Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday, September 9, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Farm Bureau Raises Concerns about Partisan Reconciliation Package
- OKFB Says Tax Proposals Put Future of American Farms at Risk
- Adding Years to the Longevity of Oklahoma's Flood Control Dams
- Dietician Shalene McNeill Says Consumers Enthusiastic About Including Beef in Their Diet
- U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Announces 2021 Grower Enrollment Webinars
- Ag Risk Management Insurance Gains New Partner in Farm Data Services of Stillwater
- NCBA on BSE Cases Detected in Brazil
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The Biden White House has unveiled details of their attack on the "Big Four" meat processors- saying the processors of the three major proteins, beef, pork and poultry- have been making excessive profits at the expense of both consumers and farmers and ranchers. In a report released on Wednesday on concentration in meat processing in the US- the administration says "While factors like increased consumer demand have played a role, the price increases are also driven by a lack of competition at a key bottleneck point in the meat supply chain: meat-processing. Just four large conglomerates control the majority of the market for each of these three products, and the data show that these companies have been raising prices while generating record profits during the pandemic."
The report lays out the administration's belief that the major meat processors are not playing "fair." The report says of the increasing levels of concentration "That consolidation gives these middlemen the power to squeeze both consumers and farmers and ranchers. There’s a long history of these giant meat processors making more and more, while families pay more at the grocery store and farmers and ranchers earn less for their products. Absent this corporate consolidation, prices would be lower for consumers and fairer for farmers and ranchers."
One of the four areas that the White House wants action on is in the enforcement arena. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told a White House Press Briefing that the agency needs stronger enforcement rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act- wanting tools "to take more definitive action and aggressive action when we see unfair and discriminatory practices- we don't have that power now- we tried to get that during the Obama Administration but Congress blocked us- we think we are now in position to move forward."
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization working to improve the lives of all Oklahomans by supporting our state’s agriculture community. As Oklahoma’s largest general farm organization, OKFB advocates for farmers and ranchers at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C., to ensure our way of life continues for generations to come. With leadership events, supporting our state’s agricultural youth and connecting consumers with agriculture, Farm Bureau promotes and sustains Oklahoma agriculture in numerous ways. Join with OKFB today by becoming a member at okfarmbureau.org/join. Together, we are rural Oklahoma.
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Farm Bureau Raises Concerns about Partisan Reconciliation Package
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Today, American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall sent a letter to congressional leadership expressing deep concerns about the reconciliation package the House will begin considering this month. AFBF urged lawmakers to avoid tax increases on America’s farmers and ranchers and ensure transparency and stakeholder involvement throughout the legislative process.
Congress is considering another massive partisan bill through reconciliation, which would be paid for by steep tax hikes on farmers and ranchers. “Despite all claims to the contrary, these tax increases will have a disproportionate impact on American family farms, stifle economic growth and rural prosperity and could lead to further consolidation across the agricultural sector, putting multi-generational family farms in jeopardy,” wrote Duvall.
Many of the proposals, if implemented, could set back American agriculture for generations to come.
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OKFB Says Tax Proposals Put Future of American Farms at Risk
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau, along with 45 state Farm Bureaus, the American Farm Bureau Federation and 280 organizations representing family-owned farms, ranches and agribusinesses, sent a letter today to congressional leaders urging them to leave important tax policies in place as they draft legislation implementing President Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda.
The letter addresses four key tax provisions that make it possible for farmers and ranchers to survive and pass their businesses on to the next generation: estate taxes, stepped-up basis, 199A small business deduction and like-kind exchanges.
“The policies Congress enacts now will determine agricultural producers’ ability to secure affordable land to start or expand their operations,” the letter said. “Regardless of whether a business has already been passed down through multiple generations or is just starting out, the key to their longevity is a continued ability to transition when a family member or business partner dies. For this reason, we firmly believe the current federal estate tax code provisions must be maintained.”
Other state-level agricultural organizations that signed the letter include Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Oklahoma Cotton Council and Oklahoma Soybean Association.
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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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Adding Years to the Longevity of Oklahoma's Flood Control Dams
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Today, local, state, and federal officials toured the Upper Elk Creek Site 23D Rehabilitation on the east edge of Elk City. New life is being given to this flood control dam and the tour was a way to showcase those efforts along with the watershed project sponsor, North Fork of Red River Conservation District.
Originally constructed in 1976 at a cost of $102,401 and classified as a significant hazard dam, this is now a high hazard dam. An increase in risk of loss of life and property damage due to a potential overtopping breach of the dam during an extreme flood event is the reason site 23D is undergoing this rehabilitation.
During the tour, U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas, a native of western Oklahoma and a longtime champion of the upstream flood control program, said, “In conservation these are the good old days; all we have to do is continue to work together and there will be benefits for generations to come. Am I proud of what we have done together? You bet. Thank you to each of you for doing what you do and thank you for helping me do what I do. Together we are going to make such a difference that the people downstream will never know it happened. That’s the ultimate compliment when things work so well that people don’t even know what you’ve done.”
