The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee’s Farm and Ranch Family Recognition program highlights outstanding agricultural families in our state who uphold our proud farm, ranch and rural traditions.
We can’t explain well enough how excited and proud we were that our founder, Carolyn Piguet and her family, were recently named the OFB District 6 Farm Family of the Year! We talked with Carolyn about the honor and about her application that she had to complete to tell the organization about what she and her family do to elevate the cattle and agriculture industries.
“This gives me a lot of exposure, which is great,” Carolyn said, adding that the family received a $500 prize, a sign, and recognition at the state banquet. “It’s always nice to be highlighted. It’s a form of showing agriculture in a different light.”
Carolyn said she got to see firsthand how much Oklahoma Farm Bureau does.
“A lot of people think it’s just insurance,” she said. “It’s also about advocating for agriculture and that fits me really good.”
Carolyn is actively involved in all aspects of livestock management. She also oversees pasture and haying components. She is retired after 40 years as a public school teacher. She manages Piguet’s Prime Time Restaurant and Catering.
“With the addition of the restaurant and catering, it has allowed for much improved marketing of the beef raised. The steers that I raise are fed out and used in the restaurant. We hand-cut our steaks fresh, and that also allows us to cut down on processing costs. The use of our steaks in the restaurant has landed us the opportunity to market our beef more easily,” Carolyn said.
Carolyn’s kids are also involved with the business. Daughter, Kelli Fix, runs cattle, both stockers and mama cows. She is employed in the pharmaceutical industry. Son, Casey Piguet, provides extensive help with the cow herd and horses, and has a cow-calf operation and raises ranch horses.
Carolyn is currently a co-leader for the local Prime 4-H Club, providing agricultural opportunities for 40 4-H members and families. Carolyn also serves on various committees in the Vinita community and around Grand Lake. She also hosts many groups at the restaurant that support agriculture leadership and commerce, as well as health and wellness. She also serves as a board member for Craig County Farm Bureau.