Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Secretary Perdue Statement on MOU on Animal Biotechnology
- OCA's Michael Kelsey Notes Timing of OCA's Winter Policy Development Meeting Jan. 26 Couldn't be Better
- Paradigm: What to Expect for Animal Agriculture in a Biden Administration
- NASDA & AFBF Congratulate Commissioner Bronaugh on Nomination to USDA
- Simmental Cattle Breeders Expect a Great Year After Their Success in 2020
- The Drones Watching over Cattle where Cowboys Cannot Reach
- United Soybean Board Partnership Launches Pilot Phase of Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy Mark
- A President Trump Pardon with an Ag Flavor
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Secretary Perdue Statement on MOU on Animal Biotechnology |
Talk about a busy last full day on the job- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Assistant Secretary for Health and Head of the Public Health Service Admiral Brett Giroir, M.D., establishing a regulatory environment at the Department of Agriculture for agricultural animal biotechnology innovation:
“Today’s Memorandum of Understanding clears a path to bring our regulatory framework into the 21st century, putting American producers on a level playing field with their competitors around the world. In the past, regulations stifled innovation, causing American businesses to play catch-up and cede market share,” said Secretary Perdue. “America has the safest and most affordable food supply in the entire world thanks to the innovation of our farmers, ranchers and producers. Establishing a new, transparent, risk and science-based regulatory framework would ensure this continues to be the case.”
Background:
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlining responsibilities concerning the regulation of certain animals developed using genetic engineering that are intended for agricultural purposes (such as human food, fiber, and labor). This MOU complements USDA’s issuance of an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on the Movement of Animals Modified or Developed by Genetic Engineering on December 28, 2020.
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Midwest Farm Shows is proud to produce the two best Farm Shows in the State of Oklahoma annually- the Tulsa Farm Show each December and the Oklahoma City Farm Show each April. (held in June 2020- due to COVID 19)
After a lot of deliberation, Midwest has decided to also reschedule the Tulsa Farm Show from December to February 25, 26 and 27, 2021. EVERYTHING is on track and we invite you to make plans now to be in Tulsa February 25-27!
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the upcoming Tulsa Farm Show. To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here.
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OCA's Michael Kelsey Notes Timing of OCA's Winter Policy Development Meeting Jan. 26 Couldn't be Better |
Sandwiched between the inauguration of a new president and the beginning of the 2021 Oklahoma legislative session, the timing for the 2021 Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Winter Policy Development meeting couldn’t be better, said Michael Kelsey, executive director of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.
The conference is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the Embassy Suites, OKC Northwest, 3233 Northwest Expressway, Oklahoma City.
The challenge of conducting an in-person meeting during the pandemic is recognized, however, Kelsey said it’s important for the group to come together to talk about the policies and future of their industry.
We have to follow Covid-19 guidelines, but our leadership thought it was important to move forward as food producers, he said.
The location of the conference is familiar with OCA veterans as it is the old Marriott Hotel, home for the OCA annual conference for many years prior to the group outgrowing the Marriott facility.
Kelsey said some of the top issues to be discussed include wildlife regulations, the structure of the cattle industry regarding live cattle trade and price discovery, and what to expect from the new Biden administration.
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Paradigm: What to Expect for Animal Agriculture in a Biden Administration |
In the latest newsletter Paradigm from National Institute for Animal Agriculture Livestock Marketing Association’s Chelsea Good and John Dillard with OFW Law talk about what to expect for Animal Ag in a Biden Administration.. See below:
Vice President Joe Biden will drop the “Vice” on January 20th as he becomes the 46th President of the United States. Handling the COVID-19 pandemic and climate are two priorities that are certain to shape animal agriculture policy going forward. However, there are many other topics, ranging from trade to competition issues, where animal agriculture could see potential action.
STAFFING - President-elect Biden has announced he will nominate Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture. Most expect Secretary Vilsack will easily be confirmed by the Senate, landing him in a familiar role as Vilsack led the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for eight years as President Obama's agriculture secretary. Vilsack is currently chief executive of the U.S. Dairy Export Council and was Governor of Iowa from 1999 to 2007.
