Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Tuesday, January 4, 2022
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- AFR's Scott Blubaugh Applauds New Action Plan for Meat and Poultry Supply Chain
- Ag Groups React to White House's Action Plan
- Cattle Producers Help Shape the Sustainability Conversation as Part of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
- Cattlemen's Congress in Road Gear at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
- A New Year's Resolution for Cow-Calf Producers
- Bison: America's Original Plant-Based Protein
- Express Ranches Bob Funk Sr. Named Oklahoman of the Year
- Almost Half of Oklahoma Wheat Crop Rated Poor to Very Poor as We Begin 2022
- Check Out Our Appearance on the New Year's Edition of This Week in Agribusiness with Max Armstrong
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AFR's Scott Blubaugh Applauds New Action Plan for Meat and Poultry Supply Chain
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Today, President Joe Biden announced the Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain. A handful of American farmers, ranchers and independent meat processors attended the meeting.
Scott Blubaugh, president of American Farmers and Ranchers, was a part of the virtual meeting with the President and spoke with us afterward. He said Tom Vilsack, the U.S. secretary for agriculture and Merrick Garland, the U.S. attorney general, were also in attendance.
“We had a private meeting with the president on the market issue in the cattle business and the antitrust issues - the whole works,” Blubaugh said. “We heard some interesting things - things that I was a little shocked about but am grateful to hear.”
The Action Plan includes four core strategies for creating a more competitive, fair, resilient meat and poultry sector, with better earnings for producers and more choices and affordable prices for
Consumers. The first is a $1 billion investment of American Rescue Plan funds for the expansion of independent processing capacity.
“That was with a ‘B’ - one billion dollars,” Blubaugh said. “That is good news for farmers and ranchers who are really interested in marketing directly to consumers and restaurants and trying to cut out the Big Four (meat packers).”
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The vision of the Oklahoma Beef Council is to be a positive difference for Oklahoma's farming and ranching families and the greater beef community, and its mission is to enhance beef demand by strengthening consumer trust and exceeding consumer expectations.
And Check out this video below that helps you learn more about the Beef Checkoff- .
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Ag Groups React to White House's Action Plan
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Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Hughes Abell: “To adequately address disparities within the beef supply chain, packer capacity must be increased, and the cattle market must operate transparently and provide for robust price discovery. For too long, these basic principles have been overlooked, and the men and women who raise our nation’s beef have suffered as a result. We appreciate the White House and Congress for their willingness to tackle these critical issues."
United States Cattlemen's Association President Brooke Miller: "USCA commends the Biden-Harris Administration for its persistence in working to restore competition throughout the U.S. economy. We are hopeful that the Action Plan unveiled today will help bring transparency and true price discovery to the cattle marketplace, bring back truth in labeling through the closure of the Product of the U.S.A. loophole, and invest in a stronger - and more American - meat industry. We look forward to working with the Administration to implement the provisions outlined in this Action Plan."
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Cattle Producers Help Shape the Sustainability Conversation as Part of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
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The sustainability conversation has been discussed for a long time in the U.S. beef industry. In the beginning, sustainability practices were coming from the top of the supply chain, which was not working well for beef cattle producers. Cattle producers responded by working with stakeholders up and down the beef pipeline, creating the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
Debbie Lyons-Blythe, the chairman-elect of the board of directors for the USRSB, said the Roundtable works because it is comprised of stakeholders from all aspects of the beef supply chain, from producers to packers, folks in retail to civil society.
“The retailers and corporations were forcing (cattle producers) to fit into their idea of what sustainability is,” Lyons-Blythe said. “When the Roundtable started to have their conversations, six years ago, it was obvious that producers were very much a part of that conversation.”
Today, USRSB has six key sustainability indicators which can be measured along the entire beef value chain, according to Lyons-Blythe. At the ranch level, sustainability is achieved through best management practices, she added.
“They are things that impact our ability to stay in business and manage our cattle and land appropriately,” Lyons-Blythe said. “The number-one question on our list is, ‘do you have a grazing-management plan?’”
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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 daily report heard on several of our Radio Stations- It's Called Cotton Talk!
Click on the Button below to listen to our most recent report
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Cattlemen's Congress in Road Gear at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds
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It's another busy day at the second annual Cattlemen's Congress in Oklahoma City.
In the Jim Norrick Arena- Ring one is featuring the National Gelbvieh & Balancer Open Bull Show at 8 am, followed by the National Red Angus Open Female Show at 11 am.
In Ring 2 of the Norrick Arena- the Limousin/Lim-Flex Junior Heifer Show will begin at 8 am and then that is followed by the National Gelbvieh & Balancer Open Female Show at 2 pm.
Over in the Performance Arena- the National Limousin/Lim-Flex Heifer & Bull Pen Show will kick off at 1 pm.
And a tremendous educational event is planned from 1 to 4 pm today as the National Beef Quality Assurance Seminar with Certification is happening at the Super Barn Sales Arena. Click here for details of that special BQA training.
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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
Oklahoma AgCredit supports rural Oklahoma with reliable and consistent credit, today and tomorrow. We offer loans for land, livestock, equipment, operating costs and country homes (NMLSR #809962) to farmers, ranchers and rural businesses across 60 counties. As a cooperative, we are owned by the members we serve. Through our Patronage Program, we have returned more than $74 million to our members since 1997.
For more information on our services or to find a location near you, visit our website here.
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A New Year's Resolution for Cow-Calf Producers
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Weekly, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel offers his expertise in the cattle industry. This is a part of the weekly series known as the "Cow-Calf Corner" published electronically by Paul Beck. Today, Peel talks about marketing forage for the highest value.
