Oklahoma Farm & Ranch

07/16/2025

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of Bob Funk Sr. He left an incredible impact on Oklahoma.

It is with deep sorrow that I share the passing of my dad and longtime leader, Bob Funk Sr.

Dad was a true original in every sense of the word. A bold entrepreneur, a tireless advocate for people, and a man who embodied the spirit of the American West. With his signature cowboy hat and unshakable determination, he helped build Express into what it is today: a beacon of hope.

More than a business leader, he was a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, and clear vision. He believed in the dignity of work and the potential in every person. His passion for helping people find purpose through employment defined our mission from the very beginning and continues to inspire all we do.
Dad’s legacy lives on in the culture he helped create, in the lives he changed, and in the values he instilled in this organization. Although his passing leaves a profound void, his example of courage, generosity, and perseverance will guide us forward.

We will share details about funeral arrangements as they become available.

During this time, your thoughts and prayers are deeply appreciated. We will honor his memory by continuing his legacy by loving our families dearly, serving our clients diligently, meeting their needs enthusiastically, and caring for each other.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Bob Funk Jr.
Chief Executive Officer and President

06/26/2025

Earlier this month, Oklahomans learned that Gary England passed away at age 85. In May 2020, OKFR had the opportunity to visit with this legend. We wanted to share the article in its entirety.

𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝
Long before the Thunder rumbled into Oklahoma, there was Gary England.

Whether or not you were born and raised in the Sooner State, there is a great chance you’ve heard of the famed weatherman. His skill and accuracy at predicting severe weather seemed at times omnipotent; more like a shaman than someone simply reading and reporting data.

Gary was, and still is, a household name in the Sooner state. Even if a person was more apt to turn to a different channel than KWTV News 9, the station he worked at for 41 years as the chief meteorologist, for entertainment, when it came to bad weather everyone wanted to hear what Gary had to say. The tagline “Stay with Channel 9 – We’ll keep you advised,” was as familiar to Oklahomans as the BC Clark jingle.

He became known for an off-beat sense of humor and a personality that’s genuinely country, peppering his weather reports with exclamations of “gosh”, “good gracious”, and “great God almighty!”

While people may familiar with his on-air persona, they likely do not know how his upbringing paved the way for his passion for weather or what a jokester he was as a young man, or how long he struggled unsuccessfully to find employment.

They also might not realize the depth of responsibility he felt for his fellow Oklahomans when severe weather struck, or the grief he feels remembering the bad days. “Everyone saw me on the television for all these years. They think I’m just some scientific guy; that I don’t have a past. They don’t realize I’m a normal person,” he shared.

Read more ⬇⬇⬇
https://okfronline.com/2020/05/keeping-you-advised-gary-england/

06/25/2025

Here's a great article from our sister publication, North Texas Farm & Ranch

Generational Transfer in Ranching: Let’s Communicate

Hopefully the title hasn’t made you skim on to the next article, because this isn’t going to be a discussion about finances, legalities, or inheritance of the family enterprise. Instead, I would like to discuss the interactions we have on a day-to-day basis and how occasionally a family just needs to sit down, and have a good old “heart-to-heart” talk. Or, as some in my family would say, “A Come to Jesus Meeting!”

As a family, we reached that point not too many days ago. Whether you are a family like ours, where on both sides we are now raising the fifth generation of country kids involved with ranching, or if you are the newly minted first generation who are raising the second, this may strike some chords with you. At the very least you may say “Oh my, so we aren’t the only ones.”, and hopefully, you might finish reading and feel a little bit encouraged by having looked at some things through a different perspective.

Read more 🔽🔽🔽
https://ntfronline.com/2025/06/generational-transfer-in-ranching-lets-communicate/

06/23/2025

Every year about this time, it feels like the flies start winning. No matter how clean I keep the pens or how many fly strips I hang, they show up in clouds. Over the past few summers, I’ve tried just about everything—feed-through supplements, predator bugs, DIY traps, and plenty of fly sprays. Some things helped. Some were a waste of money. If you’re battling flies this year, here’s what’s actually worked for me—and what research says can make a real difference on the farm or ranch.

