Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
From: Ron Hays <ronphays@cox.net>
Date: 3/19/2020, 5:55 AM
To: ron@ronhays.com



 
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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!  
MarketLinks 
 
 
OKC West is our Market Links Sponsor- they sell cattle three days a week- Cows on Mondays, Stockers on Tuesday and Feeders on Wednesday- Call 405-262-8800 to learn more.
 
 
   
Today's First Look:
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
 

OKC West in El Reno had a light trade with just 1,918 cattle this week- Compared to last week: Feeder steers sold 4.00-8.00 lower. Feeder heifers 10.00-12.00 lower on very limited receipts. Steer and heifer
calves not well tested so no trend available but a lower undertone noted. Click or tap here for their complete report.  

 
Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futures- click here for the report posted yesterday afternoon around 3:30 PM.
 
 
Okla Cash Grain:  
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture.
 
  
Futures Wrap:  
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Network - analyzing the Futures Markets from the previous Day.
 
Feeder Cattle Recap:  
The National Daily Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
 
Slaughter Cattle Recap: 
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by the USDA.
 
TCFA Feedlot Recap:  
Finally, here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
 


 
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
 
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor

KC Sheperd, Associate Farm Director and Editor

Sam Knipp, Farm Editor
 
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
 
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production

Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News

Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
   Thursday, March 19, 2020

Howdy Neighbors! 

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 
 

I spoke with Oklahoma State Secretary of Ag Blayne Arthur about the efforts by the agency to interact with producers, grocery store reps, suppliers and other government agencies to respond to the COVID-19 situation as it impacts farmers, ranchers and those in rural Oklahoma.(the complete conversation can be heard by clicking on the LINK below)

Arthur says that for consumers, her staff have pushed to completion a new project that can connect consumers with producers of food. It's called Loklahoma. Oklahoma farmers and ranchers are more than capable of providing for your needs, especially in hard times like these.

Loklahoma is a way for you as the consumer to connect to producers in your area. Click or tap here for the link that will be updated regularly with producers from across the state and what they have available for consumers to buy.

Just below- here is a part of an ODAFF update on actions being taken by Secretary Arthur and her team:

ODAFF COVID-19 Update
March 18, 2020


 We are working diligently to maintain services to Oklahomans and simultaneously protect our staff and limit the risk of potential spread. Staff are highly encouraged to telework if possible.

Contingency plans and extra precautionary measures have been implemented to protect those whose roles cannot be performed remotely.

- Our lab is continuing testing
- Field staff and inspectors are still working
- We do not plan to shut down essential services
- Our building has been cleaned and sanitized to mitigate potential spread
- The situation and staff needs are being reassessed daily to best protect our staff and maintain service as much as possible. 

To hear more from Blayne Arthur, click here: 

Sponsor Spotlight
 
 
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.



 The Executive Secretary for the Oklahoma FFA, Trevor Lucas, has announced to FFA Supporters across Oklahoma that the 2020 State FFA Convention is canceled on the original dates of April 28 and 29. Lucas indicates that the State FFA is considering a replacement convention event that would be "a pared-down event at the Cox Convention Center or another venue in late May or early June. Obviously, many variables will go into making the decision on whether that happens. If we are unable to hold an event in the summer, we will elect state officers digitally and pass out awards at agricultural instructors' area meetings."

The complete memo that has gone out to FFA Advisors and FFA Supporters follows:


"The Governor issued an Executive Order 2020-08 declaring an emergency caused by the impending threat of COVID-19 to the people of this State and the public's peace, health, and safety.


"Now on to convention. In accordance with the CDC guidelines the determination has been made to cancel the annual state FFA convention on the original dates of April 28-29. We are currently in the process of looking into the possibility of a pared-down event at the Cox Convention Center or another venue in late May or early June. Obviously, many variables will go into making the decision on whether that happens. If we are unable to hold an event in the summer, we will elect state officers digitally and pass out awards at agricultural instructors' area meetings.



