07/29/2026
Creek County Conservation District Marks the 80th Annual Ag Tour.
Recently on May 8, 2026, the Creek County Conservation District (CCCD) celebrated it 80th annual Ag Tour with a new expo format and held at a new location at the Creek County Fairground on historic Routh 66 in Kellyville, Oklahoma.
The Creek County Conservation District is a political subdivision of the State of Oklahoma, established in 1938 under the authorities, powers, and structure outlined in O.S. Title 27A. The district has a longstanding record of positive contributions within Creek County. Its mission is to assist landowners in achieving effective conservation outcomes for invested resources. As conservation methods evolve, the district consistently adopts new technologies to deliver optimal conservation results for its cooperators.
Our Mission Statement: To serve the people today with honesty and integrity, with the newest conservation ideas, programs, and services, and to build a more sustainable foundation to build a better tomorrow.
Our Vision Statement: To recognize the needs of our county and provide leadership, resources and administer programs to help landowners to conserve, improve and sustain our natural resources and environment for future generations.
Watersheds: The Creek County Conservation District inspects, operates, and maintains a total of 56 watersheds sites. These sites consist of Little Deep Fork (LDF) having 51 sites and Salt Camp Creek (SCC) having a total of 5 sites.
The district, along with watershed aides and technicians perform the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) and annual inspections on all 56 structures in Creek County and work to maintain a cooperative relationship with the landowners at every site. This ensures that the sites are mowed, trimmed and that cattle trails and beaver dams are repaired when needed.
Ag Tour History: The Creek County Ag Tour was initiated in 1943 during World War II. At that time, the Creek County Conservation District aimed to highlight how individual farmers addressed the challenges posed by war and depression. Presently, the tour retains a similar purpose but has expanded to encompass advanced education, scientific developments, and technological innovations employed in modern farming and ranching practices.
This year’s Ag Tour was held at the Creek County Fairgrounds in Kellyville to celebrate the 80th anniversary by bringing all program demonstrations and presentations together in one location. New equipment was also on display, giving attendees opportunities to network and take part in the demonstrations.
Current Chairman Excell La Fayette, Jr. said that, given current fuel prices, the district wanted a “one-stop-shop” event to help attendees save on travel costs and use the time they would have spent driving between stops to network and connect with presenters, sponsors, and exhibitors.
Demonstrations included Langston University’s goat and honeybee program, NRCS pecan grafting, OSU Extension’s Open House, GoBob’s Ranch equipment demonstrations and Varner’s Drone Spraying equipment.
This year’s key sponsors were Langston University’s Sherman Lewis School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Oklahoma State University–Creek County Extension; GoBob Americas Ranch and Equipment Center; and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Additional participants included the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation Department, Central Tech, Nofence (Virtual Fencing), Maverick Machinery, and Varner’s Drone Spraying.
This year’s Ag Tour drew more than 60 attendees, including former CCCD board members and past officers.
Special recognition was given to former board chairmen Robert Webb (and family), Curtis Haskins, Jim Manning, Donald Stephens, and Dwight Luther, as well as past board members Savoy Alexander and Ashley Powell.
Past district managers were also recognized for their years of service and commitment to the community: Teresa Boswell, Nancy Peavler, Daneille Tavanello, and Katherine Mitchell-Chandler.
Finally, the district recognized Ms. Hellen Marie Varner for her years of support and for providing a gathering and launch point for Ag Tour participants at Mid-America Stockyards in Bristow.
Langston University recognized and honored Sherman Lewis, a former NRCS Creek County team lead who advanced through government ranks to a senior role with the USDA in Washington, D.C.
Recognition was also given to C.D. Ashley for his early work in pecan tree grafting, along with Leo Howard, Calvin Crenshaw, David Barnett, and many others who helped lay the foundation that enabled CCCD to reach its 80th anniversary.
Creek County Conservation District Board Members:
Excell La Fayette Jr. — Chairman
Carmen Bruner Still — Vice Chairperson
Joey Varner — Secretary/Treasurer
Member Ted Alexander and Former Chairman Donnie Stephens and Associate Member: David Barnett.
District Staff: Erica Clayton, District Manager; Jerry Nunmaker, Field Tech.
NRCS Officers: Nick Jones, Area Team Lead (Team 12); Demetris Anderson, NRCS/CCCD Office Team Lead.