Read more ⬇⬇⬇
https://okfronline.com/2025/06/fly-control-that-works-whats-worth-your-money-this-summer/

06/16/2025

🚨 What’s Safe & What’s Not for Your Dog? 🐕🍖🍇

Growing up on a farm, our dogs were tough – they roamed, ate everything, and seemed to always get away with it. But just because they survived doesn’t mean it was safe! 🚫

Some foods we think are harmless can be dangerous for our furry friends. From chocolate 🍫 to grapes 🍇, onions 🧅 to bones 🍖—the list of toxic foods is longer than you might think! 😱

Read more about common toxic foods and what to do if your dog eats something they shouldn’t ⬇⬇⬇
https://okfronline.com/2025/05/farm-dogs-table-scraps/

06/12/2025

Riding for the Brand
According to the Code of the West a man who has integrity is one who rides for the brand. If you are unfamiliar with cowboy parlance, this phrase is used to describe being loyal to the outfit you work for. Cowboys were, “intensely loyal to the outfit they were working for and would fight to the death for it. They would follow their wagon boss through hell and never complain.” -Teddy Blue Abbot.

Riding for the brand means being loyal and when I consider what it means to be loyal, I am reminded of the words of the Lord Jesus to His disciples in Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” To me, to take up the cross and follow the Lord is the epitome of what it means to ride for the brand.

Read more ⬇⬇⬇
https://okfronline.com/2025/06/riding-for-the-brand/

06/11/2025

Top Hand!
Taylor Kelner didn’t wait until college to start building her resume. The southwest Arkansas native is set to graduate a year early from Oklahoma State University with a degree in agricultural communications, and she’s already racked up a long list of business ventures and leadership experiences. From cattle clinics to pop-up markets and a media company, Taylor has a knack for seeing an opportunity and jumping in with both boots.
And she’s just getting started.

Read more in the digital edition ⬇👇⬇
https://etypeproductionstorage1.blob.core.windows.net/$web/Production_Prod/Jobs/207/2025-05-30/463758/FlippingBook/Oklahoma-Farm-and-Ranch_463758/20/index.html

06/10/2025

The new OG&E Coliseum looks incredible!

06/10/2025

Here kitty kitty!

HISTORY MAKERS: Mountain lion kittens have been confirmed in Oklahoma for the first time! Previous research showed mountain lions to be individuals just passing through the state.

ODWC received documentation of two separate groups of mountain lion kittens using trail cam photos: an adult with three kittens in Cimarron County in January and an adult with two kittens in Osage County in February. Get the full details here: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/outdoor-news/mountain-lion-kittens-confirmed-oklahoma

05/29/2025

We're sending all the positive vibes to Oklahoma State Fair in hopes that repairs are made quickly. The new OG&E Coliseum is incredible and we are all looking forward to seeing it.

The OG&E Coliseum was nearing completion when an apparent lightning strike hit OKC Fair Park on May 25, causing significant damage to the power source that operates major mechanical and life safety systems. Original plans called for the building to be available for the Redbud Spectacular that starts today at OKC Fair Park. The incident was contained to the OG&E Coliseum and has not affected any other buildings.

Vital aspects of the infrastructure necessary for the building’s functionality have been impacted. The contractor is currently working through all aspects of the systems, assessing the extensive damage, and has ordered the necessary replacement parts. When the parts arrive in Oklahoma City, they will be installed and tested, so inspections can commence with the goal of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy. Once the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the building will be available for use.

As you can imagine, this is a very lengthy process, subsequently the OG&E Coliseum will not be available for the duration of the Redbud Spectacular.

05/27/2025

🩺🐴 When your horse is hurt, every second counts—and the last thing you want to do is scramble for supplies.

That’s why it’s a smart move to designate a well-stocked, easy-to-find first aid kit just for your horses. Whether it’s a thermometer, sterile wraps, or wound ointment, having everything in one place can make all the difference when time is tight.

👉 Do you have a dedicated equine first aid kit? What’s one item you never leave out?

Read more ⬇⬇⬇
http://okfronline.com/2021/11/build-a-basic-equine-first-aid-kit/