“ We are not so far removed [ from agriculture ], people have this drive to go back to local and connect with their food source . I see a little bit of revitalization of the smaller mom and pop type agribusiness industries . Our community has access to good information and quality products .” — THOMAS WALRAVEN , AN AGRIBUSINESS COMMITTEE MEMBER AND BANCFIRST
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
committee members all grew up in agriculture and understand the importance of being Thomas Walraven , an Agribusiness Com-
and connect with their food source ,” said
a voice for agriculture and promoting youth mittee member and BancFirst assistant vice organizations like 4-H and FFA . These organizations help shape youth by teaching them of the smaller mom and pop type agribusi-
president . “ I see a little bit of revitalization
about community service and how to stand ness industries . Our community has access up for what they believe in . to good information and quality products .”
“ Being involved in agriculture made me who A normal year for the Agribusiness Committee starts with the Agriculture Appreci-
I am as a person and led me to be successful in the business I am in ,” said Brent DeMuth , ation Banquet in April . The banquet is the Agribusiness Committee chair and Payne biggest committee event and serves to recognize people in the agriculture industry
County Bank vice president . “[ Being part of the Agribusiness Committee ] is a small way to give back and support some organizations that helped me become who I am .”
The economic impact of agriculture in the community is huge . For every dollar spent ,
The 2020 Agribusiness Committee sponsorship banner . the dollar turns over seven times in the county before leaving . Anderson said on average the agriculture cash commodity is worth about $ 40 million annually . ranging from 4-H and FFA students to the Agribusiness of the Year and Farm Family
The Payne County Expo Center is an example of the Year awardees . of a positive economic impact agriculture has on the community . The Expo Center generates $ 5 million annually in new tax revenue ,
Other events and activities committee members are normally involved in are : the Business Persons Judging Contest , a fun way to most of which originates outside the community with money coming in via national educate people who are less familiar with livestock shows held at the Expo Center and agriculture by learning about and engaging with the different sectors of agriculture ; the resulting investment in the community with the dollar turnover .
Barnyard Olympics , a farm-related relaystyle obstacle race ; National Read a Book Day ,
We are not so far removed [ from agriculture ], when an agricultural literacy book is read to people have this drive to go back to local fourth grade students to help promote agricultural education in the upcoming generations ; and Ag Day at Stillwater Public Schools , Stillwater FFA members lead fourth grade students through a rotation of different stations to learn about various ag related topics such as farm-to-table , ag mechanics , livestock care and raising , and cultivating plants .
This year ’ s events looked a little different due to COVID-19 and not being able to have in-person events , but that did not stop the Agribusiness Committee from being involved and giving back to the community . The committee was still able to award its annual scholarship and also assisted with the Bucket Calf program , a cattle handling contest , a youth showmanship clinic , the Youth in Action conference and was a virtual pasture tour sponsor .
Additionally , the committee sponsored a booth at the Payne County Cattlemen ’ s banquet , helped sponsor the Book Barn in front of the Stillwater Milling Company , and purchased gift cards to show appreciation to 4-H and FFA leaders in the county .
“ The agricultural industry is a driven community ,” Anderson said . “ We want others to know the importance of [ agriculture and how agriculture supports the community ].”
Story by Kegan Herrick
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COMMERCE | 2021 Profile Magazine of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce