At the busy 32nd Annual Tulsa Farm Show, newly elected Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Stacy Simunek shared insights from his first weeks leading the state’s largest general farm organization. Simunek said the transition from the farm to leadership has been brisk, explaining he has been “trying to get my feet underneath me” but feels momentum building as he settles in. He added that the early days have been filled with introductions and outreach, noting, “I am getting to meet a lot of folks and make sure those relationships are carried on.”
A major challenge on his desk involves the ongoing poultry dispute between the Oklahoma Attorney General and the Governor — an issue placing producers directly in the crossfire. Simunek was clear that his focus remains on protecting farmers rather than politics. “We’re here to protect Ag… we’re not going to get political on it either way,” he said, emphasizing that Farm Bureau’s priority is safeguarding producers’ ability to operate.
Simunek also discussed the recent Bentonville meeting on the Illinois River watershed and the long-standing efforts poultry producers have made to address water-quality concerns. He warned that some growers face losing everything: “They’re going to lose their livelihood if this continues the way it is,” he said, pointing out that producers have spent two decades changing practices only to now fear it “has been for nothing.” He expressed hope that compromise could preserve contracts, adding, “We all want clean water… I’m hoping that our Attorney General can see that as well.”
Reflecting on his first Farm Bureau board meeting, Simunek said stepping into the president’s chair brought new responsibilities and new initiatives. He noted ongoing work to strengthen the insurance side of the organization and positive developments after years of damaging storms. Personnel changes are also underway on the federation side, and Simunek said, “I’m very positive… everybody will be very happy” once new hires are finalized.
With a new legislative session approaching, Simunek said Farm Bureau is preparing to advocate strongly for Oklahoma agriculture. “The most important thing to me is protecting Ag,” he said, adding that the organization is expanding its public policy team to meet challenges he believes are approaching quickly. Ensuring farmers’ voices are heard at the Capitol — and nationally — is a priority.
Simunek also shared why he chose to seek the presidency despite the heavy demands. As a third-generation farmer, he sees the role as a calling tied to future generations. “If I don’t stand up and protect Ag, those opportunities may not be there for them,” he said of his five grandsons. He also highlighted the importance of recent federal “bridge payments,” saying they may help younger producers survive financially: “I’m hopeful that paper can save those… we definitely need those 30% to stay in business.”
