Osage County Rancher Ford Drummond has become the 40th President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association as the group concluded their 73rd Annual Convention in Norman. Drummond succeeds Dr. Troy Shelby who has served the past two years as President. Drummond moves up from President-Elect. The organization elected Jess Kane of Bartlesville to be their next President-Elect.
Ford Drummond is a part of the Drummond family ranching legacy in Osage County and told the Oklahoma Farm Report’s Ron Hays that he is proud to be elected to the same position that his dad, Frederick F. Drummond served in back in 1985. He adds that his mom Janet also is a part of the family’s leadership legacy as she served as Cattlewomen President a couple of years later. He says he believes in giving back to the industry that his family has been a part of since the family arrived in the US from Scotland before Oklahoma’s statehood. He adds that it has been enjoyable working with Dr. Shelby the last two years as leaders in the organization.
Drummond says the organization has a great staff, second to none- and he looks forward to assisting Michael Kelsey and his team in the days ahead. The first priority that he mentioned had to do with the headquarters building of the OCA located at the historic Oklahoma National Stockyards.- “the Stockyards is up in the air- what’s going to happen there so our headquarters- that’s been an issue- we want what is best for the stockyards but we want to be smart about how we position ourselves down the road.”
Drummond inherits what could be a huge issue in the months ahead with the New World Screwworm just a few hundred miles south of the US- Mexico border. He says “it’s something I remember my father talking about that they dealt with in the 50s and 60s and it’s something that we want to avoid at all costs…we are trying to do all the right steps.” He adds “this is an insect- we have dealt with it before and we will deal with it again.” He believes that US and State efforts are being put in place to defend the US beef cattle herd if it arrives in the US.
Drummond says he is excited as he takes on the job- noting lots of young families that are taking part in the Convention and he believes that is encouraging- “I’m entering at a great time (or maybe a terrible time) but we have record cattle prices and no drought in the state- things are going well. I think we have a good future with a lot of reason for optimism- we’ve got good demand for our product and Dr. Peel tells us that we have a few more years of strong cattle prices so now’s the time- get involved and stay involved.”
Ford Drummond will serve a two year term as President for the organization, which is a leading advocate for Oklahoma’s beef cattle industry, working to protect and promote the interests of cattle producers across the state. The OCA provides a unified voice for ranchers, offering resources, education, and policy support to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the industry.
