From Deer to Democracy-Legislative Leader Establishes Deer Preserve

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Located between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, AFR member and legislative leader Kevin Wallace has created a hunter’s paradise in Wellston, Okla. Nestled among the oak filled timber, trophy white-tailed deer freely roam a combined 650 acres.

Wallace is chairman of the Oklahoma House Appropriations and Budget Committee and represents District 32 in northeast Oklahoma. The businessman said he wasn’t raised in the world of politics or deer farming, but the two go hand in hand.

With a background in construction, he decided to take a chance and purchase five white-tailed deer in 2003 from a farmer in Ohio.

“About this time, there was a big scare with CWD [Chronic Wasting Disease],” Wallace said. “I applied for the permits to get them into the state and they [Oklahoma Department of Agriculture] just started their own set of rules requiring 12 months of CWD surveillance but the farmer only had 11 months.”

Taking matters into his own hands, Wallace joined Whitetails of Oklahoma, an association dedicated to the betterment and promotion of any business associated with raising deer. Not long after joining, he was placed on their board of directors and legislative committee.

“At this point in time, the entire industry was under the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation,” Wallace said. “Together, we worked with the wildlife department and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture to put the breeding under agriculture and the hunting under wildlife.”

Not long after, Wallace became a member of the North American Deer Farmers Association and began lobbying on a national level to have a cohesive set of rules implemented for CWD in all states. At the time, each state had their own set of rules that didn’t necessarily align.

“It was all because of deer that I got involved in legislation and became politically active,” said Wallace

Since becoming a State Representative in 2014, Wallace has served as the Appropriations and Budget Chair and was the House Co-chair for the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget. Wallace played a vital role in the passing of the largest teacher pay raise in state history while serving as the Appropriations and Budget Chair for the last two years.

When he’s not walking the halls of the Oklahoma State Capitol, Wallace can be found at one of his several businesses including a commercial cattle operation, Wallahachie Whitetails LLC, The Wilderness Refuge or his construction company.

Wallahachie Whitetails LLC is a breeding operation of around 50 white-tailed deer located on 160 high fenced acres. With state-of-the-art equipment, Wallace has one of the top breeding facilities in the state. He prides himself on making the health and safety of each animal his highest priority.

“On the breeding side, we regularly perform DNA testing, embryo transfers, artificial insemination, and semen storage just like bull semen,” Wallace said. “It’s based on the style of a commercial cattle operation.

“If there wasn’t a hunting market, there wouldn’t be a breeding market,” Wallace said.

The Wilderness Refuge, located on 500 high fenced acres, draws in hunters from across the country, and even as far away as Hawaii, for their chance to take home a trophy white-tailed deer. Wallace has even built a large custom lodge available for customers to stay in during their hunting trip.

Nearly 15 years since making his initial purchase of five white-tailed deer, life is drastically different than Wallace could have ever imagined for himself.

“Never get your focus so set that you’re not able to adapt and change to situations,” Wallace said. “Just like with politics, I never planned on being in politics but I’m very happy to be here now.  I think it was meant to be and I’m here for a reason.

“I love white-tailed deer and that’s part of my passion but I also enjoy serving my district and representing the state of Oklahoma.”

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PHOTO CAPTION:

With the safety of his animals being his highest priority, Wallace uses an enclosed chute system to ensure his white-tailed deer remain calm during routine checks. High amounts of stress can lead to capture myopathy (over-production of enzymes), which in high enough doses can be fatal.

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Farm Bill and Trade War Dominate D.C. Discussions

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While the turbulence of Hurricane Florence swirled about the perimeter of Washington, D.C., a group of Oklahoma farm leaders dealt with a different turbulence inside the Capitol beltway. Terry Detrick, AFR/OFU president, lead a delegation on a four-day lobbying effort Sept. 11-14, focusing on the farm bill and trade war. The Oklahomans were participating in the annual NFU Fly In, which saw a record number of participants this year.

The current farm bill expires Sept. 30 and Detrick said farmers need the new farm bill passed quickly.

“We need the certainty and stability of a new farm program, Detrick said. “As our farmers plant their winter wheat crop it is important to know there will continue to be an adequate safety net.”

USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue addressed the farmers during a session in the USDA auditorium and agreed on the need to have a farm income safety net.

“There’s nothing more sustainable than profitability,” Perdue said.

Perdue told the farmers he is working to expand markets as they search to replace the hole left by the trade spat with China. Perdue defended the tariffs by pointing his finger at China.

