The Agriculture Industry

From the lunch on your plate to the ice cream you enjoy, the food we consume has its roots in American agriculture, with Oklahoma playing a significant role. One of the most beloved local institutions, strategically locating its stores within a 330-mile radius of its production facilities to ensure its products are fresh, is Braums. A family-owned business that everyone knows and loves originated and still operates in Tuttle, Oklahoma. The milk they produce from their private dairy herd, the beef they use on their burgers, the buns and bread that come in a meal, and the ice cream they serve are all sourced and processed straight from Congressional District 4. The agriculture industry is driven by the dedication of farming communities in states like ours. Oklahoma is a cornerstone of our national and global food supply. Yet, the industry as a whole is facing challenges and demands that require urgent attention and support. 

A State Feeding the Nation

Oklahoma ranks second in the nation for beef cows, with more cattle than people. In 2020, Oklahoma exported $349.9 million in beef and veal, contributing approximately $2.7 billion to the state’s economy annually. One out of every fifty jobs in Oklahoma is supported by the pork industry, which we lead 9th in the nation. Oklahoma ranks second in the nation again for winter wheat harvest. We are the premier spot for wheat production and research. The second-largest crop behind wheat is soybeans, which Oklahoma exports $66 million each year. Ranking third in the nation for the production of sorghum, we produce 20 million bushels annually, making the federal government a key customer. Lastly, we rank 7th in the nation in cotton production, adding $287.8 million to Oklahoma’s economy.

 It is refreshing to see Oklahoma lead the nation in something. This is a perfect example of what happens when we invest in and prioritize things that matter. The production of the food that gets put on the tables. What can be more important than that? The agriculture industry is vital to our state and country. The unseen hands that feed this nation are critically important. 

Challenges Threatening the Farming Community

Times are tough for America’s farmers. Farmers are struggling with high costs to farm, and dealing with all-time high prices for pesticides, while commodity prices are at an all-time low. Our farmers are producing more food to meet the demands, but are receiving less and less of each dollar spent. Family farm bankruptcy filings have reached a decade high, ending generations of farming. There are 1.8 million farms in America, and 96% of those are classified as family farms. We owe the food that ends up at grocery stores and eventually your dinner table to hard-working individuals. Hard workers who care. American farmers care for their produce and livestock; they tend to animals when they are sick, feed them the best feed, plant seeds with precision, spray fields with pest/disease treatments, and work through unpredictable weather. Farming is a lifestyle. 

Did you know that soybeans are an important ingredient in the production of crayons? One acre can produce up to 80,000 crayons. The impact and importance of the agriculture industry and the people who make it up can often be overlooked, but when we lay it all out, it is clear that this industry and the people are the backbone of our society. 

Feeding the World - Challenges 

The agriculture industry and farmers do not just feed the United States; they feed the world. The “Food for Peace” program in the U.S., overseen by USAID, is a long-standing international food aid initiative that was created to combat global hunger and malnutrition. The current administration ordered the abrupt closure of USAID, resulting in $500 million worth of wheat, soybeans, and other crops rotting in warehouses and at ports. Additionally, the tariffs imposed by the current administration have caused global partners to refuse to purchase domestic crops. China refuses to purchase wheat and soybeans. Foreign investors are even taking it to the next level. Threatening to take the U.S. to global court, they argue that the U.S. tariffs are destroying businesses and may be violating international investment treaties. 

These global challenges do not make it any easier for our farmers. Farmers rely on international sales to keep rural America financially stable. With high tariffs, there will be less demand for American-grown products, which means less work for our American farmers. 

Solutions & Support 

 Despite all the shortcomings and bad news, there is some good! The United States Department of Agriculture has improved and expanded the Farm to School Grant Program by investing up to $18 million to connect locally grown food to child nutrition programs. Programs like this one support our local farmers and expand access to healthy foods in schools. Supporting the agriculture industry means incorporating local foods in school meals, encouraging fresh food consumption, like going to your local farmers’ market. This can make all the difference for our local food systems; it keeps money circulating in local communities. Most importantly, we must educate students on agriculture and the nutritional value of food. Learning where food comes from not only trains the next generation of farmers but also connects us to the agricultural process in a deeper way. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, agriculture in Oklahoma and across the nation is a vital, challenging, and deeply personal industry that feeds us all. Addressing the rising operational costs, low prices on produce, and destructive tariffs through government support, informed consumer choices, and community engagement is what we owe to the American farmers. By supporting your local farmers and advocating for policies that strengthen the industry as a whole, we can ensure that the legacy of those who care for our land and livestock continues for generations to come. 

So, when was the last time you shopped local? If you cannot remember, then I encourage you to do so on your next grocery trip and thank a farmer if you can! 

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  “Learn More About Braum's Company, Dairy Farm and Factory.” n.d. Braum's. Accessed September 16, 2025. https://www.braums.com/about/. 

 An Overview of Oklahoma Agriculture. n.d. Oklahoma: Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. https://ag.ok.gov/oklahoma-ag-overview/.

 “Small Family Farms, The Roots of American Agriculture.” 2025. American Farm Bureau Federation. https://www.fb.org/market-intel/small-family-farms-the-roots-of-american-agriculture.

 “8 Ways Farmers Make Our Lives Better.” 2019. Farm Bureau Financial Services. https://www.fbfs.com/learning-center/here-s-to-america-s-farmers-and-ranchers.

Lee, Marie D., and Aimee Picchi. 2025. “Almost $500 million in food is at risk of spoilage after USAID pause, report says.” CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usaid-trump-funding-pause-500-million-food-spoilage-risk/.

 Paoli, Nino, Nick Lichtenberg, Emma Burleigh, Dave Smith, and Preston Fore. 2025. “Foreign investors in agriculture say U.S. tariffs could wipe them out—and they may test America in global court.” Fortune, September 11, 2025. https://fortune.com/2025/09/11/foreign-investors-arbitration-claims-tariffs-international-investment-treaties-agriculture/.

 “Secretary Rollins Announces Reinvigorated Farm to School Grants Supporting American Farmers and Children.” 2025. USDA. https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/09/10/secretary-rollins-announces-reinvigorated-farm-school-grants-supporting-american-farmers-and.