OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur recently appointed Tom Cannon to a five-year term on the Oklahoma Wheat Commission board. Cannon, a wheat producer from Blackwell, will represent District V, which includes all counties east of the western boundary lines of Kay, Noble, Logan, Oklahoma, Cleveland, Grady, Stephens and Jefferson counties. Cannon will fill the position held previously by Don Schieber, Ponca City.
“We are excited that Tom Cannon has been appointed to the OWC board,” said Mike Schulte, OWC executive director. “His firsthand knowledge and experience with wheat production, along with his leadership in environmental stewardship through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and his support for better management practices in rural water conservation programs are all valuable qualities that make him well-suited for this position. We look forward to leveraging his leadership in these areas to help drive greater success in research and marketing efforts — both domestically and internationally — through the OWC and U.S. Wheat Associates board of directors.”
Cannon’s responsibilities as an OWC director will include working with other members to develop and oversee the implementation of policy and programs, approve budget expenditures, direct the funding of research, market development and public education, represent district producer interests and promote Oklahoma wheat.
Tom and his wife, Laurie, with their children — Jacob, and his fiancé, Caitlyn Watson; Raegan Holeman and husband, Bryson; Rachel and RaeLynn — currently farm the Goodson Ranch, a multigenerational family operation that focuses on wheat, corn, soybean, sorghum and cotton production. The family also concentrates heavily on livestock integration with cattle and cover-cropping systems. Tom has held and continues to serve in several board positions in organizations such as the Kay County Cattlemen’s and Indigo Agriculture. He has delivered keynote addresses and hosted several events focused on land stewardship and regenerative soil health. He also serves as board member and deacon of the First Christian Church in Blackwell, and volunteers his time as a ministry lead for Celebrate Recovery.
He will continue his service with current commission members: Raymond Parrish, Hunter; Jerry Wiebe, Hooker; Michael Peters, Okarche; and David Gammill, Chattanooga. OWC promotes greater use of wheat in both domestic and international markets through research, market development and public education.
PHOTO:
Wheat producer Tom Cannon, Blackwell, has been appointed to a five-year term on the Oklahoma Wheat Commission board of directors.
