Katie Richards

The Oklahoma Panhandle has always been home to Senior Katie Richards and her family, who have been involved with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau for over 30 years. Katie serves as the Texas County Board President and District 1 Representative on the Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee, ranging from the Panhandle to Woodward. “Agriculture is a very important industry in Oklahoma, especially in the Panhandle,” stated Katie. “By combining the voices and efforts of agriculturists across all 77 counties, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau gives members a platform to be heard by lawmakers who are often removed from the issues facing agriculture.”

Katie recently attended the 2024 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Leadership Conference that kicked off the legislative session in Oklahoma City. While there, members heard an update from The Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur. As well as programs on how to successfully talk to legislators at the capitol.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for agriculture around the state and at the State Capitol to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity, and social advancement and, thereby, to promote national well-being. The YF&R and Collegiate Farm Bureau programs engage young agriculturists and give them a voice in the organization.

“Katie Richards is a prime example of the leadership and dedication that defines our university. She lives the values we hold and sets the bar high for her fellow students,” remarked University President Dr. Julie Dinger. “We see those values across our state’s agricultural community, especially from Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. I’m thankful for her positive influence in Oklahoma agriculture and especially for serving as a role model for our students.”

Growing up in the small town of Adams, Oklahoma, Katie knew from an early age that agriculture would always be a part of her. This stands true as she will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business with a minor in Animal Science. Katie is also a member of the Crops Judging Team at OPSU. After graduation, she plans to assist with her family farm and ranch operations and start a cow/calf operation later this year. Her journey is not just about personal achievement but also about carrying forward a legacy of farming and ranching that has been ingrained in her family for generations, specifically through their work with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.

For Katie, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau is more than just an organization; it’s a lifeline connecting her to the heartbeat of rural communities and the corridors of power in the state capitol. With her father serving on the Texas County Board and her mother chairing the Women’s Leadership Committee, Katie’s commitment to agricultural advocacy runs in her blood. Her involvement in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee amplifies her voice and empowers a new generation of agriculturists to make their mark on the industry.

Thad Doye, Executive Director for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, stated, “Katie is a great volunteer for Oklahoma Farm Bureau and agriculture.  Katie is always ready to tell her agriculture story not only at Farm Bureau events but also at the Capitol. The Richards family does a great job for the industry.”

Department Head of Animal Science, Dr. Crystal Tolle, commented, “Katie is an exceptional student with roots in the Panhandle and a strong family background in agriculture that will cultivate not just crops/livestock, but a profound understanding and passion for the agricultural industry, a reverence for hard work, and the seeds of success deeply embedded in her soul.  I am very proud of Katie, and I know she will succeed in her future endeavors.”

At the core of Katie’s journey lies a deep-seated belief in the power of education and community. Choosing OPSU wasn’t just about academics for her; it was about finding a home that mirrored her values. “OPSU fulfilled that with the small class sizes and instructors who take an interest in every individual student,” she stated. As she prepares to graduate and embark on the next chapter, her story inspires the next generation of agriculturalists.