The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association recently recognized State Rep. Mike Sanders of Kingfisher with its Legislative Appreciation Award.

The award is presented annually to Legislators who “go above and beyond working with OCA to accomplish its mission” of advancing and protecting the Oklahoma beef cattle industry.

A native of Kingfisher, Sanders has represented House District 59 since 2008, and has faced only one opponent in five subsequent re-election campaigns.

In addition to Kingfisher, Sanders’ district encompasses Blaine, Canadian, Dewey and Woodward counties.

Serving as House Majority Leader and chairman of the House Utilities Committee, Sanders also is assigned to the Agriculture and Rural Development, Appropriations and Budget, Energy and Natural Resources committees.

“Representative Sanders is a great friend of the Oklahoma cattle industry and the men and women who raise beef.

“He knows the daily struggles that cattle farmers and ranchers face and respects that we are the true stewards of the land with the primary goal to leave the resources to our children so they can continue raising great tasting and healthy beef,” OCA Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey said.

As a leader in the House, Sanders has the opportunity to be involved in many of the bills important to Oklahoma cattle men and women, Kelsey added.

“He is a champion of private property rights and fights hard to make sure the role of government on Oklahoma farms and ranchers is proper and not burdensome,” Kelsey said.

Sanders accepted the award during the 67th Annual OCA Convention and Trade Show held last week.

“Fighting for the Oklahoma cattle industry as well as the individual property rights of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers has been a priority for me since I was first elected as a state representative,” Sanders, R-Kingfisher, said.

“That makes this award from the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association so gratifying. I am truly blessed and honored by this recognition, and pledge to continue my support of their worthy mission.”

“We look forward to working with him for the rest of his term in the House and know he will always have a great respect and fondness for the hard-working men and women in the Oklahoma beef cattle industry,” Kelsey said.