Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Monday, September 21, 2020
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Oklahoma Farm Bureau Cancels 2020 Annual Convention- Will Hold One Day Virtual Business Meeting Instead
- USDA to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus
- Ag Groups Reaction to Round 2 of CFAP
- OCA's Michael Kelsey Says Oklahoma Is On Solid Ground Defending Lawsuit By Plant-Based Foods Supporters Against HB3806
- Latest Road to Rural Prosperity Ron Hays Travels the WOTUS Memory Lane of 2014 to 2020
- EPA Announces Interim Decision on Crucial Crop Protection Tools
- Cattle Herds Are Shrinking And Intensifying Focus On Packer Capacity, Says Randy Blach With CattleFax
- Noble Research Institute Celebrates 75 Years
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau Cancels 2020 Annual Convention- Will Hold One Day Virtual Business Meeting Instead
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Another live face to face event is gone here in 2020 as the Oklahoma Farm Bureau board of directors voted to cancel the organization’s in-person 2020 annual meeting and host a virtual business meeting.
With the health and safety of Farm Bureau leaders, members and staff in mind, the virtual business meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
“The Farm Bureau convention is always a highlight of the year for our organization and members,” OKFB President Rodd Moesel said. “But as we considered the safety and health of our members and staff, the increasing uncertainty of hosting large group meetings and the ever-changing realities of life in a global pandemic, we feel it is in the best interest of our organization to proceed with caution and care for our Farm Bureau family.”
Each Farm Bureau district will host an optional in-person gathering for members to participate in the virtual business meeting together in a safe and socially-distant manner. The meeting also will be streamed online for members who choose not to attend the in-person district gatherings.
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USDA to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus
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President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced up to an additional $14 billion dollars for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September 21st and run through December 11, 2020.
“America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers remain in business to produce the food, fuel, and fiber America needs to thrive,” said Secretary Perdue. “We listened to feedback received from farmers, ranchers and agricultural organizations about the impact of the pandemic on our nations’ farms and ranches, and we developed a program to better meet the needs of those impacted.”
Producers can apply for CFAP 2 at USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices. This program provides financial assistance that gives producers the ability to absorb increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Producers will be compensated for ongoing market disruptions and assisted with the associated marketing costs.
CFAP 2 payments will be made for three categories of commodities – Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-rate Crops and Sales Commodities.
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What They Are Saying--Trump Administration Provides Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus
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National Association of Wheat Growers: NAWG thanks Secretary Perdue and his staff for taking our feedback these past several months and expresses great appreciation for making producers of all classes of wheat eligible for CFAP payments.
Lucas Applauds USDA’s CFAP 2 Inclusion of All Wheat Varieties, Additional Assistance to America’s Ag Producers “America’s wheat growers are resilient, but many still face unprecedented challenges through no fault of their own. The coronavirus pandemic has weakened market positions across all commodities throughout the nation and, whether you’re a wheat farmer who wrapped up harvest in May or those looking ahead to harvest in the coming weeks, CFAP 2 will help those weather the uncertainties of the pandemic,” said Congressman Lucas. “I thank Secretary Perdue and USDA for addressing the needs of Oklahoma’s hard red winter wheat growers, expanding CFAP eligibility to include all wheat classes. As producers continue to provide food, fuel, and fiber for consumers, I will continue to work with USDA to ensure these changes can be implemented to best help Oklahoma’s wheat growers.”
Conaway Commends President Trump for Aid to Farmers, Ranchers, Dairy Producers-Warns Democrats are Blocking Critical USDA Funding "“I want to thank the President for his announcement of $14 billion in new aid to America’s hard working farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers. This aid is vital to helping our farm and ranch families weather the current economic storm. Sadly, the aid could have been much stronger had Congressional Democrats not blocked critical funding of the Department of Agriculture through the Commodity Credit Corporation during the CARES Act debate. Now, Democrats are trying once again to block USDA funding in the debate over the Continuing Resolution which Congress must approve this month to keep the government open."
NCBA On CFAP Round Two: President Trump Works Tirelessly For Our Nation’s Ranchers and Farmers "We are pleased to see that USDA is using unspent funds in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to provide further relief to cattle producers who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic," said NCBA Vice President Of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. "The initial CFAP payments served as an important stopgap in the immediate wake of the coronavirus. Unfortunately, many in our industry are still reeling from abnormal marketing decisions they were forced to make in the Spring, unprecedented supply chain disruptions, and an overall tumultuous farm economy. We are grateful to President Trump, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, and the individuals in this Administration who are tirelessly working to deliver additional aid to our nation’s ranchers and farmers, and we will continue to work with Congress until adequate relief can be provided to put cattle producers on a firm road to recovery.”
