Oklahoma lawmakers unanimously back wheat as official state crop
The Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 2159 on April 29, officially designating wheat as the state crop of Oklahoma. With unanimous support in both chambers, the measure now heads to Gov. Kevin Stitt for final consideration. If signed into law, Senate Bill 2159 takes effect Nov. 1.
The House vote coincided with Ag Day at the Capitol, adding significance to the legislation’s passage. Authored by state Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, the bill highlights wheat’s vital role in Oklahoma’s agricultural economy and rural communities.
“Seeing this bill pass on Ag Day is incredibly meaningful as we celebrated one of Oklahoma’s most vital industries,” Pederson said. “Wheat is a key part of our state’s agricultural economy and plays a big role in supporting our rural communities. On a day dedicated to agriculture, this designation underscores the importance of wheat and the producers behind its success across the state.”
Oklahoma ranks second in the nation in annual winter wheat production and third overall in total wheat bushels harvested each year. Much of that production is concentrated in central and western regions of the state. Pederson, a wheat producer himself, emphasized the work behind the industry’s success.
“Harvesting wheat myself, I know the amount of work put in by producers to build Oklahoma’s wheat industry into one that is strong and nationally recognized,” he said. “I extend immense gratitude to my colleagues in both the Senate and House for unanimously advancing this measure, putting it one step closer to becoming law and formally recognizing the hard work, dedication, and legacy of wheat farmers across our state.”
The legislation was requested and developed in collaboration with the Burlington FFA Chapter. Pederson worked closely with students and their adviser to craft the bill, which honors Oklahoma wheat producers and their contributions to the state’s reputation for high-quality wheat production and research.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
