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September 27, 2024

ODAFF Brings Oklahoma Agriculture to the National Stage in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS - The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry brought Oklahoma Agriculture to the national stage this week at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting in Indianapolis. The meeting was the culmination of Oklahoma Sec. of Agriculture Blayne Arthur's term as president of NASDA, an organization comprised of secretaries, directors, and commissioners of agriculture from across the United States.

"It was an honor to serve as NASDA's president for the past year," said Arthur. "It's been a great experience working alongside my fellow commissioners across the nation as we help support ag producers in their continued effort to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. I was also very glad we got the opportunity to showcase Oklahoma agriculture this week."

Several elements of the annual meeting highlighted aspects of Oklahoma agriculture. Members of the Elgin, Okla. FFA Chapter officially opened the festivities Monday morning, Jolie Marshall of Harrah, Okla. FFA played the National Anthem, Oklahoma 4-H Ambassador Erin Slagell spoke on a panel about youth development and the next generation of agriculture, Oklahoma Forestry Services Deputy Fire Chief Drew Daily spoke on a panel focusing on emergency preparedness, and Oklahoma State University Wheat Genetics Chair Dr. Brett Carver participated on a panel discussing agricultural research and extension.

In addition to Sec. Arthur representing ODAFF at the meeting, fellow Oklahoma Board of Agriculture members Brent Bolen of Idabel, Okla. and Clay Burtrum of Stillwater, Okla. traveled to Indianapolis for the event.

"I feel blessed to call Oklahoma home, and I know our state has the best people and the best agriculture producers," said Arthur. "I hope representatives from across the country got a taste of Oklahoma agriculture and we look forward to those ag leaders visiting Oklahoma in the future."

The meeting concluded Wednesday with Sec. Arthur handing off NASDA presidential duties to Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. Sec. Arthur will serve as Past President on the NASDA Board of Directors for the next calendar year.

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships, and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit www.nasda.org.

[Link]Oklahoma Sec. of Agricutlure Blayne Arthur addresses the audience at the 2024 NASDA Annual Meeting September 23, 2024 in Indianapolis.[Link]Elgin, Okla. FFA Chapter President Coy Davidson addresses the audience at the 2024 NASDA Annual Meeting September 23, 2024 in Indianapolis.[Link]Harrah, Okla. FFA member Jolie Marshall plays the National Anthem on her fiddle at the 2024 NASDA Annual Meeting September 23, 2024 in Indianapolis.[Link]Oklahoma Sec. of Agriculture Blayne Arthur (left) moderates a panel about youth development and the next generation of agriculture. Oklahoma 4-H Ambassador Erin Slagell (right) participated on the panel at the 2024 NASDA Annual Meeting September 23, 2024 in Indianapolis.[Link]Oklahoma Board of Agriculture members Clay Burtrum (left) and Brent Bolen (right) pose for a photo with Oklahoma Sec. of Agriculture Blayne Arthur at the 2024 NASDA Annual Meeting September 23, 2024 in Indianapolis.

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