Four Oklahoma legislators received Champion Awards from the Oklahoma Farm Bureau during the organization’s 85th annual meeting for their work during the 2026 legislative session.
The awards recognize individuals who acted as advocates for the state’s agricultural sector and rural communities, Oklahoma Farm Bureau reported. The honors were presented during an awards banquet held in Oklahoma City on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Senators Tom Woods and Casey Murdock, along with Representatives David Hardin and Brad Boles, were named as the recipients. Each legislator received a plaque to recognize their specific contributions to agricultural policy and their representation of family farmers and ranchers.
“These four legislators have been outstanding friends to agriculture and rural Oklahoma,” said Stacy Simunek, OKFB President.
“Their dedication to protecting and upholding our rural way of life has been proven time and time again as they advocate for agriculture and their fellow Oklahomans through their work in the Oklahoma legislature,” Simunek said.
The recognition follows a legislative session that tackled several high-stakes issues facing the state’s rural economy. The honorees worked across various complex regulatory and legal frameworks.
According to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the addressed issues included:
- The decades-old poultry lawsuit affecting eastern Oklahoma
- Private property rights protections
- Groundwater usage regulations
- Agricultural employee workers’ compensation policies
These topics represent the intersection of economic stability and resource management for Oklahoma’s farming families. For instance, the ongoing legal challenges regarding the poultry industry in eastern Oklahoma have long-term implications for land use and local employment in those regions.
The Champion Award specifically highlights those who go beyond standard legislative duties to support the specific needs of the agricultural community. By focusing on groundwater and property rights, the recognized lawmakers are engaging with the foundational assets required for large-scale and family-run farming operations alike.
During the ceremony, Sen. Casey Murdock of Felt and Rep. Brad Boles of Marlow were presented with their awards by President Simunek and OKFB Senior Director of Public Policy Gage Milliman.
Sen. Tom Woods and Rep. David Hardin were unavailable for photos during the event.
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