State Secretary of Agriculture Blaine Arthur: Leadership, Resilience, and the Road Ahead for Oklahoma Agriculture
Blaine Arthur has never been just a bystander in Oklahoma’s agriculture scene. Since becoming Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture in December 2018—making her the first woman in the state’s history to hold the post—Arthur has woven together policy expertise, practical experience, and a deep connection to rural living, earning praise from both ends of the political spectrum. Senior Farm and Ranch broadcaster Ron Hays sat down just before Christmas to talk with Secretary Arthur- and she spoke of her longevity within the Kevin Stitt Administration- her journey is not just a story about her but also about the unique resilience and collaborative spirit of Oklahoma agriculture.
From the Farm to the Capitol
Arthur grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma, on a farm that raised horses, cattle, wheat, alfalfa, and soybeans. Before stepping into her current role, she held various positions at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry—including a stint as deputy commissioner—and spent time as executive director of the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. Her education, a degree in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University, and personal life as a wife of a full-time cattle producer keep her rooted in the reality of rural Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Regents, Metro Family Magazine).
When she drives from her family’s operation near Stillwater into Oklahoma City, Arthur brings with her the grounded perspective of someone who knows firsthand the stresses and unpredictability that families face in the agriculture business. Her unique vantage point allows her to bridge the gap between policymakers and producers—a rare quality that’s been particularly vital during years of challenge.
Navigating a Difficult Year: Drought, Disease, and Markets
To call 2025 a challenging year for Oklahoma agriculture would be an understatement. Producers began the year facing the growing threat of the New World Screw Worm—a pest that posed significant economic and animal health risks. Though, as of late 2025, no active cases were confirmed within the state, preparedness remained a top priority. State officials, led by Oklahoma’s State Veterinarian Dr. Rod Hall and in close coordination with the USDA under Secretary Brooke Rollins, adopted a proactive stance, closing borders and increasing surveillance (OSU Extension, USDA).
That wasn’t the only animal health crisis. Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continued to threaten poultry producers, with cases reported in surrounding states and the eastern part of Oklahoma remaining on high alert. Meanwhile, the cattle industry saw both the benefits of strong beef prices and the fallout from ripple effects in market dynamics, compounded by recent rough droughts that shrank herds and stressed rural economies (KOSU, The Oklahoman).
Producers also faced tariff tensions and falling commodity prices, especially for soybeans and grains. According to Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer, farm profit margins have been squeezed tight, and total crop losses in Oklahoma have added up to billions over the last three years (Oklahoma Farm Bureau). Even with periodic rainfall in the summer, drought conditions bounce back quickly in this part of the country—adding another layer to the unpredictability of a life tied to the land.
A Collaborative, Nonpartisan Approach
If there’s a secret sauce to Oklahoma’s agricultural resilience, it might be the collaborative, nonpartisan nature of the work. Arthur’s career has spanned transitions through both Democratic and Republican administrations. While political winds have shifted, she’s found that practical agricultural policy rarely fits neatly into a partisan box. “Most farmers and ranchers just want to make a living and have the government stay out of their way,” she’s often said—a maxim her husband helps keep top of mind.
Arthur gives much credit to both Governor Stitt and the state legislature for their hands-on, bipartisan approach to agricultural issues. The Governor has stood with producers through contentious issues—especially where state and federal interests clash, as with recent poultry industry litigation and environmental regulations. Time and again, Arthur and her team have emphasized the importance of “thoughtful conversations” with lawmakers and keeping open lines with commodity groups like Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and others (Oklahoma Farm Bureau).
Investing in the Future: Youth, Education, and Community
One of the defining features of Arthur’s tenure has been a renewed emphasis on supporting youth in agriculture. In January 2025, Governor Stitt declared it “The Year of Youth in Ag,” sparking an array of programs and spotlights on Oklahoma’s 4-H and FFA members—a point of deep pride for Arthur, who still believes those programs “are the best in the United States.”
The Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE), the world’s largest junior livestock show, has become a showcase not only for livestock, but also for leadership, scholarship opportunities, and the craftsmanship of the next generation of ag mechanics. The competition—backed by millions in scholarships—draws state legislators and sponsors together to celebrate young talent and leadership skills that will shape the state’s future.
Preparing for What’s Next
As Governor Stitt’s term approaches its end, Arthur is focused on ensuring a seamless transition for whoever leads next, both in the legislature and within the Department of Agriculture itself. That means bolstering strong leadership teams, shoring up forward-thinking ag policies, and making sure regulatory decisions are always made with a producer’s reality in mind.
If you ask Arthur whether she foresaw all these responsibilities when she took the job—running an agency, leading the Board of Agriculture, sitting on higher education boards and state land commissions—the answer comes with a laugh and an honest “No.” Still, she sees all those “extra hats” as a way to serve the people who, like her, head down a gravel road each night to the real work of feeding the state and the nation.
For Blaine Arthur and the community she represents, the story of Oklahoma agriculture is one of resilience, collaboration, and hope—come drought, disease, or whatever else the next season brings.
