Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Monday, May 17, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Confirmation of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Ag Groups React to Confirmation of Bronaugh
- Oklahoma Genetics Exec Mark Hodges Says It Will be a Race To the Finish Line For Wheat
- ChopLocal is a Unique Website Connecting Meat Producers With Consumers
- #SeeSoyPlant Providing Viewers the Opportunity to learn about the Sustainability Efforts of U.S.Soy
- OKFB YF&R Member Nacona Cook of Washita County Farm Bureau Appointed to State Board of Ag
- U-Pick Helps Blueberry Grower Extend Her Season and Replace Market Decimated by Mexican Imports
- On the Calendar This Week
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Statement from Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack on the Confirmation of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh as Deputy Secretary at USDA |
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement on the confirmation of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
“I am grateful for today's confirmation of Jewel Bronaugh as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dr. Bronaugh’s confirmation is historic, as she will serve as the first Black woman and woman of color to serve as Deputy Secretary. Dr. Bronaugh has a long, distinguished career as an educator and champion for farmers and rural communities. Most recently as the 16th Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services she worked to expand opportunities for small and midsized farmers and ranchers to obtain infrastructure and processing capabilities, and develop strategies to meet environmental and water quality goals for the Chesapeake Bay. As Dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University, Dr. Bronaugh inspired many first-generation college students from rural communities to become outstanding leaders in their fields. That is understandable considering her positive, uplifting nature. She speaks respectfully of producers and rural Americans, and believes that as a public servant, her job is to find a way to help those who need it. I look forward to working with Dr. Bronaugh to ensure USDA lives up to its calling as the People’s Department, to be a Department that serves all people equally and fairly.”
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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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Ag Industry Responds to Confirmation of Jewel Bronaugh |
“Deputy Secretary Bronaugh brings unique experience to USDA from her time serving as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn said. “Deputy Secretary Bronaugh deeply understands how agricultural and food policies work at the farm and community level, and her expertise will benefit American agriculture and all who rely on our food systems.”
“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives congratulate Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her confirmation as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and stand ready to work with her as she tackles the many pressing issues facing agriculture and rural communities today. Her depth of experience with all types of farms, and all types of communities, make her an ideal occupant of this important position, and her deep understanding of food and farm policy will benefit the entire nation.
“AFBF congratulates Dr. Jewel Bronaugh on her confirmation as USDA Deputy Secretary. Not only is the confirmation historic, the bipartisan vote is an acknowledgement from both parties that she is focused on the needs of America’s farmers and ranchers.
“Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate for approving Jewel Bronaugh as the Deputy Secretary at USDA. Her on the ground experience as the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner will be vital in ensuring that USDA is working directly with their state partners to the benefit of our farmers and ranchers,” said Chairman Scott. “I would also like to note the historic nature of this confirmation, with Dr. Bronaugh being the first African American woman to serve in this critical role at such a pivotal moment for Black farmers. I look forward to working with her in the years to come.”
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Oklahoma Genetics Exec Mark Hodges Says It Will be a Race To fhe Finish Line For Wheat |
After viewing the OSU wheat variety test plots at Lahoma this week, Mark Hodges, director of Oklahoma Genetics, said it will be a race to the finish line as many of the plants are showing signs of rust disease.
Hodges was interviewed by Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director and Editor KC Sheperd during the OSU wheat variety field tour Thursday.
All the varieties look very good, but we saw a lot of stripe and leaf rust, Hodges said.
In western Oklahoma we need another drink of water to finish the crop, he said.
He noted rain could help wash the rust pustules off the leaves and give the plants a fighting chance.
Hodges noted the rust disease is part of wheat breeder Brett Carver’s challenge to find a wheat plant that is rust resistant.
Hodges said he is excited about new wheat varieties becoming available that are more chemical resistant.
We have two varieties right now, one was just released this past year, will be open to OGI membership this coming year and the general producers the year after that, Hodges said.
Hodges said the Doublestop CL Plus variety has become one of the more popular wheat varieties throughout Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.
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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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ChopLocal is a Unique Website Connecting Meat Producers With Consumers |
Perhaps spurred by the pandemic, more consumers are wanting to buy meat direct from the producer and a unique website called ChopLocal has been established to help both consumers and producers.
Founded in 2020 by Jared Achen and Katie Olthoff, ChopLocal is basically a marketplace connecting consumers and producers.
Both Achen and Olthoff are central Iowa farmers and businessowners.
During the recent Animal Ag Alliance virtual conference, Olthoff explained how ChopLocal works.
Our mission is to support an alternative supply chain that brings more value to farmers and small processors, Olthoff said.
Our vendors are free to use marketing claims like organic or grass fed as long as they meet the USDA labeling requirements for those claims, she said.
It is really important to us that we support all types of production methods, she said.
She noted the first vendors to use ChopLocal were conventional producers looking for ways to market their livestock and diversify their farm revenue.
One of the things that is a little bit different about us is we are a marketplace, benefiting both consumers and farmers, Olthoff said.
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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
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.
