AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh calling convention to order.
NORMAN—American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) hosted the organization’s 121st annual state convention at the Embassy Suites & Conference Center – Norman Feb. 13-15. The event featured educational speakers and entertainment, the annual business meeting of Oklahoma Farmers Union and American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company, discussion and adoption of AFR legislative policy and officer elections. This year’s convention theme was “Delivering on our Promises.”
“This year’s convention theme speaks to our history as an organization, always fulfilling our commitments to our members in good times and bad,” said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh.
This year, three AFR/OFU board members were reelected, with candidates running unopposed—Northwest Independent Director District 1, Northeast Agent Director District 3, and Southeast Independent Director District 4. In addition, AFR Cooperative Secretary Paul Jackson, Ringling, ran unopposed and will retain his current position for a three-year term.
Northwest Independent Director District 1 Roger Edenborough, Goodwell, was renewed for a three-year term. Edenborough attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University and was named a partner in Edenborough and Edenborough, CPAs, in 1992. He served 19 years on the Goodwell Public Schools Board of Directors and 11 years on the Oklahoma State School Board Association, serving as OSSBA President in 2016-2017. Edenborough has served on the board of trustees for Panhandle Telephone Cooperative for 27 years and currently serves on the Goodwell Town Council.
Northeast Agent Director District 3 William Lane, Grove, was renewed for a three-year term. Lane attended NEO and Oklahoma State University as part of collegiate livestock judging teams. He graduated from OSU in 1996. He was also a member of Class 10 of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program. Lane is a third-generation AFR Insurance agent. He began his insurance career in 1998 and currently owns an agency in Gentry, Ark. He also helps his family with their AFR Insurance agency in Langley, Okla. Lane owns a small purebred Shorthorn cattle operation, which produces nationally-successful show genetics. Lane and his wife, Jennifer, live in Grove.
Southeast Independent Director District 4 Loyd Steward, Shawnee, was renewed for a three-year term. Steward graduated from Oklahoma State University. For the past 30 years, he has owned and operated RS Lawn Services. Steward served on the Bethel School Board for 11 years. He voluntarily improves the turf on the local school’s sports complexes and also maintains a community cemetery. He’s been a longtime AFR member and has served as county president for more than 20 years. He has served on the AFR Policy Committee and attended the National Farmers Union Legislative Fly-In. Steward owns a cow/calf operation. He and his wife, Becky, have two children and five grandchildren.
AFR/OFU Secretary Jackson was first elected in 2013. A long-time AFR/OFU employee and supporter, Jackson most recently served the organization as AFR/OFU Farm & Cooperative Programs Director. Jackson is also a fourth-generation farmer/rancher and operates his family farming operation with his wife, Kim.
In addition to elections, 2026 AFR State Convention attendees learned about rural economic and environmental issues, connected with the next generation of AFR members during the youth program, learned about new opportunities available through the Oklahoma Certified Beef Association and much more.
Convention attendees learned about timely legislative issues, such as inflation in agriculture, industry economic trends and much more. This year’s three-day event features speakers like Sarah Vogel, attorney and author of The Farmer’s Lawyer; James Brunson, agricultural bankruptcy attorney; Sen. Grant Green (R-Wellston); Sen. Bryan Logan (R-Paden); Rep. Jonathan Wilk (R-Goldsby); Rep. Tammy Townley (R-Ardmore); National Farmers Union Vice President Jeff Kippley; Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Director KC Sheperd; Armstrong Bank Market & Regional President Bill Shelby; Rocky Mountain Farmers Union President Chad Franke; North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Purdue; Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives CEO Nicki Fuller; Panhandle Telephone Cooperative CEO Jana Wallace; Oklahoma State University Professor of Ag & Food Policy Amy Hagerman; Major League Baseball Umpire Jordan Baker and more.
AFR Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voices in support of AFR principles.
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