA Beef Production Committee. OCA President Byron Yeoman added, “Oklahoma’s veterinary college, located at OSU is a critical need and asset for Oklahoma and OCA strongly supports prioritizing it for appropriate funding this legislation session.”

OCA’s Annual Winter Policy meeting is held in January and is open to all OCA members to voice and vote on proposed policies important to beef cattle production in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. OCA is the only voice that speaks solely for the cattlemen of Oklahoma and represents beef producers in all 77 counties across the state. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership, the theft reward program or activities call 405-235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.

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