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#SeeSoyPlant Providing Viewers the Opportunity to learn about the Sustainability Efforts of U.S.Soy |
The second #SeeSoyPlant video, Farm & Tax Policy: Stewardship for the Long Term, debuted this week, examining how comprehensive farm and tax policy can support farmers, consumers and the environment. The video emphasizes how tax provisions encourage good stewardship by making it possible for farmers to transition their land to future generations.
ASA launched #SeeSoyPlant the first Wednesday of May with Sustainability: ASA is Your Natural Resource, providing viewers the opportunity to learn about the sustainability efforts of U.S. soy. The video touched on the contributions of U.S. soy farmers to environmental, economic, and social sustainability solutions.
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OKFB YF&R Member Nacona Cook of Washita County Farm Bureau Appointed to State Board of Ag |
OKFB YF&R Member Nacona Cook of Washita County Farm Bureau Appointed to State Board of AgWashita County Farm Bureau member Nocona Cook was recently confirmed as the newest member of the State Board of Agriculture.
A fifth-generation farmer, Cook was appointed to the board by Gov. Kevin Stitt and confirmed by the state Senate to serve the southwest district of Oklahoma.
His family farm near Cloud Chief, Oklahoma, consists of wheat, alfalfa and cotton along with a commercial cow-calf operation and custom swathing and hay business.
He currently serves as a member of the OKFB Young Farmers and Ranchers committee and previously served as the OKFB YF&R chair alongside his wife, Jordan.
Cook serves on the Washita County Farm Bureau board, Washita County Cattlemen’s Association board and Cordell Public Schools Board of Education. He is also the president of the Washita County Fire Association and the Cloud Chief Fire Department fire chief and EMT.
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U-Pick Helps Blueberry Grower Extend Her Season and Replace Market Decimated by Mexican Imports |
Even along the Florida Gulf Coast- residents and tourists alike enjoy a trip to the farm. In Sarasota, that trip may be to Albritton Fruit Farm, where the Blueberry U-Pick Season is winding down- with the Memorial Day weekend their final U-Pick opportunity of 2021. Albritton Farm is a family farm- and Sarah Albritton is a part of the family that started farming in Florida and Georgia in the 1800s. The Florida operation was started with citrus but also includes cattle and most recently blueberries.
I talked with Sarah Albritton while checking out the U-Pick Operation this past week-And Blueberries are helping Sarah and her family venture into Agri-Tourism with their U Pick enterprise. While a large amount of their Blueberry income comes from commercially harvesting Blueberries- the U Pick operation has become key part of their strategy. Albritton believes that "U Pick is the way to go as as we are able to control the market as everyone is paying me to pick the berries."
With 25 acres, 60,000 plants in rubber containers and 4 varieties- the Albrittons have more berries that what they can sell locally. In 2021, they have commercially harvested and sold 150,000 pounds- but that all came to a abrupt halt a couple of weeks ago.
AND THIS IS THE REASON I WANTED TO SHARE THIS FLORIDA STORY WITH YOU- a real life example of one of the shortcomings of USMCA.
Sarah Albritton says the problem are Mexican blueberries that started flooding the US market the end of April and early in May. "When the Mexican blueberries come in- we are paying about a dollar a pound to pick it- and we can't even afford to commercially harvest when those Mexican berries come in.," adding "the market price is completely lower than what it needs to be and the market is flooded. Two weeks ago when we stopped commercially harvesting- there were six million pounds at market and a day later there were 18 million pounds- so they do really flood the market and make it very very difficult for domestic growers to compete."
While cattle ranchers and wheat growers cheered the USMCA negotiated by the Trump Administration that replaced NAFTA July 1, 2020- fruit growers got little to no help in keeping their markets from being flooded by Mexican produce. Sarah Albritton and her family are an example of how that impacts family farmers.
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From the Calendar This Week |
Several more wheat crop plots will be showcased this week- and there is a webinar that will help you prepare for drought- and Superior Livestock has their regular every other week video auction on Thursday. Details on all of this and more can be found in the calendar section of our website- the link below takes you there. |
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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 were mixed on Friday May 14th- Choice Beef was up 16 cents and Select Beef was down $2.72.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 6,875 head on Sunday evening already in- and General Manager Kelli Payne expects they will have 7,500 as they start their auction this morning- Kelli tells us that the sale will begin at 8 AM.
Compared May3rd-: Feeder steers and heifers steady to 2.00 higher. Steers calves 2.00-4.00 higher. Heifer calves steady. Demand is moderate to good. Cool weather continues to hold strong with temps only reaching the mid sixties when the norm should be 80.
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.
At the 2021 Oklahoma Grain and Feed Association annual meeting on May 4th, we recorded the lunch time conversation between OGFA CEO and President Jeff Hickman and Oklahoma State University President Designate Dr. Kayse Shrum, who will officially become the 19th President of OSU on July first. Learn more about who Dr. Shrum is- personally and professionally- and what her early priorities will be when she takes the reins as President on July first.
Today's Road to Rural Prosperity Podcast is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Rural Water Association and the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
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, 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, Union Mutual Insurance, 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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