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AFR sponsors successful Eggs & Issues Breakfast in Elk CityOklahoma On April 4, during the Southwest Farm and Home Expo, American Farmers & Ranchers sponsored the 9th annual "Eggs & Issues" Legislative Breakfast. This free event is held to inform the public about current legislative issues affecting their everyday lives. AFR President Terry Detrick said, "Events like this one are important because this is where we are able to bring producers, rural citizens, legislators and our AFR staff that work on issues, all together so that we can forward the policies our membership makes at the grass roots level." The event included a packed room of individuals that had come to hear the issues. President Detrick recognized Melody Cummings, AFRMIC agent, and her staff for their organizational efforts for the event, as well as the Elk City FFA Chapter for cooking the breakfast. "Events like this is what sets AFR apart from other insurance companies," Detrick said. The premiums paid to American Farmers and Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company enables the organization to be an advocate for rural Oklahomans at both the state and federal level, to support youth activities across the state, along with numerous other activities that AFR is involved with representing Oklahomans." Area legislators were introduced by Tommy Thomas, AFR lobbyist, where they had an opportunity to discuss bills that directly impact rural Oklahoma. Topics included: wind energy, trespass, cattle theft, seismograph laws and water issues. Legislators present were Rep. Purcy Walker, Rep. Ryan McMullen, Rep. Harold Wright, Sen. Tom Ivester and Sen. Mike Schulz. Francie Tolle, AFR Legislative Policy Analyst, served as guest speaker and explained federal issues. The 2008 farm bill was the primary topic, along with upcoming climate change legislation, horse slaughter, issues within the realm of the Environmental Protection Agency and farm truck weight issues.
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