"Planning a convention of this size and scope requires a lot of planning with hotels, presenters, and staff. Many who require deposits well in advance. In the event of a complete cancelation, we will refund when and where we can. We will start with reimbursing all Expo Booth exhibitors immediately.


To read more about State FFA Convention cancellations, click here: 

Oklahoma State University has provided an easy to read Q & A on the Impacts of Covid-19 on the Food Industry

Can the coronavirus be transmitted through food or packaging?
There has been no evidence that food or food packaging is a likely source or route of transmission for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the World Health Organization, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Do imported products from other countries pose a risk of spreading the coronavirus?
There is no evidence to support the transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods.
Specifically, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, animals or animal products imported from China or other affected countries do not pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States.

What is the Oklahoma food industry doing to combat the effects of the coronavirus?
Oklahoma food and beverage companies are developing response actions and effective plans to help mitigate their risk and prepare for how they will deal with the effects of the coronavirus. These plans include establishing an interdisciplinary crisis response team of personnel from all aspects of the business to identify, assess and manage the risk presented.

What food safety measures are being followed to help ensure the quality and safety of food products during the coronavirus outbreak?
Food manufacturers are continuing to follow current Good Manufacturing Practices to help ensure the consistent quality and safety of food products by focusing attention on five key elements: people, premises, processes, products and procedures. They also are following risk-based food safety plans, such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, where food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product.

In addition to regulatory requirements, many Oklahoma food manufacturers voluntarily comply with stringent Global Food Safety Initiative benchmarked food safety and quality programs, such as Safe Quality Food (SQF), Brand Reputation Compliance (BRC) and Primus GFS. The food safety requirements listed in these programs often are more rigorous than the regulatory food safety criteria. The compliance with these programs is confirmed through independent third-party and customer audits.
 



The Farm Credit Administration is encouraging Farm Credit System (System) institutions to work with System borrowers whose operations have been affected by COVID-19 and the measures taken to prevent its spread.

The coronavirus is creating extensive disruptions to the economy and American life, and governments, businesses, and the public are taking actions to minimize and mitigate risks.

We recognize the pandemic may also create significant stress for System borrowers because of disruptions to employees, markets, transportation, and other factors important to their operations.

"FCA regulations and the solid financial position of System institutions give the institutions considerable flexibility to provide relief to borrowers affected by COVID-19," says Glen R. Smith, FCA board chairman and CEO. "We encourage institutions to use this flexibility to work with borrowers to lessen any stress and financial burden related to the disease and efforts to contain it."

System institutions can help alleviate stress for borrowers affected by COVID-19 in several ways:

* Extending the terms of loan repayments
* Restructuring borrowers' debt obligations
* Easing some loan documentation or credit-extension terms for new loans to certain borrowers

In addition to affecting System borrowers, the virus may also create challenges for System employees and institutions. These challenges may impair the institutions' ability to comply in a timely way with regulatory or reporting requirements. FCA may be able to grant temporary relief in some circumstances that would alleviate these challenges without weakening safety and soundness.

To read more from FCA click here: 


Today I talk  with Kent Bacus, senior director of international trade and market access for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. In the midst of depressing news because of the COVID-19 outbreak, Bacus focuses on some positive news as the Canadian Parliament approved the USMCA trade package.

This is the best news we've had in a while, Bacus said. Unfortunately, we're not seeing much press coverage because of the COVID-19 story.

"We see this as a nice win for the beef industry," Bacus said.

He noted the Canadian Parliament moved quickly as they did not want to delay the USMCA any further.

Bacus said there are a few more procedural steps, but he expects full implementation by early summer.
This clears the way for unrestricted access in the North American market, Bacus said.