Cow-calf producers are constantly managing many production and marketing challenges. However, as we consider the coming year, one that deserves special attention is to produce and market forage for maximum value. Cattle producers are frequently reminded that they are really in the forage business and that cattle are a means to harvest and market forage. There are numerous considerations to market forage for the highest value.
In part, marketing forage involves considering cattle production and marketing alternatives that represent higher value for forage. For cow-calf producers, this includes considerations for marketing calves at weaning or retaining calves for backgrounding/stocker production as well as marketing cull breeding animals. The market environment in 2022 may provide more possibilities with reduced cattle numbers favoring weaned calf production and marketing yet, at the same time, higher grain prices and elevated feedlot cost of gain increase the value of added forage-based weight gain on feeder cattle. Producers will have more options and potential to add value and planning now can improve returns to cattle and forage production later.
Feed costs are the largest cost component for cow-calf production. Grazing is the least expensive feed for cows, so this means managing pastures for maximum quantity, quality and duration of grazing and having cows do most of their own feed harvesting. Early planning is necessary to plan annual forage production and grazing management. This must be done in conjunction with plans for cow-calf production, retained stockers and forage use as part of cull cow marketing.
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Bison: America's Original Plant-Based Protein
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Beef may be what is for dinner, but bison is America’s original plant-based protein. That is right, long before Europeans landed on the shores of North America with cattle and horses, bison darkened the Great Plains.
As the rangeland is the natural home to bison, making them hardy and accustomed, a small group of ranchers is keen on producing bison. Recently, we spoke with Donnis Baggett, president of the National Bison Association. He said while bison is like beef, there are some big differences.
“It is a heart-healthy, delicious source of protein and has been here for millennia,” Baggett said. “(Bison) are also stewards of the Great Plains of the United States.”
Baggett said he and his colleagues are privileged to now be stewards of the bison. As consumers expand their pallets, bison byproducts have become more popular, often found in pet foods, he added.
“Bison is lower in fat, cholesterol and calories than almost any other protein, yet higher in omega-3 fatty acids, iron and protein,” Baggett said.
Along with the nutritive difference between bison and beef, bison are not domesticated therefore must be handled slower and gentler than cattle, Baggett said.
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Express Ranches' Bob Funk Sr. Named Oklahoman of the Year
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The latest issue of Oklahoma Magazine named the Oklahomans of the Year. Those honored contributed to the state’s restoration in one way or another, whether that was by helping people get employed, getting them the healthcare they desperately needed or enriching their lives through entertainment and education. Sifting through the bad to find the good, these leaders did what it took to get Oklahomans back on top.
Bob Funk Sr., founder, CEO and chairman of Express Ranches and Express Employment professionals made the list of top Oklahomans thanks to his incredible contributions throughout the state and to the Youth of Oklahoma.
Gratitude is a theme of Funk's life, starting with appreciation for his hardworking parents and a cousin who gave him a job on his farm in Washington.
He then joined a human resource company in Seattle that transferred him to Oklahoma, a move he describes as the "greatest blessing in my life."
At the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network we are honored to have worked with Mr. Funk throughout the years and say congratulations on being an Oklahoman of the year.
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Almost Half of Oklahoma Wheat Crop Rated Poor to Very Poor as We Begin 2022
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It's no secret that much of Oklahoma got a LOT drier as we ended 2021- as the last Drought Monitor of the old year showed 95% of the state is in abnormally dry or worse condition.
As a result- wheat grazing is less than a year ago- Winter wheat grazed reached 36 percent, down 7 points from the previous year.
The condition of the 2022 hard red winter wheat crop is currently 44% poor to very poor, 36% fair and only 20% in good to excellent shape.
Oklahoma Pasture and Range ratings at the start of 2022 are 29% good to excellent, 36% Fair and 35% in poor to very poor condition.
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Check Out Our Appearance on the New Year's Edition of This Week in Agribusiness with Max Armstrong
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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 up yesterday. Choice Beef was up 77 cents and Select Beef was up 67 cents on Monday, 01/03/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 9,000 head on Monday- their first day of trade for 2022.
Compared to the last sale 12/13/21: Feeder steers and heifers steady to 3.00 lower. Demand moderate for feeder cattle. Steer calves 3.00- 6.00 higher. Heifer calves steady to 4.00 higher. Demand moderate to good for calves. Quality average to attractive, with a couple of loads of very high quality feeders available. A cold snap over the weekend brought light snow and frigid temperatures reducing receipts some. Many areas saw some sort of moisture, however most places remain extremely dry.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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The Joplin Regional Stockyards had a total run of 11,331 head for their first trading day in 2022 on Monday January 3rd.
This regular feeder sale also includes a yearling special. Compared to the last sale, (December 20th), feeder steers are trading 3.00-8.00 higher with some five weight steers trading 10.00 higher. Feeder heifers are trading steady.
Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.
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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 a big reason why Oklahoma is on track to become a top 10 state.
The Road to Rural Prosperity dives into these stories, 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.
Our Latest RRP is an end of year conversation between Oklahoma Third District Congressman Frank Lucas and Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Senior Farm/Ranch Director Ron Hays.
They talk about the recently passed extension of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Measure as well as the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, the continued wait on the US Department of Justice investigation into the major meat packers, Congressman Lucas' work on the Science Committee, his continued intentions to return to the House Ag Committee in time to be a part of writing the next Farm Bill and a comparison of Congress when he first arrived in Washington in the mid 1990s and today.
Search for Road to Rural Prosperity and subscribe on your favorite Podcast platform.
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, 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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