Farm Bureau says Additional Aid Will Help Farmers Survive Pandemic "“Farmers and ranchers saw demand for their markets disappear during the initial shockwave of the pandemic. Even though concerns over food supplies have now subsided, the economic hardships are still taking their toll on farm families across the country,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “We don’t know when this pandemic will end and we are still feeling the effects of trade imbalances and severe weather. This lifeline will keep farmers and ranchers afloat as they continue to keep America’s pantries stocked.”
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Each Weekday- Listen to Cotton Talk!
For our farmers who have either- always have had cotton on their farms- or those who have more recently have added the fiber crop to their operations- we have a new daily report starting to be heard on several of our Radio Stations- It's Called Cotton Talk- and we appreciate the Oklahoma Cotton Council for their support in making this a reality.
Click on the Button below to listen to our most recent report
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OCA's Michael Kelsey Says Oklahoma Is On Solid Ground Defending Lawsuit By Plant-Based Foods Supporters Against HB3806
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A lawsuit against the State of Oklahoma by proponents of plant-based food products has been filed in an attempt to overturn HB 3806 (Meat Consumer Protection Act), an Oklahoma law specifically defining what constitutes meat and labeling of said products.
The law was passed during the 2020 Oklahoma legislative session and goes into effect Nov. 1.
Filing the lawsuit is an Illinois corporation that sells plant-based foods and the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) located in California.
I spoke with Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, a strong supporter of the Oklahoma law, regarding the lawsuit.
Kelsey provided some background on how the Oklahoma law came to fruition.
Several years ago, the OCA membership saw the challenge the dairy industry was having with other industries “pirating” the term milk, Kelsey said.
As “fake meat” alternatives came on the market we decided to get ahead of some of the challenges the dairy industry had, Kelsey said.
The bill basically said that if a product wants to pass itself as beef, pork or meat, then it must be properly labeled so consumers will know exactly what they are purchasing.
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We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network weekdays-
if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it- click below for this morning's Farm news from Ron Hays and KC Sheperd on RON.
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Sponsor Spotlight
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Latest Road to Rural Prosperity Ron Hays Travels the WOTUS Memory Lane of 2014 to 2020
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Ron Hays travels on the Road to Rural Prosperity to showcase the efforts by farmers and ranchers to fight to Ditch the WOTUS Rule developed by the Obama Administration back in 2014 and work to see it replaced with a new, improved rule by the Trump Administration.
Hays features interviews he conducted over the past seven years with the late Richard Gebhart, Senator Jim Inhofe, Congressman Frank Lucas, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Michael Kelsey, Colin Woodall, Ashley McDonald and Scott Yager as he tells the WOTUS story.
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EPA Announces Interim Decision on Crucial Crop Protection Tools
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Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a long-awaited interim decision regarding the reregistration of the triazines: atrazine, propazine, and simazine. After years of research and public comments from the agriculture community, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler declared these fundamental crop management tools safe for continued use in controlling resilient weeds. According to the Triazine Network, a coalition of agricultural organizations that advocates for science-based regulatory decisions, this interim decision is a major milestone.
“Today’s news provides much needed regulatory certainty for farmers during a time when few things are certain,” said Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO Gary Marshall, who chairs the Triazine Network. “We appreciate today’s announcement from EPA Administrator Wheeler. We thank the agency on behalf of the farmers who rely on atrazine to fight problematic weeds and employ conservation tillage methods to reduce soil erosion and improve water and wildlife habitat.“
Atrazine ranks second in widely used herbicides that help farmers control weeds that rob crops of water and nutrients. Utilized for over 60 years, atrazine is the most researched herbicide in history and has a proven safety record. Today’s announcement concludes the registration review process where EPA is required to periodically re-evaluate existing pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The next step for the triazines is a draft biological evaluation required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which is expected to be published in October.
As part of the event, Administrator Wheeler announced the interim decisions for atrazine, propazine and simazine, which finalize measures to protect human health, mitigate potential ecological risks and continue to provide America’s farmers with the valuable tools they have come to rely on to control weeds in crops.
“Today’s decision is another example of the Trump Administration taking action in support of America’s farmers—one of our strongest allies in our mission to protect public health and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “The benefits of atrazine in agriculture are high, so these new protections give our nation’s farmers more clarity and certainty concerning proper use.”