On a related topic, Bacus said Japan remains our number one market for beef exports and we have seen strong sales so far in 2020. He expected demand to remain good, helped along by the reduced tariff rate which kicks in April 1.
The NCBA trade expert added he does expect COVID-19 to have some impact on the Japanese market, just as it will worldwide.

To hear more from Kent Bacus, click here: 


Sponsor Spotlight

 
Dating back to 1891, Stillwater Milling Company has been supplying ranchers with the highest quality feeds made from the highest quality ingredients. Their full line of A & M Feeds can be delivered direct to your farm, found at their Agri-Center stores in Stillwater, Davis, Claremore and Perry or at more than 125 dealers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas. We appreciate Stillwater Milling Company's long time support of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and we encourage you to click here to learn more about their products and services.



For our latest Road to Rural Prosperity Podcast, I sit down 
with the Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Michael Kelsey.

We talk about the largest segment of the Oklahoma agriculture- beef cattle- and the multistate journey that Michael has taken to get from Rush Springs to the OCA Headquarters in Stockyards City.

We talk about how cattlemen are dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, low cattle prices, why he wears a Cowboy Hat at the Capitol and how in spite of all the challenges, cattlemen and cattle ladies are so resilient. Michael also offers a great "Daddy" story as well. 
 
Today's Episode of the Road is sponsored by PSO, the Public Service Company of Oklahoma. 


U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) has introduced the Securing All Livestock Equitably (SALE) Act. The bipartisan legislation, supported by many senators and cattlemen from across the nation, would address the problem of dealer payment default.

Quick turnaround between the purchase and resale of cattle by a dealer often leaves the original livestock owners with little recourse if a dealer defaults on a purchase. The cattle have often already been resold. The SALE Act would establish dealer statutory trusts, mimicking existing packer statutory trusts, for the purpose of ensuring that cattle sellers receive payment should a livestock dealer become insolvent.

"The creation of dealer statutory trusts to ensure cattle sellers receive payment is extremely important to the livestock industry," said AFR/OFU Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. "A default event can decimate family-owned cattle operations and related businesses, ripple through the industry and have a long-lasting negative effect on the rural economy. The SALE Act aims to reduce the harm of these default events and I commend Sen. Inhofe for his leadership on this issue and his dedication to rural Oklahoma and the agriculture industry as a whole."

AFR/OFU Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR/OFU provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma's family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state's agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR/OFU principles.


 BitsBITS AND PIECES- Pollard Bull Sale This Saturday Still On, and OYE Pics


The 21st Annual Pollard Farms Bull Sale is set for this Saturday, March 21st, at the private sale facility on the Ranch in Waukomis, Oklahoma.

Sale time is 12:30 PM.

They wil be featuring 125 Home-Raised Service Age Angus Bulls and more.

If you are unable to attend the sale in person, internet bidding will be available on LiveAuctions.TV, Phone Bidding will be available on Sale Day or you can contact Matt Sims, Barry Pollard or Keenan Pendley to place a bid.

The Pollards want to assure you that all sight unseen purchases are guaranteed to be satisfactory upon delivery. 

The sale catalog and videos are available on the Pollard Farms website- click or tap here here

Call Matt Sims if you have questions- 405-641-6081.

******************

I think we are getting close to having all of our pictures from the 2020 Oklahoma Youth Expo up on FLICKR- I have arranged them a little differently now that all is done- I have them starting with the most recent pics from this past Sunday first- then they go back in time from there to the start of the 2020 event, 

Take a look and enjoy- Click or tap here to jump to the OYE 2020 FLICKR Album.


 
Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, AFR Insurance, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Great Plains Kubota, Stillwater Milling Company, National Livestock Credit CorporationOklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma AgCredit, Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Inc., the Oklahoma Cattlemens Association, 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- at NO Charge!


We also appreciate our Market Links Sponsor - OKC West Livestock! 
 
 
We invite you to check out our website at the link below too that includes an archive of these daily emails, audio reports and top farm news story links from around the globe.   
 

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

 



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