From: Ron Hays [ron@oklahomafarmreport.ccsend.com] on behalf of Ron Hays [ron@oklahomafarmreport.com]
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 7:33 AM
To: Hays, Ron
Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
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Oklahoma's latest farm and ranch news
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON for Monday April 12, 2010
A service of Producers Cooperative Oil Mill, Midwest Farm Shows and KIS Futures!
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-- Supply Seems to Have the Upper Hand in Beef Cattle Markets
-- International Sorghum Food Use Team Visiting This Week
-- Class 14 of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Graduates
-- Another Stewardship Week Sponsor for 2010 is the Oklahoma Cotton Council
-- Bugs, Disease and Weeds are Focused on in Latest OSU Plant and Soil Science Newsletter
-- Made in Oklahoma Coalition and Regional Food Bank to host "Eat Up" to fight childhood hunger
-- Also this week- the Southern Plains Farm Show
-- Let's Check the Markets!

Howdy Neighbors!

Here's your morning farm news headlines from the Director of Farm Programming for the Radio Oklahoma Network, Ron Hays. We are proud to have KIS Futures as a regular sponsor of our daily email update. KIS Futures provides Oklahoma Farmers & Ranchers with futures & options hedging services in the livestock and grain markets- Click here for the free market quote page they provide us for our website or call them at 1-800-256-2555.

We are also excited to have as one of our sponsors for the daily email Producers Cooperative Oil Mill, with 64 years of progress through producer ownership. Call Brandon Winters at 405-232-7555 for more information on the oilseed crops they handle, including sunflowers and canola- and remember they post closing market prices for canola and sunflowers on the PCOM website- go there by clicking here.

And we salute our longest running email sponsor- Midwest Farm Shows, producer of the springtime Southern Plains Farm Show, as well as the Tulsa Farm Show. Click here for more information on the Southern Plains Farm Show, coming up later this week on April 15,16 and 17, 2010.

If you have received this by someone forwarding it to you, you are welcome to subscribe and get this weekday update sent to you directly by clicking here.


Supply Seems to Have the Upper Hand in Beef Cattle Markets
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The magic of seeing dollar slaughter cattle returned this last week for the first time since July 2008 to the feedlot industry- and it appears that tight supply considerations are finally being acknowledged in the markets this spring. Substantial numbers were moved at the higher prices seen this past week in the TCFA territory of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, as well as in the Kansas and Nebraska areas as well.
It's interesting to note that both the Packers and Feedlots are making money in this advance, with the latest average packer profit margin released by Hedgersedge, Com reported as $38 per head, while reports of closeouts by the feedlots shown profits on many pens of cattle well above $100 per head.

OSU's Dr. Derrell Peel offers some thoughts on the run higher in the regular Cow Calf Corner that he and Dr. Glen Selk work on together. Dr. Peel's comments follow:

"The recent run in cattle and beef markets is exciting and a pleasant surprise to many. Six weeks ago, I don't think anyone anticipated that markets would strengthen this much or this fast. Since late 2008, we have recognized that weak demand, both domestic and international, was the principal limiting factor in cattle and beef markets. Throughout this period we have recognized that the supply fundamentals were supportive if not very evident. Cattle numbers in the U.S. and on the North American continent have continued to shrink and feeder supplies are tight and will remain tight for the next several years. It is easy to overlook the positive influence of supplies when poor demand is driving the market.

"However, a couple of things have changed this spring. First, winter weather has further tightened beef supplies with lighter carcass weights. More importantly, it is clear that demand is not dragging down the market like it was this time last year. It appears that demand is improving, although it takes time for that to be confirmed with data. Admittedly, we can't say for sure how much or how quickly demand is improving but the recent market run leaves little doubt that demand, if it is not improving, is at least not pulling markets down compared to a year ago. With demand neutral, if not increasing, the positive impacts of supplies are quickly evident in stronger markets.

"When supply and demand are on the same page, things can turn around quickly and that is exactly what we are seeing. Going forward there are still some questions. Just how much and how fast is domestic beef demand recovering? We have to wait and see. Will international trade continue to recover and provide support as it has in recent months? Although demand is uncertain, the supply fundamentals reduce the downside risk from this point on. We are in a dynamic market with changing price levels and price relationships and margins will continue to be volatile for all industry sectors. Risk management will be important but it is easier when more of the uncertainty is to the upside."


