Poultry producers call on Stitt to prevent reduction of Oklahoma poultry operations during town hall in Adair County

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt joined more than 200 poultry producers Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Double R&P Grill in Adair County to visit with them about possible solutions to the ongoing State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc. lawsuit.

Stitt's comments were focused on solutions to help poultry growers after a recent announcement by Tyson Foods that the poultry company plans to reduce poultry operations in the Illinois River watershed in light of the state of Oklahoma's proposed settlement, written by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

The move by Tyson comes after Drummond asked the judge in the case to fine the poultry companies, who were deemed liable for high levels of phosphorous in the Illinois River, hundreds of millions of dollars in retribution for their actions.

During the meeting, Gov. Stitt, members of his cabinet, and several elected officials heard stories from poultry producers as they shared the wide-reaching impact that the reduction of poultry operations would have on their families and livelihoods.

Stitt assured attendees that he made his administration's stance on the issue clear with Drummond from the beginning.

"I sent a formal letter to the attorney general urging for a common-sense settlement that protects our environment and our Oklahoma food producers," he said.

Stitt said he believes the parties can find a solution that benefits the interests of both sides.

"This isn't an either/or," he said. "We can protect our water, and we can protect our family farms."

In a direct address to the media present during the event, Stitt explained how poultry producers diligently follow their state-approved nutrient management plans to manage the disposal of poultry litter.

"Every single person that you guys are seeing, they have permits," Stitt said. "They go through all the trouble to follow those permits, because there are fines. If they don't follow the permit, if they don't apply the fertilizer accurately and according to the permit, then they are going to be fined for that."

Stitt also echoed poultry producers' concerns about Drummond's proposal to end the spreading of poultry litter in the watershed entirely.

"(Drummond) wants to ban all poultry litter application in eastern Oklahoma," Stitt said. "Anybody with common sense knows that's going to destroy not only farming in eastern Oklahoma, but hay farmers, cattle farmers, everything."

In addition to the blow to the state's poultry industry that would come from a reduction in operations, Stitt also expressed his concern for the effect it would have on local government and local school districts when a large portion of the ad valorem tax base would essentially be removed.

Attendees urged Stitt and state leaders to work on behalf of poultry producers in the watershed to find a solution to the state's lawsuit and settlement that protects family farmers and ensures a bright future for all Oklahomans.

Stitt offered a note of encouragement to the producers in the room, urging them to continue speaking up and advocating for their industry.

"We want you to know that we're with you," Stitt said. "The Stitt administration is with you. So, don't be afraid, and let's keep speaking up."