“China has not been playing by the rules,” Perdue said. He cited their track record for stealing trade secrets such as corn genetics and other technology.

Gregg Doud, Chief Agricultural Negotiator, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, told the group China is the biggest challenge. He noted China’s large grain subsidies which lead to surpluses weighing on the global market.

“China must understand they have be to a better partner in global economy when it comes to supply and demand,” Doud said.

Doud, who grew up on a Kansas farm, said he understands the pain of the current trade war but said we “must deal with China.”

“There is never a good time to do this, but now is the time,” Doud said.

He said China has laid out a plan to dominate in several industrial sectors, including agricultural machinery.

“They intend to build and dominate that sector by 2025,” Doud said. “This is why President Trump has said now is the time to do something.”

Doud said there is a large imbalance of trade between China and the U.S.

“We import $500 billion worth of products from China and we sell only $150 billion,” Doud said.

The Oklahoma group visited each of their congressional offices where, in addition to the farm bill and trade war, they talked about rural health care, crop insurance and trucking regulations.

“I feel like our congressmen understand the issues and it was nice to be able to sit down face-to-face with them,” Adam Wyatt, Chattanooga, said. “When the opportunity arises, we need to have these conversations and have our voices heard.”

For David Zummallen, Okarche, it was his first opportunity to visit the nation’s Capital and he wanted to take full advantage by discussing rural health care.

“There are a lot of rural hospitals faced with closure and I would like to see fewer restrictions on Medicaid spending,” Zummallen said. “Health care is vitally important to rural areas and the hospitals play a critical role.”

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PHOTO CAPTION:

Terry Detrick, AFR/OFU president, right, lead a delegation on a four-day lobbying effort to Washington, D.C., Sept. 11-14, focusing on the farm bill and trade war. Others participating in the trip were (Left to right), Steve Thompson, Mason Mungle, Adam Wyatt, Wayne Herriman, Paul Jackson, David Zummallen and Mike Mayberry.

 

 

 

 

 

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Oklahoma Farmers Show their Concerns During Area Meetings

Industrial hemp, medical marijuana, a new farm bill, property taxes and international trade were among the critical issues discussed during a series of area meetings held across Oklahoma Aug. 7-20. The meetings were sponsored by AFR/OFU.

“We had large crowds at all of our stops and I think this is indicative of the great interest AFR members have in the world around them,” said Terry Detrick, AFR/OFU president.

“It was really impressive how interested our members are and how they want to be engaged in the political process,” said Steve Thompson, AFR director of government relations.

Thompson noted people have more concerns this year about federal issues than in previous years.

“They are really concerned about international trade,” Thompson said. “They want to sell more products and open new markets as they know we have a commodity driven economy.”

On the state level, Thompson said Oklahomans are asking questions about medical marijuana and its cousin, industrial hemp.

Oklahoma citizens voted this year to make medical marijuana legal while the state legislature passed a bill supporting the production of legal hemp.

“People seem really confused right now about what is legal and what isn’t, in regards to medical marijuana and industrial hemp” Thompson said.

Thompson said it was good there were state legislators attending the area meetings.

“We had quite a few of the legislators attend and we let them engage the members on these issues and that helped answer a few of the questions,” Thompson said.

Participants enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the issues in an informal way.

“These types of meetings are very beneficial to our community,” said Mike Weaver, Ft. Cobb, Okla. He attended the area meeting in Hobart, Aug. 20.

Weaver was most concerned about the poor condition of the roads in his area.

“The trucks are tearing up our roads and there are not enough taxes to fix the roads. We’re having a lot trouble with this.”

Weaver added he was preparing to plant wheat on his southwest Oklahoma farm and the recent rains allowed him to take a break from the farm chores.

Overall, Thompson said the rural residents are upbeat about most issues.

“There is a mood of optimism out there, especially in those areas that recently got some rain,” Thompson said. “It’s an election year and that always brings the possibilities of a positive change.”

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Tecumseh is One of Eight Locations for AFR Issue Discussions BBQ

AFR members will have the opportunity to discuss key rural and agriculture issues during an informal dinner Aug. 9 at the Crossing Hearts Ranch, 22214 Skagg City Road, Tecumseh. The event, which starts promptly at 6 p.m., is part of a series of eight sessions scheduled for Aug. 7-20 in various locations across Oklahoma.

“We want to use this informal, relaxed atmosphere to learn the critical issues on the minds of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” AFR President Terry Detrick, said.

The current agriculture economy, the farm bill, mid-term elections and international trade are among the issues expected to gain attention during the meetings.

