Ardmore rancher named Cattleman of the Year
Bobby Jones of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was recently named Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association’s Cattleman of the Year. The award is the highest honor that the OCA bestows upon a member and was designed to recognize OCA members who have made significant contributions to the OCA and to the Oklahoma beef industry.
“Bobby Jones truly has ridden for the OCA brand,” said Weston Givens, OCA president. “Bobby has served on the OCA Ranch Rodeo committee and also served as chair of the OCA membership committee, a very fitting role for Bobby as he was always looking for ways to get more producers involved in the OCA.”
From a young age, Bobby was a worker. He grew up south of Davis, Oklahoma, and worked summers on the Flying L Ranch as well of various other area ranches on the weekends. He was active in the Davis FFA Chapter and became proficient at livestock judging. Following high school, he was a member of the collegiate livestock judging team at Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and qualified to compete at the Denver Western National Show in 1969. He completed his education at Oklahoma State University, majoring in agricultural education.
Following graduation, Bobby got word that Stillwater Milling was hoping to add a Davis location and was looking for a management trainee. He applied for the job and began his work with Stillwater Milling Company, on Aug. 9, 1971, two days after his graduation from OSU, and three weeks after marrying his wife, Linda Landgraf.
Bobby and his wife, Linda, both worked at Stillwater Milling Company, until October 1976, when Bobby was promoted to area sales manager, and they moved to Ardmore. Jones has thoroughly enjoyed his job and the many customers who became his friends, over the 46 plus years, while working for Stillwater Milling Company. Bobby retired from Stillwater Milling Company Dec. 31, 2017, due to health issues.
Bobby was surrounded by family and extended family as his wife, Linda, spoke on behalf of Bobby after the award was presented.
“Bobby is thankful he has been able to work in the cattle industry, and with so many great ranchers. We appreciate the friendship and support,” Linda said.
Bobby and Linda own 360 acres, in Marshall County, Oklahoma, which they inherited from Linda’s parents. They run a stocker/grazer operation, depending on the cattle market. The cattle come in March or April and graze the pecan orchards until early Fall.
“Our family is grateful for God’s many blessings. For the strength He gives us each day and for the people around us, who make life more meaningful,” Linda said.
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. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership, the theft reward program or activities call 405-235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.