Altogether, the flood control dams in Oklahoma protect 2,756 county and highway bridges; provide a reduction in flooding for 41,744 farms and ranches; trap 19 million tons of sediment each year, which would otherwise end up in major streams and lakes, and they create or enhance 90,979 acres of wetlands.
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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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Dietician Shalene McNeill Says Consumers Enthusiastic About Including Beef in Their Diet
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Beef is a regular part of a nutritious diet - it seems as though this message is beginning to resonate among consumers. Shalene McNeill, registered dietician and human nutrition expert with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, told me a topic that used to be negative among producers is shifting.
“I have worked on behalf of farmers and ranchers for almost 20 years now,” McNeill said. “Nutrition used to just be a negative topic for us - always an uphill battle.”
Despite beef being a valuable source of key nutrients in any healthy diet, the protein has had a lot of negative media attention in the past, according to McNeill. Just recently, McNeill said awareness among consumers is beginning to change.
“I think the awareness people have about incorporating more protein in their diet … we are seeing that we have more favorable consumer scores than we have ever had,” McNeill said.
More than 70% of consumers align with the fact that beef can be part of a healthy diet, McNeill said. Those high approval ratings help beef demand grow.
There are still hurdles for the beef industry to overcome.
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U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Announces 2021 Grower Enrollment Webinars
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The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol will present six, live enrollment webinars focusing on how the program helps U.S. growers meet the changing demands from their end customer while also better documenting and verifying the sustainability practices and advances already incorporated into their farms.
Launched in 2020, the Trust Protocol is a farm level, science-based program that sets a new standard for more sustainably grown cotton. It brings quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurement to sustainable cotton production and drives continuous improvement in six key sustainability metrics– land use, soil carbon, water management, soil loss, greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. In the first year, over 300 U.S. cotton growers enrolled in the program and secured 1.5 million bales of cotton into the system. The Trust Protocol also welcomed more than 450 brand, retailer, mill and manufacturer members.
Enrollment for the 2021 crop is open, and for growers not yet participating, the webinars will provide an opportunity to learn about program benefits and ask questions. Speakers include Trust Protocol representatives and grower members.
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Ag Risk Management Insurance Gains New Partner in Farm Data Services of Stillwater
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Ag Risk Management and Insurance, a subsidiary of Apache Farmers Cooperative, is partnering with Farm Data Services of Stillwater, an agricultural management accounting and insurance company, to source and fulfill agricultural insurance needs. This change brings agricultural industry veterans Mike Burtrum and Clay Burtrum into the fold, a father/son team with more than 40 years’ experience who lead Farm Data Services.
“We look forward to meeting Ag Risk Management’s clients and are eager to find ways that benefit those clients,” Clay Burtrum said. “We are passionate about agriculture and we truly do our best to help producers be successful. Dad and I raise cattle and crops, we strongly believe in this way of life and we want family-based agriculture to thrive.”
Much of the operations remain the same, but with more experience overseeing the business.
“Our office locations and team members in the field remain the same,” Greg McClure, general manager of Apache Farmers Co-op and Ag Risk Management, said. “But now we’ll have the added resource of Farm Data Services’ expertise and guidance,”
Ag Risk Management has two office locations with agents throughout Grady and Caddo counties.
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NCBA Gives Statement on BSE Cases Detected in Brazil
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Recently, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Executive Officer Colin Woodall issued the following statement regarding the two atypical cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) detected in Brazil:
“Over the weekend, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply confirmed two atypical cases of BSE. Atypical cases are very rare and are believed to occur spontaneously. These cases occurred outside the United States and do not pose a risk to American consumers-U.S. beef is safe.
“Given Brazil’s history of failing to report BSE cases in a timely manner, we must remain vigilant in enforcing our safeguards and holding them accountable. The U.S. has the highest animal health and food safety standards in the world. We must make sure that all countries wishing to export beef to the U.S. continue to meet our standards-even a country with a small footprint like Brazil. We have full faith and confidence in the abilities of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to enforce our safety standards and trade rules to protect America’s cattle producers and consumers.
“NCBA encourages USDA to examine Brazil and to continue implementing science-based safeguards that ensure all imported beef meets the same rigorous science-based food safety and animal health standards as American beef.”
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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 lower- Choice Beef dropped 33 cents while Select Beef was down $3.73 on Wednesday, September 8th.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 4,421 head this week after the Labor Day holiday.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers traded steady to 3.00 lower. Feeder heifers sold steady to 1.00 higher. Steer and heifer calves were to lightly tested for an accurate trend. Demand moderate. Several drafts of yearling feeders were in full and or fleshy conditions.
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
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
Chelsea Stanfield, Farm News and Email Editor
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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.
Along the Road to Rural Prosperity- we feature our latest Ag Perspectives Podcast. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Senior Farm Director Ron Hays recently sat down and talked at length with the head of the Oklahoma State University Wheat Improvement Team, Dr. Brett Carver.
Ron and Brett discuss what happened during the 2021 wheat growing season as it pertains to the OSU bred wheat varieties- and then Dr. Carver launches into what is coming- in both the near term and further down the road from the OSU Wheat Breeding Pipeline.
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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