Oklahoma Cattlemen Tackle Taxes, Leases, and Labels at Winter Policy Meeting: Ad valorem taxes, school land leases, and federal labeling mandates topped the agenda at the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Winter Policy Meeting, setting the stage for a busy legislative session for the state’s beef producers.
OCA Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey joined Farm Director Casey Sheperd to recap the event, highlighting the organization’s strong opposition to State Question 843 and the continued rejection of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).
The Battle Over Property Taxes
The most pressing issue for the OCA this session involves potential changes to property taxes. Kelsey expressed deep concern regarding State Question 843, a proposal that would eliminate property taxes on residential homes. While the idea might sound appealing to homeowners, Kelsey warns of the unintended consequences for agriculture.
“Really disappointed in how this state question is being sold and marketed,” Kelsey told Sheperd. “It is only residential houses. We actually took a position that we’re in direct opposition to this because it will heavily shift the Ad Valorem, the property tax burden, onto land—agriculture land, commercial land, renters, industrial, stuff like that.”
Kelsey also noted that shifting toward a consumption tax to replace lost ad valorem revenue could disproportionately hurt rural communities.
“In rural Oklahoma, we’ve eliminated the grocery tax, and now the grocery store… is not collecting as much sales,” Kelsey explained. “We just don’t have a lot of buying opportunities. Rural Oklahoma is going to be really at a detriment on that.”
School Land Leases: One Use Only
Another heated topic was the management of leases through the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO). A proposal to split leases into separate agricultural and recreational (hunting) contracts was “soundly rejected” by the membership.
While some producers were interested in avoiding bidding wars with hunters, the majority cited logistical nightmares regarding liability and access.
“Who has access? What kind of access does that look like? What about the liability?” Kelsey asked, recounting the members’ concerns. “Our membership pretty soundly said, ‘No, let’s have one use only.’ Now that means we’re going to bid against the hunters, but I think at the end of the day, that’s probably right now the soundest policy for us.”
Mandatory Labeling Rejected Again
For the sixth consecutive year, the topic of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) was brought to the floor, and once again, the membership voted against a mandatory government program. The vote was approximately 59 to 3 in opposition.
“The main push is that, you know, our members say, ‘Look, we’re very proud of our beef… but if you put a mandatory rule in there… it really removes my ability to market,'” Kelsey said. “It’s just more about the government being involved, and that is a dangerous thing. We don’t want it.”
Cowboys at the Capital
Looking ahead to the spring legislative session, the OCA is launching a new initiative called “Cowboys at the Capital.” Modeled after a successful program in Missouri, the OCA will invite members from specific districts to the state capitol on designated weeks to meet with leadership.
“We want boots and hats at the capital,” Kelsey said. “With these discussions over Ad Valorem and so forth, our elected officials need to hear us and they need to see us.”
A Positive Outlook for Beef
Despite the policy challenges, Kelsey ended on a high note, referencing new dietary guidelines that double the recommended portion size for beef.
“It positions beef back in the center of the plate,” Kelsey said. “This is a great place to be.”
