Payne County Farm Bureau

09/29/2026

While all of our awards are special, this one is really special. We love being able to recognize hard working, dedicated families. This family is particularly special to us and our community. Your 2026 PCFB Farm Family: Gregg & Rachel Pickens!!

Gregg was born and raised in Payne County. Being the youngest of 4 children offered lots of life experiences, happy memories and maybe got him into trouble once in a while. When he was about 8, he tried an Evil Knievel stunt and ran his head into the plow.
Rachel Pickens came to us from Delaware for college and captured our hearts. Rachel is the youngest of 5 children.
Gregg and Rachel are the parents of 5 children, Justin (Ally), Ella, Pete (Reye), Jaxon and Riva and grandparents to Lilly and Teddy. Family is very important to Gregg and Rachel as well as their friends, neighbors and community.
Gregg and Rachel are very generous and support the local 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, Booster Clubs, Civic organizations, Cottonwood Community plus many others with their time, expertise, and resources. Gregg owns and operates Pickens Auctions where you will see most weekends providing auction services. Rachel assists in the Auction business as well as operated Pickens Pristine Properties and is known as the Ok Land Lady. Jaxon and Riva are learning the ropes and work the auctions, as well. Jaxon also offers his auctioneering skills to several organizations.
Gregg, Rachel, Jaxon and Riva also farm and ranch with their cattle operation and wheat and hay. Riva keeps everyone in line. Jaxon and Riva are active in FFA with livestock, judging and auction contests and competitive events.
The family attends Sunnybrook Christian Church in Stillwater.

09/28/2026

You saw Commitment to Agriculture, now let's look at another one of our awards: Outstanding Youth Leadership.

Our 2026 award winner was Melissa Early!!

Melissa Early is the dedicated volunteer leader for the Payne County 4-H Livestock Club. She and her husband, JW, own and operate Early Farms, where they raise commercial cattle, wheat, and hay. A strong advocate for agriculture, Melissa is actively involved with Payne County Farm Bureau and the Payne County Women’s community. She and JW are the proud parents of two boys.

We love you Melissa, thank you for being YOU.

09/27/2026

09/27/2026

Each year we award some amazing individuals for just being them and how they have been a part of helping out Payne County Farm Bureau. This is one of those awards.

Justin Crosswhite is the Youth Livestock Extension Specialist for the State of Oklahoma. Justin is an assistant extension specialist within the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University. Justin earned a bachelor's degree and Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University and the University of Florida, respectively.

Justin's extension program focuses on training educators, volunteers, and youth on production livestock practices, livestock judging, and being advocates for the meat animal industries. Justin also interacts with multiple undergraduate students as an academic advisor and advisor of the Oklahoma State University Block and Bridle club.

Justin has played a big role with the youth of Payne County from hosting Big 3 Field Days, creating Cattlemen’s Choice for youth to better their judging skills through online competition, leading classes at the YF&R Payne County Palooza Livestock Clinic & volunteering with our brand new Payne County Free Fair Livestock Judging competition.

Congrats Justin Crosswhite on being our 2026 Commitment to Agriculture award winner! Thank you for all you do for our community and for us.

09/26/2026

On September 22nd at our Annual Meeting, we awarded three very special individuals scholarships! Congrats to Miss Oakley Gross, Kate Wardlaw and Rebecca Taylor. Each of these beautiful ladies received $500.

If you are a senior or even a college student, we have scholarships available to you. Keep an eye out for our scholarship apps that open each January.

09/24/2026

Thank you to everyone that came to our Annual Meeting Tuesday night! We had a great crowd, wonderful food and a great time!

Don’t forget if you want a digital Xtra Mile membership card to get with Taylor. If you prefer a physical copy she can get that for you as well!

Stay tuned for the answers to our trivia rounds! More photos will be posted, but please enjoy these few from Jackson Media Co. Don’t forget to utilize your member discount to schedule your next photo session with Austin!

09/14/2026

You should have received your invitation in the mail. Our Annual Meeting is next Tuesday, September 22nd! We are so excited to see you. There will be delicious dinner, fun trivia, awards and an all around great time! We can’t wait to see you there!

09/11/2026

Thank you to the Johnson Family with Lone Rock Longhorns for their support of our YF&R and our Bucket Calf Program! We truly have the best community!

Looking for longhorn beef for sale? Or interested in adding or acquiring to your longhorn herd? Reach out to 405-714-4498, orlonerocklonghorns.com.