50+ Summer Break Camps May 26 – Aug. 7
THE ARTHUR FAMILY ENJOYS OUTDOOR TIME TOGETHER.
about their operations, better understand challenges and consider new opportunities. Those personal conversations are one of her favorite parts of the job. “Whether it’s weather that people are dealing with or animal health, that’s what I see at home every day, too,” said Arthur. “I think a lot of people have the idea that we sit in an office in Oklahoma City and make rules and regulations, but I understand how challenging being in production agriculture can be. When we make decisions at the agency or state, that gives me perspective.” Arthur’s greatest vision is to create new income opportunities for agriculture producers and rural Oklahomans. New markets could help level out extreme ups and downs for farmers and ranchers, who suffer challenges like population decline, weather, trade issues and commodity prices. But change never comes as quickly as those hoping to create it would like. “State government is a big boat that is hard to turn,” said Arthur. “There are reasons we
have a lot of checks and balances in state government, but you see this end goal you want to get to and the hurdles are a little more difficult to navigate than you hoped they would be.” Arthur remains hopeful in the momentum behind positioning Oklahoma as a top 10 state in agriculture, and she’s grateful to have a front row seat. “As a young 4-H member in Grady County, I never thought I could be secretary of agriculture,” said Arthur. “I have had a lot of people give me some great opportunities that led me to the position I am in now, providing building blocks that, at the time, I probably didn’t understand the importance of fully.” From learning leadership development, public speaking and team building skills in 4-H and FFA to networking opportunities gained at Oklahoma State University and an earlier job at the Department of Agriculture where she explored the political side of agriculture and agribusiness, Arthur is quick to remember all those who have afforded
Member registration opens 10 a.m. March 23
General registration opens 10 a.m. March 30 See camp descriptions and register at okcontemp.org/camps.
OklahomaContemporary.org 405.951.0000 | @okcontemporary NW 11th and Broadway, OKC
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