Members of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association voted to support the Step Up Oklahoma plan recently during their annual meeting. The meeting is a gathering of Oklahoma cattle farmers and ranchers to discuss issues important to the Oklahoma beef cattle industry.
“OCA members discussed at length the Step Up Proposal and voted to support it,” said Weston Givens, OCA president. “While there are certainly some specific pieces that are not related to beef cattle production, we very much like the accountability and transparency reforms as well as the streamlining of processes in the proposal. It makes sense to us to address state spending. Regarding the revenue proposals, while none of us like increased taxes, we do need safe roads and a strong and robust education system.”
The Step Up Proposal was compiled by several Oklahoma business leaders from diverse industries. According to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, beef cattle production is the largest sector of the Oklahoma agriculture economy.
“We acknowledge that Step Up is a broad proposal with many different pieces. It is also notable that Oklahoma, not just one industry, is pulling together for solutions,” Givens said. “Oklahoma Cattlemen are committed to having a seat at the table to do our part in finding solutions.”
The OCA is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. OCA is the only voice that speaks solely for the cattlemen of Oklahoma and represents beef producers in all 77 counties across the state.