Preserving Our Roots, Securing Our Future: Supporting Oklahoma’s Family Farms

By Rep. Brian Hill 

Recently, I had the honor of participating in the Agriculture and Rural Development hearing at  The Council of State Governments' Southern Legislative Conference. 

This gathering brought together leaders from across the southern United States to address one of  the most pressing challenges we face: preserving our food supply chain and supporting rural  communities. I was especially proud of the excellent work presented by our own Oklahoma  House and Senate members, who showcased the bold and innovative steps we are taking in our  great state. 

In Oklahoma, agriculture isn’t just a sector of the economy. Instead, it’s a way of life. From the  wheat fields of the west to the cattle ranches of the central plains, our family farms have been the  backbone of our communities for generations. These family-run operations don’t just feed our  state—they help feed the nation and the world. But today, they face unprecedented challenges:  rising costs, global market disruptions, labor shortages and increasing pressure from urban  development. 

In fact, recent USDA data shows that in 2024 alone, the United States has lost approximately  20,000 farms, which means we’re seeing an average of 55 farms close every single day. That’s  55 families a day stepping away from the land, often not by choice. It’s a stark reminder that  protecting our food supply chain must remain a top priority not only for Oklahoma’s future, but  for our nation’s stability. And that protection starts with the local family farm. 

As we continue to push for economic growth across all regions of Oklahoma, we cannot afford to  sideline the needs of rural communities. Agriculture must be part of that growth strategy.  Whether it’s investing in modern ag technologies, expanding rural broadband or protecting  access to capital and markets for small farmers, we must treat agricultural development as a  pillar of Oklahoma’s long-term prosperity. 

The next generation of Oklahoma farmers deserves more than just maintaining what their  families built. They deserve a fighting chance to innovate, compete and thrive in a 21st-century  economy. This means creating pathways for young people to return to the farm, incentivizing  agricultural education and entrepreneurship, and ensuring that government policies reduce  burdens rather than create new ones.

At the hearing, it was clear that Oklahoma is not alone in these efforts, but it is also clear that we  can be a national leader. By addressing both local and statewide issues with common-sense  solutions, we can protect what matters most: our land, our food and our way of life. 

Together, united across both rural and urban communities, we can move Oklahoma forward.  Together, we can unleash Oklahoma’s very best for our children, families and communities.  

Rep. Brian Hill, a Republican, represents House District 47 in the Oklahoma House of  Representatives. His district includes portions of Mustang and Oklahoma City. He serves as  chair of the House Commerce & Economic Development Oversight Committee.

7/9/2025