“We’ll talk about all of these issues,” Detrick said, “and I am sure the weather will also be a frequent topic, as it is every time you get farmers and ranchers together.”

Detrick added, the issues discussed will lead to new and improved policies for the state’s oldest farm organization.

“The thoughts and ideas surfaced at these barbecues will be used by our members to formulate policies to be voted on at our annual convention in February,” Detrick said.  “These policies are important as they will guide our organization throughout the coming year.”

The meetings, two each day, will start promptly with the meal followed by discussions. There will also be staff introductions followed by brief comments. In addition to Tecumseh, the schedule for the August meetings includes the following venues:

Tuesday, Aug. 7

  • Lunch in Muskogee at noon, Northeastern State University, Synar Room 147, 2400 W. Shawnee Street.
  • Dinner in Stillwater at 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Street.

Thursday, Aug. 9

  • Lunch in Atoka at 12 p.m., Kiamichi Technology Center, 1301 W. Liberty Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 16

  • Lunch in Watonga at 12 p.m., American Legion Post 125, 306 S. Noble Ave.
  • Dinner in Gate at 6 p.m., Gate Community Center, 210 West 4th.

Monday, Aug. 20

  • Lunch in Hobart at 12 p.m., Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey Street.
  • Dinner in Duncan at 6 p.m., Red River Technology Center, 3300 W. Bois D’Arc.

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bethany Andrews, bandrews@afrmic.com (405) 218-5531.

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Stillwater is One of Eight Locations for AFR Issue Discussions BBQ

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AFR members will have the opportunity to discuss key rural and agriculture issues during an informal dinner Aug. 7 at the Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Street. The event, which starts promptly at 6 p.m., is part of a series of eight sessions scheduled for Aug. 7-20 in various locations across Oklahoma.

“We want to use this informal, relaxed atmosphere to learn the critical issues on the minds of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” AFR President Terry Detrick, said.

The current agriculture economy, the farm bill, mid-term elections and international trade are among the issues expected to gain attention during the meetings.

“We’ll talk about all of these issues,” Detrick said, “and I am sure the weather will also be a frequent topic, as it is every time you get farmers and ranchers together.”

Detrick added, the issues discussed will lead to new and improved policies for the state’s oldest farm organization.

“The thoughts and ideas surfaced at these barbecues will be used by our members to formulate policies to be voted on at our annual convention in February,” Detrick said.  “These policies are important as they will guide our organization throughout the coming year.”

The meetings, two each day, will start promptly with the meal followed by discussions. There will also be staff introductions followed by brief comments. In addition to Stillwater, the schedule for the August meetings includes the following venues:

Tuesday, Aug. 7

  • Lunch in Muskogee at noon, Northeastern State University, Synar Room 147, 2400 W. Shawnee Street.

Thursday, Aug. 9

  • Lunch in Atoka at 12 p.m., Kiamichi Technology Center, 1301 W. Liberty Rd.
  • Dinner in Tecumseh, Crossing Hearts Ranch, 22214 Skagg City Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 16

  • Lunch in Watonga at 12 p.m., American Legion Post 125, 306 S. Noble Ave.
  • Dinner in Gate at 6 p.m., Gate Community Center, 210 West 4th.

Monday, Aug. 20

  • Lunch in Hobart at 12 p.m., Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey Street.
  • Dinner in Duncan at 6 p.m., Red River Technology Center, 3300 W. Bois D’Arc.

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bethany Andrews, bandrews@afrmic.com (405) 218-5531.

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Hobart is One of Eight Locations for AFR Issue Discussions BBQ

AFR members will have the opportunity to discuss key rural and agriculture issues during an informal luncheon Aug. 20 at the Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey Street, Hobart. The event, which starts promptly at noon, is part of a series of eight sessions scheduled for Aug. 7-20 in various locations across Oklahoma.

“We want to use this informal, relaxed atmosphere to learn the critical issues on the minds of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” AFR President Terry Detrick, said.

The current agriculture economy, the farm bill, mid-term elections and international trade are among the issues expected to gain attention during the meetings.

“We’ll talk about all of these issues,” Detrick said, “and I am sure the weather will also be a frequent topic, as it is every time you get farmers and ranchers together.”

Detrick added, the issues discussed will lead to new and improved policies for the state’s oldest farm organization.

“The thoughts and ideas surfaced at these barbecues will be used by our members to formulate policies to be voted on at our annual convention in February,” Detrick said.  “These policies are important as they will guide our organization throughout the coming year.”