There will also be significant turnover in other political appointees at USDA. President-elect Biden will nominate Virginia Ag Commissioner Jewel Bronaugh?to be the next deputy secretary of agriculture, the second highest position at USDA. If confirmed, Bronaugh would be the first woman of color to hold this position. Of particular interest for animal agriculture, USDA will have a new Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP), a position currently held by Undersecretary Greg Ibach. However, it is not yet known who will fill these shoes. The MRP mission area includes the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) agency and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) agency. Following Secretary Perdue’s realignment of numerous USDA offices in September 2017, Grain Inspection, the Packers and Stockyards Administration (formerly combined as GIPSA), and several programs from the Farm Service Agency are now housed under AMS as well.
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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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NASDA & AFBF Congratulate Commissioner Bronaugh on Nomination to USDA |
NASDA congratulates Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her nomination to U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary.
“President-Elect Joe Biden made an excellent choice when selecting Commissioner Bronaugh for USDA Deputy Secretary,” said NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn. “As a NASDA member, Commissioner Bronaugh brings unmatched expertise on how agricultural and food policies work at the farm and community level.”
The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:
“AFBF congratulates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her nomination to serve as USDA Deputy Secretary. Dr. Bronaugh’s work as Virginia’s Agriculture Commissioner and her previous experience as state director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency have established her as someone who understands the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers. We also appreciate the work she has done to address mental health issues in rural communities - a priority we hope she continues to pursue at the federal level.
“Dr. Bronaugh’s nomination, as well as the nomination of Tom Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture, shows President-elect Biden is carefully considering the challenges facing our nation’s farmers and ranchers. We look forward to working with the new leadership at USDA to ensure American agriculture continues to lead the world in growing safe, affordable food.”
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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
Established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union, AFR/OFU has been a champion for rural Oklahoma for more than 100 years. Today, the AFR/OFU Cooperative provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and AFR Insurance provides auto, home, farm and life insurance to both rural and urban Oklahomans.
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Simmental Cattle Breeders Expect a Great Year After Their Success in 2020 |
Cattle producers raising Simmental cattle are kicking off the new year encouraged by their success in 2020, said Luke Bowman, director of commercial and industry relations with the American Simmental Association.
Bowman was recently interviewed by Radio Oklahoma Agriculture Network Associate Farm Director and Editor KC Sheperd.
The hype and desire for Simmental genetics in the commercial industry has never been higher so we had a great year, Bowman said.
There is a demand for bulls in the commercial sector, he said.
Registration is up and membership is up in all categories, he said.
It comes down to the fact we’ve made these cattle easy for the average beef producer to own, he said.
Easy calving birth and rapid growth, both common in today’s Simmental breed, are two of the top traits producers are looking for, he said.
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The Drones Watching over Cattle where Cowboys Cannot Reach |
After we posted this story a couple of days ago on our website and tweeted a link- Oklahoma rancher Jimmy Kinder responded and posted this pic from his operation- saying "Checking the Feeder- Yep, Still Good." Obviously, drones can be a good hand on a ranch operation- now, check out this article that Kinder responded to:
In a recent BBC article, Daliah Singer writes about the possibility of using drones to check on your cattle. She Writes,
"For many cattle producers in Kentucky, 5pm isn’t the end of the workday – rather, it marks the transition from their non-farming day jobs to working with their livestock. But putting out hay, checking water tank levels, locating cattle and assessing herd health becomes more difficult after the Sun sets, and sick or calving cows make the chores trickier as they often hide themselves in secluded areas.
Time to call in the drones.
A team of researchers at the University of Kentucky are testing the feasibility of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to remotely handle those assessments for small-herd cattle producers. “The idea is to make it easier for them to have this second form of income, this second job, by automating some of it and helping keep an eye on their cattle without them having to be there to do it all the time,” says Jesse Hoagg, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Kentucky.
Cattle production is “the most important agricultural industry” in the country, contributing $66bn (£50bn) to the US economy, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). But it’s been challenged by climate change, a declining labour supply and land development. Making the ranching industry more efficient through smart technology can help counteract many of those difficulties.
