We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network weekdays- if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it- click here for this morning's Farm news from Ron Hays on RON.
Let's Check the Markets!
Today's First Look:
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futures - click or tap here for the report posted yesterday afternoon around 3:30 PM.
Okla Cash Grain:
Futures Wrap:
Feeder Cattle Recap:
Slaughter Cattle Recap:
TCFA Feedlot Recap:
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor
Carson Horn, Associate Farm Director and Editor Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager Dave Lanning, Markets and Production Macey Mueller, E-mail and Web Writer
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Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News
Presented by 
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
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Howdy Neighbors!
Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
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 Featured Story:Wheat Prices Hit Decade Lows as Wheat Group Calls For a Farm Bill That Works
We saw Kansas City December HRW wheat futures drop another 14 cents a bushel in the Monday trade- with cash wheat prices across Oklahoma reported from $2.32 to $2.87 a bushel- we are barely higher from that close in the overnight trade- and these prices are well below the cost of production- and may have a significant impact on planting decisions in the weeks ahead- and on the management of the acres planted by farmers this fall.
With that in mind- the National Association of Wheat Growers have stated in a news release on Monday that "these depressed prices are contributing to a general downward spiral of the farm economy, exacerbated by the threat of cut to certain programs in the Farm Bill, such as crop insurance and Title 1 programs, which protect farmers in times like this. With stagnant markets, many producers aren't able to cover their cost of production."Rural communities and farmers' livelihood are both in danger if this downward trend continues, which makes it ever more important that a functional and successful Farm Bill is developed and implemented in 2018. To achieve this goal, NAWG has developed and launched a Farm Bill Survey, intended to gather feedback from growers about what policies are most important to them. With the threat of continued low prices, it is increasingly important that growers' priorities are heard and listened to as NAWG works towards an effective Farm Bill which will improve farm safety net programs, as well as maintain the already successful programs."As a grassroots, membership-based organization, NAWG relies on input from wheat growers to proactively address wheat growers' needs and translate these needs into a Farm Bill which will protect growers. The Farm Bill Survey asks farmers to describe their experiences with their crop insurance coverage, Title 1 programs like ARC and PLC, and Title 2 conservation programs. The planning and implementation of a functional 2018 Farm Bill depends on the active and insightful input from wheat growers, to clarify the successes and miss-steps from previous Farm Bills, improve programs that are not as effective as they could be, and maintain and improve the programs that benefit wheat growers."NAWG encourages wheat growers to complete the NAWG Farm Bill Survey and contribute their voices to the planning of a successful Farm Bill."
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Sponsor Spotlight
The presenting sponsor of our daily email is the Oklahoma Farm Bureau - a grassroots organization that has for its Mission Statement- Improving the Lives of Rural Oklahomans." Farm Bureau, as the state's largest general farm organization, is active at the State Capitol fighting for the best interests of its members and working with other groups to make certain that the interests of rural Oklahoma are protected. Click here for their website to learn more about the organization and how it can benefit you to be a part of Farm Bureau.
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Know Your Rights - How Oklahoma Protects Farmers From Nuisance Lawsuits
One of the first cases students of Ag Law programs read about, says Oklahoma State University Associate Professor Dr. Shannon Ferrell, is about a feedlot in Arizona that purposely established itself in a location far from urban development. Nonetheless, urbanization spread to the feedlot and lawsuits were soon filed against it with complaints about certain practices that bothered the new neighbors. Dr. Ferrell shared this case study with me over the weekend during a discussion about the Oklahoma statute that protects the right to farm.
This statute, not to be confused with upcoming State Question 777 which is the proposed constitutional amendment, is an existing law in the state that protects farms and ranches from what Dr. Ferrell refers to as nuisance lawsuits.
"What our current right to farm statute says is that if you are farming in compliance with generally accepted industry practices in accordance with applicable law and if you've been doing it for I believe two years," Ferrell said, "then that action, whatever it might be, is immune from a nuisance lawsuit."
