Area Meetings Show Increased Attendance

The 2012 American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) August Area Meeting series is proving to be very successful. So far, AFR representatives have visited three locations in the western part of the state - Elk City, Chickasha and Fairview. Attendance for these events is up 170% when compared to the first three meetings of 2011.

AFR holds these legislative meetings throughout the month of August to kick-off of the organization's local/county meeting cycle. Each meeting includes local and county organizational information, state and federal legislative policy updates, an overview of state questions to be considered on the General Election ballot in November, state staff reports and information on how to become "firewise."

These meetings are the beginning process for the development of a legislative agenda that will be completed February 2013 at the AFR annual convention. The grass-roots style meetings encourage input and feedback from cooperative members, allowing individuals to influence AFR policy on legislative and regulatory issues. Membership input often leads to resolutions that become lobbying efforts at the state and national levels.

"This year's meeting theme is 'Actions Speak Louder than Words,'" said AFR President Terry Detrick. "These meetings are an excellent way to turn words into actions. AFR is proud to offer our members the opportunity to participate in the legislative process, both within AFR policy and outwardly through our state and national government."

AFR members are also encouraged to give their input on current and future initiatives of the farm and cooperative organization itself. All local/county officers, boards and members are encouraged to become involved, regardless of their backgrounds or issues of interest. Non-members interested in the organization are also welcome to attend.

Upcoming meeting dates and locations focus primarily on eastern Oklahoma and include Wilburton Aug. 23, Perkins Aug. 27 and Tishomingo Aug. 30. Please contact Steve Thompson at (405)218-5563 or Bridget Hulet at (405)218-5526 for more information or to R.S.V.P. for a future meeting.