The meetings, two each day, will start promptly with the meal followed by discussions. There will also be staff introductions followed by brief comments. In addition to Hobart, the schedule for the August meetings includes the following venues:

Tuesday, Aug. 7

  • Lunch in Muskogee at noon, Northeastern State University, Synar Room 147, 2400 W. Shawnee Street.
  • Dinner in Stillwater at 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Street.

Thursday, Aug. 9

  • Lunch in Atoka at 12 p.m., Kiamichi Technology Center, 1301 W. Liberty Rd.
  • Dinner in Tecumseh, Crossing Hearts Ranch, 22214 Skagg City Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 16

  • Lunch in Watonga at 12 p.m., American Legion Post 125, 306 S. Noble Ave.
  • Dinner in Gate at 6 p.m., Gate Community Center, 210 West 4th.

Monday, Aug. 20

  • Dinner in Duncan at 6 p.m., Red River Technology Center, 3300 W. Bois D’Arc.

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bethany Andrews, bandrews@afrmic.com (405) 218-5531.

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Gate is One of Eight Locations for AFR Issue Discussions BBQ

AFR members will have the opportunity to discuss key rural and agriculture issues during an informal dinner Aug. 16 at the Gate Community Center, 210 West 4th, Gate. The event, which starts promptly at 6 p.m., is part of a series of eight sessions scheduled for Aug. 7-20 in various locations across Oklahoma.

“We want to use this informal, relaxed atmosphere to learn the critical issues on the minds of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” AFR President Terry Detrick, said.

The current agriculture economy, the farm bill, mid-term elections and international trade are among the issues expected to gain attention during the meetings.

“We’ll talk about all of these issues,” Detrick said, “and I am sure the weather will also be a frequent topic, as it is every time you get farmers and ranchers together.”

Detrick added, the issues discussed will lead to new and improved policies for the state’s oldest farm organization.

“The thoughts and ideas surfaced at these barbecues will be used by our members to formulate policies to be voted on at our annual convention in February,” Detrick said.  “These policies are important as they will guide our organization throughout the coming year.”

The meetings, two each day, will start promptly with the meal followed by discussions. There will also be staff introductions followed by brief comments. In addition to Gate, the schedule for the August meetings includes the following venues:

Tuesday, Aug. 7

  • Lunch in Muskogee at noon, Northeastern State University, Synar Room 147, 2400 W. Shawnee Street.
  • Dinner in Stillwater at 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Street.

Thursday, Aug. 9

  • Lunch in Atoka at 12 p.m., Kiamichi Technology Center, 1301 W. Liberty Rd.
  • Dinner in Tecumseh, Crossing Hearts Ranch, 22214 Skagg City Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 16

  • Lunch in Watonga at 12 p.m., American Legion Post 125, 306 S. Noble Ave.

Monday, Aug. 20

  • Lunch in Hobart at 12 p.m., Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey Street.
  • Dinner in Duncan at 6 p.m., Red River Technology Center, 3300 W. Bois D’Arc.

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bethany Andrews, bandrews@afrmic.com (405) 218-5531.

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Duncan is One of Eight Locations for AFR Issue Discussions BBQ

AFR members will have the opportunity to discuss key rural and agriculture issues during an informal dinner Aug. 20 at the Red River Technology Center, 3300 W. Bois D’Arc, Duncan. The event, which starts promptly at 6 p.m., is part of a series of eight sessions scheduled for Aug. 7-20 in various locations across Oklahoma.

“We want to use this informal, relaxed atmosphere to learn the critical issues on the minds of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” AFR President Terry Detrick, said.

The current agriculture economy, the farm bill, mid-term elections and international trade are among the issues expected to gain attention during the meetings.

“We’ll talk about all of these issues,” Detrick said, “and I am sure the weather will also be a frequent topic, as it is every time you get farmers and ranchers together.”

Detrick added, the issues discussed will lead to new and improved policies for the state’s oldest farm organization.

“The thoughts and ideas surfaced at these barbecues will be used by our members to formulate policies to be voted on at our annual convention in February,” Detrick said.  “These policies are important as they will guide our organization throughout the coming year.”

The meetings, two each day, will start promptly with the meal followed by discussions. There will also be staff introductions followed by brief comments. In addition to Duncan, the schedule for the August meetings includes the following venues:

Tuesday, Aug. 7

  • Lunch in Muskogee at noon, Northeastern State University, Synar Room 147, 2400 W. Shawnee Street.
  • Dinner in Stillwater at 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Street.

