Farm Director, KC Sheperd, is visiting with the operations and communications manager at the Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Cheyenne Sparks, about what the program has to offer to ag producers in Oklahoma.
“The Ag Mediation Program was founded and created so we could assist producers that are in any kind of conflict need,” Sparks said.
This “need” Sparks described can range from all kinds of conflicts, such as conflicts with a neighbor, the feed company, family farm transitions, and more.
“We are here to help because we understand that anytime that you are in conflict, that is money out of your operation, no matter what type of agricultural operation that is,” Sparks said. “If you are having turmoil within a feed producer or a family member, that takes away from your operation.”
The Ag Mediation Program, Sparks said, is a non-profit, non-biased mediator to help ag producers facilitate and come to resolutions in these situations.
“If you already have a lawyer on retainer that you want to bring, you are welcome to do that, but if you are wanting to try to stay out of the courts and resolve this without having all of that financial burden like you do when you go through litigation, mediation is the place for you,” Sparks said.
One of the most common conflicts Sparks said she sees in the mediation program involves family farm and ranch transitions. Because family conflict can be more complicated, Sparks said the program offers an unbiased mediator to help move the conversation along.
“Sometimes we get wrapped up in the small details rather than the bigger picture,” Sparks said. “Having that mediator there helps to facilitate the conversation.”
Sparks said each issue can be mediated as many times as necessary.
“You come to us, or we come to you if we can, and we try to facilitate it in the most efficient way possible,” Sparks said.
Sparks said producers with questions can reach them by calling 405-521-3934 at any time or emailing mediation@ag.ok.gov
To visit the Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program’s website, click here.
To visit the Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program’s Facebook page, click here.
