Detrick Recognized for Meritorious Service to AFR/OFU

03/22/2022
Press Releases
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NORMAN—Terry Detrick, Lahoma, received the Oklahoma Farmers Union Meritorious Service Award at the 117th Annual American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) State Convention. The award was presented by AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh at the convention banquet Feb. 13.

“I’m extremely honored to receive this award. It’s also extremely humbling to me because you are the ones that made this possible,” said Detrick, addressing AFR members and agents during the award presentation. “…Here is to each and every one of you. You made this possible. None of the things we have been involved in would have happened had it not been for you. I am deeply indebted. I’m humbled.”

The Oklahoma Farmers Union Meritorious Service Award—the organization’s equivalent of its hall of fame—is rarely awarded. Detrick is only the 14th recipient in the organization’s history. The award is only given when an individual has merited such an honor and the organization feels it is deserved.

“The 14th OFU Meritorious Service Award recipient is a very familiar face to all of us,” said Blubaugh during the award presentation. “This gentleman has dedicated much of his life to up-holding the policies and principles of Oklahoma Farmers Union and American Farmers & Ranchers over a 40-year time frame.”

The OFU Meritorious Service Award shines a spotlight on individuals who give selflessly to the organization, who tirelessly advocate for AFR, family farms and Oklahoma agriculture, and who set a positive example for other AFR members to follow. Award recipients must exhibit these qualities over a long history with the organization, showing commitment, loyalty and consistency.

“Terry Detrick has dedicated countless hours to the betterment of our organization,” said Blubaugh. “He has contributed at every level—from managing local activities in his home county to leading the entire organization at the state level. His time at the helm is a legacy that will be looked to for many years to come and we are grateful for his significant service to not only AFR/OFU, but all family farms across Oklahoma.”

Detrick is a lifelong, second-generation AFR/OFU member. His involvement with the organization dates back to when he was a child watching his father sell OFU insurance at the kitchen table. He was first elected to the OFU Board of Directors in 1986 and served as vice president from 1988 to 1992. He returned in 1998 as OFU Vice President and Director of Farm Programs. He was elected AFR/OFU President in 2009, serving until his retirement in early 2019. Today, Detrick is a third-generation family farmer and continues to operate the Detrick Insurance Agency in Lahoma.

In addition to his service to AFR/OFU, Detrick has served as president of the Oklahoma Association of Wheat Growers and the National Association of Wheat Growers. He has also chaired the Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program, represented Oklahoma beef producers on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and held many other positions dedicated to the advancement of agriculture.

A strong supporter of Oklahoma youth, Detrick is the recipient of the Honorary American FFA Degree and the Oklahoma FFA VIP of the Year Award. He also has received the Agriculture Advocate Champion award from the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

As an OFU Meritorious Service Award recipient, Detrick’s portrait will hang at the organization headquarters with other Meritorious Service Award recipients in the AFR/OFU Hall of Honor.