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United Soybean Board Partnership Launches Pilot Phase of Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy Mark |
U.S. soy is taking a big step to make its mark as a global leader in sustainability. From January 19 through March 19, the United Soybean Board is teaming up with partners from Soylent Nutrition & Biosciences in a pilot program identifying their products and ingredients as being made with sustainably grown U.S. soy. The companies will use the new Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark, which recognizes soy ingredients that have originated from a system of continuous improvement. The goal of this food industry innovation is to improve sustainability in product supply chains from farm to fork.
“It feels good knowing that when I grow this nutrient-dense protein, I am not only helping the food industry feed millions of families across the country sustainably but also contributing to a cleaner planet for the next generation,” said USB farmer-leader Belinda Burrier, who grows soybeans in Maryland.
The Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark is based on a national system of sustainability and conservation laws and regulations and farmer participation in the U.S. Farm Program. It seeks to increase demand for soybeans grown by U.S. farmers who commit to practices such as conservation tillage, cover crops and responsible nutrient management (e.g., right source, right rate, right time and right place). The Sustainably Grown U.S. Soy mark applies to those soybean acres grown under best practices on-farm.
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Pardons From President Trump With an Ag Flavor |
In looking through the list of Pardons released by the White House last night- there was one that jumped out at us that may comes from a case that some of you may remember several years back- here is the statement released on the Jorgensen's:
"Gregory Jorgensen, Deborah Jorgensen, Martin Jorgensen– President Trump granted full pardons to Gregory and Deborah Jorgensen, and a posthumous pardon to Martin Jorgensen. Governor Kristi Noem and Senator Mike Rounds support clemency for this family, which has an exemplary record of service to their community. In the 1980’s, Gregory and his father, Martin, gathered a group of South Dakota cattle producers to market and sold processed beef. The Jorgensen’s marketed their beef under the Dakota Lean brand and sold the premium product as heart-healthy and antibiotic- and hormone-free.
"When demand outstripped supply, Gregory, Deborah, and Martin mixed in inferior, commercial beef trim and knowingly sold misbranded beef. Since their convictions in 1996, the Jorgensen’s have served their community devotedly. Gregory was elected twice to the Tripp County Board of Commissioners and spearheaded infrastructure projects to improve access for Native American communities. Deborah is a lifelong member of a non-profit dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for women. And Martin was named National Beef Cattleman’s Association Businessman of the Year.
"The Jorgensens have shown remorse for their previous action, and in light of decades of exemplary public service, they are well deserving of these pardons."
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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 continue to go higher- Choice Beef was up $2.45 and Select Beef was up 60 cents on Tuesday January 19th
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had a final number of 17,343 on Monday- one of their largest daily runs in recent memory..
Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers steady to 4.00 lower with most declines being seen on plainer type cattle. Steer and heifer calves under 500 lbs 2.00-6.00 higher; over 500 lbs steady to 2.00 lower. Demand to moderate to good for all classes , especially for 4 weight and under steers. Quality average to attractive. Commodity boards closed today for the Holiday. Last week slaughter cattle trade was lower as beef prices moved higher. Much of the state has dried up some after the New Year snow and temps are more normal, however cattle continue to carry a fair amount of mud.
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 is the 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 affecting rural America.
The Road to Rural Prosperity is here to tell stories about rural America, for rural America.
Oklahoma State University Junior Amarie Griffeth has a heart for people- and she tells Host KC Sheperd about a need she saw on campus in Stillwater to combat food insecurity. She was a part of a Task force- and out of that students came up with Pete’s Pantry, an anonymous way to help other students on campus needing a helping hand.
Amarie grew up in Cushing, Oklahoma- her dad is in the livestock marketing business, so she has grown up loving being involved in producing food- and she has discovered the joy of providing food to those in need as well. Today's Road Podcast is powered by BancFirst, Loyal to Oklahoma and 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.
We also welcome Entz Auction as our Presenting Sponsor- check out their current listings by clicking here for their website.
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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