Farm Director KC Sheperd caught up with American Farmers and Ranchers President Scott Blubaugh at AFR Day at the Oklahoma Capitol and talked about this year’s event and the issues covered.
“We do this once a year, our legislative day, where we bring the members in from all 77 counties to come up here, talk to their legislators, the senators, the reps here, and other elected officials, and let them know what is on their mind,” Blubaugh said.
This event has grown over the last few years, Blubaugh said, and AFR membership enjoys the chance to attend AFR Day at the Capitol.
“It really helps us get our policies passed into law, or in many cases, we are trying to defeat a bill that is bad legislation that would hurt our membership and folks in the country,” Blubaugh said. “So, this is a big deal. It really makes these senators and representatives realize what a big organization American Farmers and Ranchers is and that our membership is big, and we are all over the state.”
It is special for AFR membership to come out and have their voices heard, Blubaugh said, as it makes a big difference.
“The people that made the policy are out here advocating for them,” Blubaugh said.
Many issues were covered at AFR day, Blubaugh said, including rural education and the WOTUS (Waters of the U.S.) rule.
“We do oppose the school vouchers and we do oppose the tax credits for private schools as well,” Blubaugh said.
Blubaugh also talked about the upcoming AFR leadership summit in July. Signups for the camp will be in the next few weeks, he added.