Ferrell defined a nuisance lawsuit as a complaint against an agricultural enterprise, generally aesthetic in nature, such as odor, sounds, dust, etc.
Generally, Ferrell asserts that such cases come about as you get more intermixing of rural and urban areas. Ferrell says this statute, which has been on the books in Oklahoma for a few years now, has really not been tested despite more and more people moving from the cities out into the country. He suggests that either Oklahomans are accustomed enough with rural practices that this is a well settled principle already or that the statute is doing its job, keeping frivolous lawsuits from being filed, as a signal to legal counsel that the courts have a stance on such issues.
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Fall Crops Continue to Look Strong Nationally and Across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas
The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture crop progress report rates 75% of the US Corn Crop as being in good to excellent condition- unchanged from a week ago, 18 percent fair and 7 percent percent poor to very poor. National soybean conditions improved by one percentage point in the good to excellent ratings- now at 73% while soybeans are 20 percent fair and 7 percent poor to very poor. The national grain sorghum condition remains even with a week ago at 65% good to excellent, 29 percent fair and 6 percent poor to very poor. National cotton conditions also show a one point improvement in the good to excellent ratings- now at 48%, 36 percent fair, 12 percent poor and 4 percent very poor. For the complete USDA Crop Progress report, click here.
In the weekly crop progress report from USDA, Oklahoma corn dough reached 86 percent, up 2 points from the previous year but down 7 points from normal. Corn dented reached 64 percent, down 3 points from the previous year and down 13 points from normal. Corn mature reached 28 percent, up 20 points from the previous year but down 4 points from normal. Sorghum headed reached 90 percent, down 1 point from the previous year but up 9 points from normal. Sorghum coloring reached 51 percent, up 2 points from the previous year and up 2 points from normal. Sorghum mature reached 17 percent, up 2 points from the previous year and up 2 points from normal. Sorghum harvested reached 1 percent, unchanged from the previous year but down 2 points from normal. Soybeans blooming reached 77 percent, down 4 points from the previous year and down 9 points from normal. Soybeans setting pods reached 65 percent, up 3 points from the previous year and up 3 points from normal. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 7 percent, up 6 points from the previous year and up 7 points from normal. Cotton setting bolls reached 81 percent, down 10 points from the previous year and down 5 points from normal. Cotton bolls opening reached 9 percent, unchanged from the previous year but down 5 points from normal.
Corn, sorghum and cotton harvest continued in areas of Texas this past week. Corn harvest was 56 percent complete, 9 points higher than last week and 3 points higher than normal. Mature corn reached 65 percent, 1 point higher than normal. Sorghum harvest was 47 percent complete, just 1 point higher than last week and 11 points below normal. Across the state, sorghum was 74 percent mature, which is 3 points higher than the five-year average. Soybeans were 88 percent setting pods, which is right on par with the 5-year average. Soybeans dropping leaves were at 43 percent, 7 points lower than normal. Cotton harvest was at 6 percent, 1 point lower than normal. Cotton bolls opened were at 22 percent, equal to the 5-year average.
Click here for the full Texas report.
In the weekly crop progress report from USDA, Kansas corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 6 poor, 25 fair, 56 good, and 12 excellent. Corn dough was 92 percent, equal to last year, and near the five-year average of 93. Dented was 64 percent, near 63 last year and equal to average. Mature was 15 percent, near 14 last year, but behind 23 average. Soybean condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 27 fair, 55 good, and 13 excellent. Soybeans blooming was 96 percent, near 94 last year and 95 average. Setting pods was 82 percent, near 78 last year and 79 average. Dropping leaves was 2 percent, near 5 last year and 4 average. Sorghum condition rated 1 percent very poor, 3 poor, 22 fair, 59 good, and 15 excellent. Sorghum headed was 96 percent, near 94 last year, and ahead of 85 average. Coloring was 50 percent, ahead of 42 last year, and well ahead of 30 average. Mature was 3 percent, near 2 both last year and average.
