OKLAHOMA CITY – Phillip “Pete” McDaniel of Apache received the Oklahoma Farmers Union Meritorious Service Award at the 115th Annual American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) State Convention.
McDaniel was surprised by the award, which was held in secret until the moment it was announced.
“I was at a loss for words; I was so stunned and shocked,” said McDaniel, whose extended family also surprised him at the event. McDaniel did not know they were in attendance until the award was presented.
“I’m truly grateful,” he said. “It’s been the highlight of my life.”
Also during its 115th annual convention, held at Norman, AFR/OFU set legislative policy for the upcoming year.
The Oklahoma Farmers Union Meritorious Service Award – the organization’s equivalent of its hall of fame – is rarely awarded. McDaniel is just the 13th recipient in the organization’s history. The award is given only when an individual has merited such an honor and the organization as a whole feels it is deserved.
The OFU Meritorious Service Award shines a spotlight on individuals who give selflessly to the organization, who tirelessly advocate for AFR/OFU, family farms and Oklahoma agriculture, and who set a positive example for other AFR/OFU members to follow. Award recipients must exhibit these qualities over a long history with the organization, showing commitment, loyalty and consistency.
“Pete McDaniel is what the Meritorious Service Award is all about,” said AFR/OFU Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “He’s a passionate advocate for agriculture and the family farm. He’s served our organization faithfully for decades. He is a selfless, honest and exceptional man and an example for us all.”
McDaniel is a long-time OFU member with family ties back to his grandparents’ OFU involvement. His parents were royalty owners in the Farmers Union Royalty Cooperative beginning in 1940. In 1999, McDaniel began his tenure with AFR/OFU as the organization’s Area 8 field representative. He continues to work as a field representative for AFR/OFU, primarily working the southwest district and large statewide events.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all over the state; my family has grown from just a few to thousands over the years,” he said. “This organization has some of the best people in the world.”
Over the years, McDaniel has lobbied in Washington, D.C., on National Farmers Union legislative fly-ins, attended NFU Conventions as a delegate, and helped with countless state conventions. He also has been a steady presence and mentor for other AFR/OFU members-young farmers, businessmen and even legislators who may need advice or direction.
McDaniel began his farming career in 1959. He has farmed continuously since then, including during his tenure with AFR/OFU. His 150- head cow/calf, wheat/hay operation consists of just under 1,000 acres of owned land, including the homesteads of his father and grandfather. He also has worked for his local farmers’ cooperative, including eight years as assistant manager and three years as manager.
AFR/OFU is structured with state, county, and local organizations. In addition to his work at the state level, McDaniel has served the Cad- do County AFR/OFU organization for more than 30 years, with more than a quarter-century as secretary and treasurer. He also serves as his local AFR/OFU organization’s vice president.
As an OFU Meritorious Service Award recipient, McDaniel received a large oak plaque commemorating the honor. His portrait will hang at the organization headquarters with other Meritorious Service Award recipients in the AFR/OFU Hall of Honor. McDaniel’s family also surprised him with a custom-made felt hat.
AFR/OFU policy topics this year ranged from production agriculture and rural Oklahoma to subjects addressing urban areas and the U.S. as a whole. Key issues included mandatory electronic identification of livestock and antitrust issues in the beef industry, as well as consumer-related issue like truth-in-labeling for food products. Additional significant directives included international trade issues and farm stress management.
Policy committee members included Adam Brockriede of Frederick, Lee Horton of Lone Wolf, and Mike Weaver of Fort Cobb.
AFR/OFU Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR/OFU provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities.