Stitt honored with Distinguished Service to OKFB Award

Gov. Kevin Stitt was recognized with the Distinguished Service to Oklahoma Farm Bureau Award on Saturday, Nov. 7, during the organization's 85^th annual meeting in Oklahoma City.

The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to agriculture and the Farm Bureau organization.

Stitt has been a voice for agriculture and rural Oklahoma as well as a steadfast partner to Oklahoma Farm Bureau throughout his eight years as Oklahoma's governor.

"Standing with Oklahoma's farmers and ranchers has been one of the greatest privileges of the last eight years," Stitt said in a video address to OKFB members. "When I travel across this country and around the world, I love telling people that Oklahoma feeds the world, fuels the world and helps defend freedom around the world. Our farmers and ranchers are a big part of that story."

Stitt's contributions to Oklahoma agriculture during his time as governor included defending Oklahoma agricultural producers from federal overreach, speaking up for poultry farmers in the wake of a federal court's decision in the state's decades-old lawsuit in the Illinois River Watershed and representing cattle producers through tumultuous pressures on cattle markets.

"Gov. Stitt has understood the important work Oklahoma family farmers and ranchers take on to feed, clothe and fuel our fellow Oklahomans," said OKFB President Stacy Simunek. "He has been an ally for agriculture on critically important pieces of legislation while ensuring farmers and ranchers have reasonable regulations that allow us to be productive and efficient. Gov. Stitt has also been a steadfast friend of Farm Bureau, taking the time to meet directly with our members and learn how he can help rural Oklahoma thrive."