International Sorghum Food Use Team Visiting This Week
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Hoping to create new markets for sorghum, the Sorghum Checkoff in conjunction with the U.S. Grains Council, is sponsoring an international sorghum food use team visiting the U.S. now through the 17th of April. The participants are industry flour users from Europe and Taiwan with an interest in gaining a better understanding of the use of sorghum flour in their manufactured products. "This program is exciting because those on the outside will be able to see sorghum as a viable food product," said sorghum producer and checkoff board member Earl Roemer. "They will see both health implications and food benefits."

This morning, the program will begin with presentations on sorghum use in food and information on sorghum baking. The presentations will outline new uses for sorghum and provide attendees with a greater understanding of the potential health benefits of including sorghum in food production. "The workshop is intended to show prospective overseas customers that sorghum can be used for more than livestock feed," said Jay O'Neil, International Grain Program (IGP.) "Foreign markets may not be aware of sorghum or may not be considering it for food use."

Tuesday, the team will see a variety of hands-on demonstrations of baking with sorghum. They will have the opportunity to learn from quality demonstrations of flour, bread, teas and noodles made using sorghum, and all attendees will enjoy sorghum waffles. "Visitors will see how we are manufacturing sorghum flour and using it in our food products, and hopefully they will go home and see how they can utilize sorghum in similar manners," O'Neil said. The team of five is made up of visitors from The Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Taiwan. The remainder of the week will consist of additional presentations and visits to various sorghum mills where the team will receive additional information about the benefits of sorghum in food use.

The Sorghum Checkoff program is starting to get in place a variety of programs- click here for their website to learn more.


Class 14 of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program Graduates
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Class XIV of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program has formally ended their 20 months of training in leadership development, as graduation ceremonies were held on Saturday in Stillwater.

Members of Class XIV include:
Dana Bessinger, Watonga
Lisa Blubaugh, Ponca City
Rose Bonjour, Stillwater
John Cothren, Shawnee
Carol Cowan, Watonga
Wesley Crain, Woodward
Jared Cullision, Glencoe
Allen Entz, Hydro
Mechelle Hampton, Tulsa
Burton Harmon, Perry
Gary Kafer, Duncan
John Leonard. El Reno
Ryan Luter, Morrison

Michael Marlow, Enid
David McMullen, Minco
Scott Neufeld, Fairview
Annette Riherd, Oolagah
Jackie Roberts, Stillwater
Charles Rohla, Roff
Chad Selman, Collinsville
Scott Sproul, Isabella
Daniel Skipper, Duncan
Mary Stechein, Ponca City
Kent Switzer, Thomas
Tim Taylor, Stillwater
Brent Thompson, Pauls Valley
Brandon Winters, Edmond

Applications for Class 15 are now available- click on the link below to learn more about the Ag Leadership Program and get a copy of the application form- pass it along to someone who needs to get involved in this program or consider being a part of the program yourself.

Click here for more about the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program


Another Stewardship Week Sponsor for 2010 is the Oklahoma Cotton Council
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Oklahoma Stewardship Week, April 25-May 2, 2010, is being sponsored by the Oklahoma Cotton Council and the Oklahoma Assn. of Conservation Districts. Announced jointly by Harvey Schroeder, Executive Director of the OCC, and Clay Pope, Executive Director, OACD, Stewardship Week is a time when the continuing commitment by these organizations to help farmers, ranchers and landowners protect and conserve Oklahoma's natural resources is recognized.

"The Oklahoma Cotton Council is excited to be able to partner with the OACD in emphasizing Stewardship Week in Oklahoma," Schroeder said "The Native American proverb points us in the right direction when it states 'We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.' The responsibility for stewardship rests squarely on our shoulders."

"Stewardship Week is a time when we recognize the hard work agriculture producers and other landowners do to conserve our soil, water, wildlife habitat and other resources," said Trey Lam, OACD president. "It is important we inform the public about what is being done to protect the environment as part of our ranching and farming operations. It is also important to educate our fellow ag producers and other citizens about the importance of the stewardship ethic and the need to care for our environment. We are glad to have the Oklahoma Cotton Council working with us in this effort."


Bugs, Disease and Weeds are Focused on in Latest OSU Plant and Soil Science Newsletter
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The latest issue of the Plant and Soil Sciences Extension Newsletter is now available in the PDF file format on our website, www.OklahomaFarmReport.Com.

