Sen. Bergstom focuses on agricultural issues at Capitol and in district

State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has been taking a deep dive into the agricultural industry and important issues facing farmers and ranchers in the state. 

On Sept. 21, Bergstrom participated in an interim study examining the rules and regulations facing the beef processing industry, as well as the hurdles many small packers and processors face while trying to expand their operations or build new facilities. 

“When COVID-19 hit the state, many grocery stores were wiped clean of meat products due to national packing plants being closed with virus outbreaks,” Bergstrom said. “We need to invest in our locally-owned packing plants across the state that produce local products to better supply local stores and employ Oklahomans.”

The study revealed a lack of state inspectors and workforce is the greatest factor prohibiting these packing and processing facilities from growing. 

Bergstrom also welcomed Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur to Senate District 1 on Sept. 23. Bergstrom joined Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) President Kyle Stafford in attending classes where Secretary Arthur was speaking during her tour of NEO in Miami, which is home to a robust agriculture program. Arthur discussed issues related to agriculture in general and responded to questions raised by students. She also sat on a panel with area agriculture experts. 

The duo also visited Trece, an industry leading pest control manufacturer headquartered in Adair.

“It was an honor to welcome Secretary Arthur to the district to visit with some of Northeastern Oklahoma’s agricultural leaders,” Bergstrom said. “Our area is home to some of our state’s great agricultural operations and leaders, and I will continue to work for common sense solutions that will grow the industry in our state.”

For more information, contact:

Sen. Micheal Bergstrom at 405-521-5561, or email Micheal.Bergstrom@oksenate.gov. 

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