Thursday, Aug. 9

  • Lunch in Atoka at 12 p.m., Kiamichi Technology Center, 1301 W. Liberty Rd.
  • Dinner in Tecumseh, Crossing Hearts Ranch, 22214 Skagg City Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 16

  • Lunch in Watonga at 12 p.m., American Legion Post 125, 306 S. Noble Ave.
  • Dinner in Gate at 6 p.m., Gate Community Center, 210 West 4th.

Monday, Aug. 20

  • Lunch in Hobart at 12 p.m., Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey Street.

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bethany Andrews, bandrews@afrmic.com (405) 218-5531.

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Atoka is One of Eight Locations for AFR Issue Discussions BBQ

AFR members will have the opportunity to discuss key rural and agriculture issues during an informal luncheon Aug. 9 at the Kiamichi Technology Center, 1301 W. Liberty Road, Atoka. The event, which starts promptly at noon, is part of a series of eight sessions scheduled for Aug. 7-20 in various locations across Oklahoma.

“We want to use this informal, relaxed atmosphere to learn the critical issues on the minds of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” AFR President Terry Detrick, said.

The current agriculture economy, the farm bill, mid-term elections and international trade are among the issues expected to gain attention during the meetings.

“We’ll talk about all of these issues,” Detrick said, “and I am sure the weather will also be a frequent topic, as it is every time you get farmers and ranchers together.”

Detrick added, the issues discussed will lead to new and improved policies for the state’s oldest farm organization.

“The thoughts and ideas surfaced at these barbecues will be used by our members to formulate policies to be voted on at our annual convention in February,” Detrick said.  “These policies are important as they will guide our organization throughout the coming year.”

The meetings, two each day, will start promptly with the meal followed by discussions. There will also be staff introductions followed by brief comments. In addition to Atoka, the schedule for the August meetings includes the following venues:

Tuesday, Aug. 7

  • Lunch in Muskogee at noon, Northeastern State University, Synar Room 147, 2400 W. Shawnee Street.
  • Dinner in Stillwater at 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Street.

Thursday, Aug. 9

  • Dinner in Tecumseh, Crossing Hearts Ranch, 22214 Skagg City Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 16

  • Lunch in Watonga at 12 p.m., American Legion Post 125, 306 S. Noble Ave.
  • Dinner in Gate at 6 p.m., Gate Community Center, 210 West 4th.

Monday, Aug. 20

  • Lunch in Hobart at 12 p.m., Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey Street.
  • Dinner in Duncan at 6 p.m., Red River Technology Center, 3300 W. Bois D’Arc.

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bethany Andrews, bandrews@afrmic.com (405) 218-5531.

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Watonga is One of Eight Locations for AFR August Meetings

AFR members will have the opportunity to discuss key rural and agriculture issues during an informal barbecue at the American Legion Post 125, 306 S. Noble Ave. in Watonga, Aug. 16 beginning at 12 p.m.

“We want to use this informal, relaxed atmosphere to learn the critical issues on the minds of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” AFR President Terry Detrick, said.

The current agriculture economy, the farm bill, mid-term elections and international trade are among the issues expected to gain attention during the meetings.

“We’ll talk about all of these issues,” Detrick said, “and I am sure the weather will also be a frequent topic, as it is every time you get farmers and ranchers together.”

Detrick added, the issues discussed will lead to new and improved policies for the state’s oldest farm organization.

“The thoughts and ideas surfaced at these barbecues will be used by our members to formulate policies to be voted on at our annual convention in February,” Detrick said.  “These policies are important as they will guide our organization throughout the coming year.”

The meetings, two each day, will start promptly with the meal followed by discussions. There will also be staff introductions followed by brief comments. In addition to Watonga, the schedule for the August meetings includes the following venues:

Tuesday, Aug. 7

  • Lunch in Muskogee at 12 p.m., Northeastern State University, Synar Room 147.
  • Dinner in Stillwater at 6 p.m., Stillwater Community Center, 315 W. 8th Street.

Thursday, Aug. 9

  • Lunch in Atoka at 12 p.m., Kiamichi Technology Center, 1301 W. Liberty Rd.
  • Dinner in Tecumseh, Crossing Hearts Ranch, 22214 Skagg City Rd.

Thursday, Aug. 16

  • Dinner in Gate at 6 p.m., Gate Community Center, 210 West 4th.

Monday, Aug. 20

  • Lunch in Hobart at 12 p.m., Western Technology Center, 1000 S. Bailey Street.
  • Dinner in Duncan at 6 p.m., Red River Technology Center, 3300 W. Bois D’Arc.

 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bethany Andrews, bandrews@afrmic.com (405) 218-5531.

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