OKLAHOMA CITY — As the newly appointed Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur understands supporting the needs of Oklahoma agricultural producers is a primary responsibility of the position. In order to uphold this responsibility, Secretary Arthur plans to prioritize understanding the challenges facing producers by seeing agriculture in action.

In addition to cultivating close relationships with agriculture groups and industry leaders, Sec. Arthur will embark on a series of tours and interactive public events that will allow producers to share their successes and challenges with the Secretary in the agriculture industry and in their communities.

“From a leadership prospective, I fully recognize the importance of understanding the needs of the people this department represents,” Sec. Arthur said. “As a producer, I know first-hand the benefit of seeing those operations in action.”

The Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is accepting suggestions and opportunities from the public. To submit your agriculture operation or your community for consideration, email Ashley.bender@odaff-staging.kochcomm.dev or call 405-522-5509 by April 1 for more information. To extend an invitation to the Secretary, please send details of your operation, location, estimated time for tour, at least three photos of your tour property and a brief overview of what the tour would entail.

Any tours hosting Sec. Arthur that are open to the public will be released on the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Food and Forestry’s Facebook page.