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Survey Says - Consumer Demand Holding Steady
Each month, approximately one thousand consumers are surveyed by Dr. Jayson Lusk, Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University, on their willingness to pay for food products, particularly meat products like beef, pork and chicken. He's been doing this for more than three years now. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Lusk on what he has learned thus far, from conducting these surveys."Probably the most important takeaway for me is that demand for meat products has remained very stable over the last three years," Lusk said.There are ups and downs from month to month, he says. Some months seem to make more sense than others regarding consumers' reasoning but he illustrates that looking at the broad view of the data, consumer demand has stayed relatively steady, if not slightly increasing.Lusk says this clarification is important for a number of reasons. He explained two of the most important lessons learned from this data. One, he says, is that for many years, red meat has gotten a bad rap from the media quoting allegations of health risks and supposed environmental impacts associated to beef and other meats. He claims though that the results of the survey show that consumers aren't buying that narrative."Whatever impacts those issues have been having in the news they really haven't had much impact on consumer demand per se," Lusk said. "I think that's been pretty interesting that demand has been very resilient."We are featuring Dr. Lusk and his Food Demand Survey on the Beef Buzz- click here to read more and to listen to his comments on this research. AND- you can click here to jump over to our PODCAST with Jayson Lusk is an indepth conversation that had this past Friday with Jayson on a variety of topics- including the Demand Survey, his interaction with the media across the US on Food and Ag Issues and details on his newest book- UnNaturally Delicious.
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Sponsor Spotlight
We are happy to have the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association as a part of our great lineup of email sponsors. They do a tremendous job of representing cattle producers at the state capitol as well as in our nation's capitol. They seek to educate OCA members on the latest production techniques for maximum profitability and to communicate with the public on issues of importance to the beef industry. Click here for their website to learn more about the OCA.
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Wheat Graze-Out Best Bet for Per Acre Returns This Winter
Each week, Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, offers his economic analysis of the beef cattle industry. This analysis is a part of the weekly series known as the "Cow Calf Corner" published electronically by Dr. Peel and Dr. Glenn Selk. This week, Dr. Peel offers advice for producers planning ahead for winter wheat grazing.
"The current wheat market is such that there will likely be considerable interest in grazing wheat this winter. Producers will not only be looking at winter grazing but may also be thinking about the prospects for grazing out wheat next spring. Wheat graze-out appears to offer better prospects for returns per acre compared to wheat grain. Planning now can help producers better position themselves regardless of whether their interest is in winter grazing only for dual-purpose wheat or grazing out wheat.
"Current conditions are encouraging for early wheat establishment for fall and winter grazing. Most of Oklahoma has received rain the past two weeks with most of the major wheat areas receiving one-half to 2+ plus inches of rain. With favorable soil moisture and soil temperatures, early planting of wheat is likely to begin in late August and into early September. Assuming additional moisture arrives in the next few weeks wheat could be ready for grazing earlier than usual this fall. Grazing versus grain harvest considerations may affect the choice of wheat varieties to plant. The cost of wheat pasture for winter grazing or winter plus graze-out is estimated at $0.30-$0.35 per pound of stocker gain in typical situations.
"The typical winter grazing period is roughly 120 days from about November 1 to March 1. Most commonly, producers purchase 400 to 500 pound stockers and expect to sell a 650-800 pound feeder animal at the end of winter grazing. This year may offer some additional alternatives. The possibility of an earlier start to winter grazing this season could extend the winter grazing period by 10-20 days. This may affect the optimal size of animal to purchase and/or change the expectation for selling weight at the end of winter grazing.
Click here to continue reading Dr. Peel's advice for winter wheat grazing.
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Want to Have the Latest Energy News Delivered to Your Inbox Daily?
Award winning broadcast journalist Jerry Bohnen has spent years learning and understanding how to cover the energy business here in the southern plains- Click here to subscribe to his daily update of top Energy News.