“Year after year, our country’s farmers and ranchers continue to work and provide the food, fuel and fiber we rely on every day,” said EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford. “EPA’s science-based process provides the clarity and certainty they need to safely and successfully implement critical pest management strategies while mitigating risk to human health and the environment.”
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Cattle Herds Are Shrinking And Intensifying Focus On Packer Capacity, Says Randy Blach With CattleFax
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The nation’s cattle herds are shrinking and that will intensify the focus on beef packers to increase harvest capacity, says Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, a global leader in beef industry research, analysis and information.
Blach was a featured speaker for the 2020 Virtual Cattle Raisers Convention online this week. The virtual conference replaced the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention cancelled in March.
During his presentation on the market outlook for beef cows, Blach analyzed some of the numbers from the past few years.
The January 2014 cattle inventory report showed we had 29 million head of beef cows. By July 2018 the herd expanded to 32.5 million head.
Since that time the numbers have decreased significantly.
The cow herd right now is shrinking, Blach said.
Last year we were down 350,00 head and probably 300-350,000 head again this year, he said, based on the dryness we’re seeing in the west and low profitability for cow/calf producers.
Blach said we need to anticipate at least one more year of downsizing.
It’s possible we will see a million fewer beef cows by January 2021 or Jan. 2022 than what we had two years ago, Blach said.
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Noble Research Institute Celebrates 75 Years
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Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of Noble Research Institute and the beginning of a year-long celebration of agricultural producers, the land that provides for our collective well-being, and the organization’s future.
Since its founding in 1945, Noble Research Institute has supported farmers and ranchers through education, research and consultation as they steward the nation’s grazing lands and soil.
Founder and philanthropist Lloyd Noble created his organization as a resource to work beside individuals to rebuild the soil and provide lasting stability for an economy in the aftermath of the Dust Bowl.
During its 75th anniversary year, Noble will celebrate the importance of the land, recognize farmers and ranchers who care for this valuable resource, and highlight their contributions to the public at large through social media campaigns and special video tributes.
“For 75 years, Noble’s mission has been to walk alongside farmers and ranchers, providing information and assisting them in the critical role they play for society,” said Steve Rhines, president and CEO. “During this anniversary year, our celebration will focus on their impact on each of us, while we — as an organization — continue to grow and evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
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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.
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Today's First Look:
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.
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Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices finally had a day on Friday of prices in the black- Choice beef was up 59 cents while select beef was up 55 cents.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 9,100 head last Monday, September 14th-
Compared to the last sale 2 weeks earleier: Feeder steers and heifers 4.00-8.00 higher. Demand good but many conditions are in the buyers favor. Weaned calves selling mostly steady to firm, however most of the un-weaned calves selling at a sharp discount. Supply did include some reputation brand un-weaned calves and these sold to very good demand. It is only mid September but we are already seeing temperatures more typical of October with warm days and cool damp nights.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futures - click below for the latest update on the Livestock and Grain Futures Trade..
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Okla Cash Grain:
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture- The report available after the close of the Futures Trade for that day.
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Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor
KC Sheperd, Associate Farm Director and Editor
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production
Sam Knipp, Farm News Editor
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
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Rural Oklahoma is full of some of the greatest success stories throughout the entire state and are a main reason Oklahoma is on track to become a top 10 state.
The Road to Rural Prosperity will dive into these stories each week bringing you insight into the great things happening in and to rural Oklahoma. We will bring you stories covering rural life, agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism and politics all affecting rural America.
The Road to Rural Prosperity is here to tell stories about rural America, for rural America.
Ron Hays travels on the Road to Rural Prosperity to showcase the efforts by farmers and ranchers to fight to Ditch the WOTUS Rule developed by the Obama Administration back in 2014 and work to see it replaced with a new, improved rule by the Trump Administration. Hays features interviews he conducted over the past seven years with the late Richard Gebhart, Senator Jim Inhofe, Congressman Frank Lucas, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Michael Kelsey, Colin Woodall, Ashley McDonald and Scott Yager as he tells the WOTUS story. This trip down Memory Lane is powered by Banc First, Loyal to Oklahoma and Loyal to You.
To find out more about our full series of Podcasts on The Road to Rural Prosperity- click or tap here.
To hear this Podcast you can click here or tap below:
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Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, AFR/OFU, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Great Plains Kubota, Stillwater Milling Company, Oklahoma Cotton Council, National Livestock Credit Corporation, Oklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma AgCredit, 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 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.
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God Bless!
Reach Out To Us:
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Tim West
President/General Manager
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
2401 Exchange Avenue,
Suite F
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405.317.6361
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Ron Hays
Director of Farm Programming
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
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