There are articles of interest for folks that have bermuda grass pasture, winter wheat and canola and more. A feature story in this issue is on Making informed planting decisions based on seed cost.
With seed costs continuing to rise, producers need to carefully think about seeding rate, and variety selection. Dr. Chad Godsey discusses seeding rate and also a new spreadsheet to compare seeding cost of different varieties/hybrids and plant populations.

Click on the link below to check it out this story and more from this latest PASS newsletter..

Click here for the April 12 Edition of the PASS Newsletter from OSU.


Made in Oklahoma Coalition and Regional Food Bank to host "Eat Up" to fight childhood hunger
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The Made in Oklahoma (MIO) Coalition and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will host an "Eat Up" event from 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 13 at the Regional Food Bank's Volunteer Center. The event will provide an opportunity for Oklahomans to meet and "Eat Up" food prepared by Good Egg Dining Group, a member of the MIO Coalition. Oklahoma's own Miss America 2007 Lauren Nelson Faram and Project Runway's Johnathan Kayne will greet guests for autographs and photos. Sen. Andrew Rice will also be in attendance to help celebrate this local initiative.

April is Made in Oklahoma month, and the MIO Coalition has set a goal to sell 1 million paper towel rolls by the end of the month. A portion of the sale of MIO paper towels supports the Regional Food Bank's Food 4 Kids program, which provides nearly 8,000 chronically hungry elementary school children with a backpack filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food on weekends and holidays throughout the school year.

The MIO Coalition promotes brand awareness and consumer loyalty for Oklahoma food products through collective marketing for the purpose of increasing sales, maintaining business retention and expanding Oklahoma's food processing sector. The MIO Coalition represents more than 30 Oklahoma food manufacturers that employ 20,000 Oklahomans statewide. The coalition is supported by both private and public funds.

Click here to learn more about the Made in Oklahoma Coalition


Also this week- the Southern Plains Farm Show
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The 2010 Southern Plains Farm Show kicks off Thursday morning at the State Fair Park in Oklahoma City and continues through Saturday afternoon. Show hours for the 2010 event are 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday and Friday- with the Saturday hours set for 9 Am to 4 PM.

The Radio Oklahoma Network invites you to stop by our booth in the Cox Building(the old Bubble Building) and say hello when you come to this year's event. Please sign up for your chance to win the Prefiert Round Pen that will be used during the show by Horse Trainer Scott Daily as he focuses on horses that have bad habits and/or attitudes that were nominated by our readers and listeners.

We give away the Round Pen on Saturday afternoon after Scott's last show at 2 PM- you don't have to be present to win- but you will have to get to the Fairgrounds and get your prize picked up that afternoon/evening. Click on the link below for more about some of the other events that will be a part of the 2010 Southern Plains Farm Show.

Click here for more of the day to day events available at this year's Southern Plains Farm Show


Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, PCOM, P & K Equipment/ P & K Wind Energy, Johnston Enterprises, AFR and KIS Futures for their support of our daily Farm News Update. For your convenience, we have our sponsors' websites linked here- just click on their name to jump to their website- check their sites out and let these folks know you appreciate the support of this daily email, as their sponsorship helps us keep this arriving in your inbox on a regular basis!

We also invite you to check out our website at the link below to check out an archive of these daily emails, audio reports and top farm news story links from around the globe.

Click here to check out WWW.OklahomaFarmReport.Com


Let's Check the Markets!
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We've had requests to include Canola prices for your convenience here- and we will be doing so on a regular basis. Current cash price for Canola is $7.50 per bushel, while the 2010 New Crop contracts for Canola are now available are $7.75 per bushel- delivered to local participating elevators that are working with PCOM.

Here are some links we will leave in place on an ongoing basis- Click on the name of the report to go to that link:
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Network with Ed Richards and Tom Leffler- analyzing the Futures Markets from the previous Day-
Ron on RON Markets as heard on K101 mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
Previous Day's Wheat Market Recap- Two Pager From The Kansas City Board of Trade looks at all three US Wheat Futures Exchanges with extra info on Hard Red Winter Wheat and the why of that day's market.
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- As Reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture. <
The National Daily Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
Finally, Here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.



God Bless! You can reach us at the following:
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phone: 405-473-6144
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