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Mexico Releases Its First Ever Ethanol Blending Regulation to Combat Ozone Pollution
The Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRE) published Monday their recently-passed fuel regulation (NOM-016-CRE-2016) in the Mexican federal register, allowing for the blending and sale of up to 5.8 percent ethanol in the nation's fuel supply outside of the three major metropolitan areas of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
The fuel specification will become effective 60 days after publication, marking the first time in history that Mexico has established a policy on ethanol. Organizations in the United States working to promote the export of U.S.-produced ethanol applauded this development by its close trading partner.
"By approving new fuel standards that allow for ethanol blending at a 5.8 percent rate throughout much of the country, the Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission has taken an important step forward in improving the quality of motor fuel provided to its citizens," said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy.
"These standards aren't applied universally throughout the entire country, however, so there is certainly more progress to be made. Ethanol is a cleaner burning fuel additive that increases octane and reduces reliance on toxic cancer-causing additives. Our collective goal should be greater harmonization across all of North America on fuel regulations that embrace cleaner burning biofuels like ethanol because that is in the best interest of every mother, father and child. Growth Energy will continue to work with our public and private sector colleagues in Mexico to clearly demonstrate the value of ethanol to their environment, water quality, rural sector and consumers."
Click here to read more about the announcement, including statements from the U.S. Grains Council and he Renewable Fuels Association.
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Merck Animal Health Partners With FFA Organization to Strengthen Agricultural Community
For the past four years, Merck Animal Health has worked with the National FFA Organization to ensure the future of agriculture and agricultural education. Through a generous donation, Merck Animal Health has worked with FFA to provide FFA members the opportunity to grow into leaders, build their communities and strengthen agriculture.
In 2016, Merck Animal Health will serve as a silver-level sponsor. The company brand and messaging will be visible at sponsor registration at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo, during the convention opening session, as a part of the FFA agricultural literacy and advocacy platform, and through the National Association of Agricultural Educators.
"We appreciate that Merck's company goals and values align with FFA and that Merck sees agricultural education and FFA as critical to their industry and company success," said Molly Ball, National FFA Foundation president. "We are thankful for their increased support to become a silver-level sponsor."
"Merck Animal Health is committed to ensuring that today's youth receive the education and immersive experiences that are essential to their future success," said Scott Bormann, vice president, North America, Merck Animal Health. "We are pleased to have a role in fostering the next generation of agriculture leaders."
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This N That- What IS the Commission on a $74 Million Dollar Sale?; and Range Roundup Details from the Weekend
I tried putting the numbers into my desk calculator and they are so big- it gagged! This past week, one of the biggest land sales ever in our state was consumated- as Ted Turner sold his 43,000 acre ranch in Osage County to the Osage Indian Tribe.
According to the Real Estate firm that handled the deal, Hall & Hall, the sale of the historic Bluestem Ranch had been in the works since last fall.
"It was an amazing experience to represent Ted Turner on this historic transaction," said Hall and Hall Partner John Wildin. "He truly loves land and has become one of America's greatest land stewards."
Comprised of cross timbers and tallgrass prairie, the Bluestem Ranch is managed for bison grazing, which has proven to be very conducive to quality wildlife management. Bluestem's primary species are whitetail deer, wild turkey and bobwhite quail. Waterfowl hunting and fishing are also popular.
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We have several stories that we have posted on our website about this past weekend's OCA Range Roundup- including details about the co-champs of the 2016 event- McCoy-Beebe and the Drummond Ranch-
The McCoy-Beebe team won the Wild Cow Milking and the Team Branding competition- while the Drummond Ranch placed in several of the events. "We participate because we enjoy the comradery. I also love the opportunity to educate and entertain the general public by showcasing some real ranch activities," said Jet McCoy, team member of the McCoy/Beebe team. "When you add in the fact that a large portion of the proceeds are given to charity, it makes the event very worthwhile." We also have a story on the "boot passing" at this year's Roundup that raised $9,000 for the Children's Hospital Foundation- the designated charity for the event- click here for more details on that. AND- we have a story on how the cowboys competing had the opportunity to interact with some of the children being helped by the Roundup- click here for that. |
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phone: 405-473-6144
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau is Proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Ron Hays Daily Farm and Ranch News Email
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