OKLAHOMA – Oklahoma Farm Bureau recently announced the celebration of the organization’s 75th anniversary in 2017. Founded in 1942, OKFB has grown to include more than 95,000 members across all 77 of the state’s counties, representing an agricultural industry with a $39.6 billion economic impact on our state. While festivities statewide will look back on the nonprofit’s accomplishments achieved on behalf of farmers and ranchers, the organization’s mantra from the 75th convention captures the spirit of this celebration – “Bold Innovators with the Wisdom to See Beyond Tomorrow.”
“It’s thanks to our members that we enter our 75th year with great optimism, backed by a thriving insurance business and bold ideas for moving our multifaceted organization toward a bright future,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president.
When Oklahoma became the 42nd state to join the American Farm Bureau, the organization’s main objectives were to preserve the rights and promote the successes of Oklahoma’s farms and ranches, 98 percent of which are still family owned and operated today. They achieved these goals through early initiatives to support agriculturalists during World War II, to develop an insurance agency, to provide farmer education and more. Although the individual issues have changed over time, OKFB stands true to the organization’s original mission of advocating for farmers and ranchers.
“Celebrating our 75th year is a great milestone for enlivening OKFB’s energy, enthusiasm, and a look toward what’s in store for our next 75 years,” said Monica Wilke, OKFB executive director.“The issues near to the hearts and minds of our members – farmers, ranchers and families – are what are important to us every day.”
In honor of this year’s milestone, OKFB will dedicate a new courtyard at their Oklahoma City headquarters this spring. The courtyard will contain 77 pillar sculptures, each in the shape of one of Oklahoma’s counties and each containing soil from the county it represents. The 75th anniversary will culminate in November at OKFB’s state convention where members will celebrate at OKFB’s annual banquet.
Both the statewide organization and County Farm Bureaus will announce various ways members and the public can participate to commemorate 75 years of OKFB throughout 2017, and a website is coming soon where Oklahomans can learn more about the organization’s history and upcoming events. For more information, visit our Facebook page at Facebook.com/OKFarmBureau.
About Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Founded in 1942, Oklahoma Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization of farm and ranch families united for the purpose of analyzing issues and formulating action to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity and social advancement in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. As the state’s largest general farm organization, OKFB is committed to improving the lives of rural Oklahomans through advocacy, education and member benefits. OKFB protects members’ rights and interests through legal and lobbying efforts at the state and national levels, while also telling agriculture’s story to statewide media and providing members with a variety of discounts, opportunities and services that save money and enhance their lives.
Back to News & Media
