Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Howdy Neighbors!
Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 

  • U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Highlights Key Work in 2021 to Combat Climate Change

  • Tuesday, January 18, 2022, Fire Situation Report: Fire Activity Increased Over the Weekend

  • American Hereford Association's Focus Includes Consumer Education in 2022

  • NASDA Sets Federal Policy Priorities for 2022

  • Animal Agriculture Alliance Educates the Public from a Grass Roots Level

  • 2021 Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Certified Preconditioned Calf Sales

  • Happening Today and Tomorrow- Red River Crops Conference in Altus

  • Emerging Leaders Luncheon to be Held at CattleCon22
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Highlights Key Work in 2021 to Combat Climate Change
Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement delivering on the commitment to combat climate change and highlighting key accomplishments to combat climate change at the Department of Agriculture since the Biden-Harris Administration took office on Jan. 20, 2021.

The effects of climate change on the nation’s agriculture, natural resources and communities are already a grim reality. Longer, more severe droughts, catastrophic wildfires, flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and other record-setting natural disasters exacerbated by climate change continue to devastate lives and livelihoods.

“Climate change threatens our food security, safety, and the environment we all depend on, but USDA is taking action to respond,” Vilsack said. “Working closely alongside our partners and those we serve, we are conserving precious natural resources, supporting climate smart forestry and agriculture, helping agricultural producers make their operations more climate friendly and resilient to climate change, and protecting communities from wildfire.”
Sponsor Spotlight

Union Mutual was chartered in 1938 to write property and casualty insurance in the state of Oklahoma. Over the years, Union Mutual has maintained the attitude that started the company and continue to be that company that understands Oklahomans’ insurance needs when they contact any member of the UMIC team.
 
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Tuesday, January 18, 2022, Fire Situation Report: Fire Activity Increased Over the Weekend
According to yesterday's Fire Situation Report from the Oklahoma Forestry Services, 10 fires burned 249 acres in southeastern Oklahoma. The Campground Fire, in the OFS Protection Area, burned 152 acres and is 100% contained.

Today: The cold front arriving overnight will bring much cooler temperatures along with some snow chances in the Panhandle primarily and wintry weather northeast. Cooler temperatures and sky cover will serve to limit fuel receptiveness although fuel dryness and increased winds across the west and central counties will support potential for problematic fire behavior on an established wildfire.

Near Term: Below-average temperatures and continued sky cover will mute fire danger for a few days. The current 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast holds no hope for improving the dryness that continues to build. Fortunately, no critical fire weather is in the current forecast period.

Find today's Fire Situation Report on our website.
American Hereford Association's Focus Includes Consumer Education in 2022
American Hereford cattle’s ability to thrive in adverse environments, cross well with many other breeds and docile nature has driven the breed’s popularity in the U.S. We sat down with Jack Ward, the executive vice president of the American Hereford Association, to discuss how genomic advances in the cattle business have helped the breed.

Ward credits the breed’s success to American Hereford breeders who have kept their cattle economically relevant in the industry.

“Whether it is calving ease, the right amount of growth and milk (production),” Ward said. “Just as important is end-product merit.”

Breeders can achieve end-product merit through the AHA Certified Hereford Beef program, Ward said. Four years ago, AHA changed CHB carcass specifications, opening up requirements for choice or better.

“It has really opened up some doors for us because now we have a product that is of the same quality, equal to or better than our competitors, and we are different,” Ward said. “That white face is pretty easy to pick out, so consumers can differentiate when they go and select CHB.”
Support Our Sponsors!
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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
NASDA Sets Federal Policy Priorities for 2022
NASDA members, the state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture, hand-selected nine issues to serve as the organization’s primary policy focus for 2022. They include the 2023 Farm Bill, animal health, climate resiliency, food safety, the food and production supply chain, infrastructure, international trade, workforce development and defining “waters of the United States.”

“These issues were chosen for NASDA’s 2022 focus, as these are the areas state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead impact and direct policymaking solutions. Most importantly, our members see these issues as priorities we must address to best serve the farmers, ranchers and communities in their states.” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.

Food supply chain issues, animal health, the 2023 Farm Bill and defining WOTUS are not new issues to NASDA, but the organization is giving heighted attention to these areas in 2022.

McKinney noted the particular importance of finding solutions to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Food supply chain disruptions compound challenges the industry already faces, and undulating demand and market prices for food and materials have created difficulties for farmers, ranchers, food processors and consumers alike. NASDA members will continue to use their unique influence across all areas of the food system to advocate for policies and forge partnerships that meet the current and local food supply needs of their states,” McKinney said.

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.
Sponsor Spotlight


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. 
 
They would like to thank all of you who participated in their 2021 Tulsa City Farm Show. 
 
Up next will be the Oklahoma City’s premier spring agricultural and ranching event with returns to the State Fair Park April 7-8-9, 2022.
 
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2022 Oklahoma City Farm Show.  To learn more about the Oklahoma City Farm Show, click here. 


Animal Agriculture Alliance Educates the Public from a Grass Roots Level
A small but mighty team makes up the Animal Agriculture Alliance. Founded in 1987, the non-profit organization brings folks from all corners of the agriculture industry together to safeguard the future of animal agriculture in the U.S.

KC Sheperd, director of the Oklahoma Farm Report, sat down with Emily Solis, communications specialist for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, to talk about a couple of programs the organization offers.

“The Animal Ag Allies program was launched last summer,” Solis said. “The purpose of the program is to empower farmers, ranchers and practicing veterinarians to be outspoken advocates for agriculture both online and in their communities.”

Participants take part in online courses made up of five modules that give an overview of the different sectors that make up the animal agriculture industry in the U.S. and more, according to Solis. The Alliance teaches Allies to advocate for agriculture that they may not be familiar with from a personal standpoint.
2021 Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Certified Preconditioned Calf Sales
Today for Cow-Calf Corner, Kellie Raper, extension beef cattle marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, and Jeff Robe, Oklahoma Quality Beef Network coordinator, offer their expertise in the cattle industry.

The OQBN wrapped up another year of VAC45 certified sales in late December. OQBN scheduled 10 fall sales across 7 markets. A total of 2,674 head were enrolled in OQBN by 63 producers, with 1,633 marketed through OQBN sales. Preliminary average premiums were calculated from data collected by Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Economics Specialists that included 11,027 head marketed in 1,352 total lots: 228 OQBN and 1,124 non-OQBN. Following below average premiums in 2020, preliminary numbers indicate producers likely saw a favorable increase in 2021 premiums for preconditioned calves over non-preconditioned as the approximated average premium received was $15/cwt.

The largest proportion of calves marketed through OQBN sales were 4 to 6 weight calves accounting for 79% of OQBN calves. Premiums received for 4-weight steers ranged from $16.92 to 37.01/cwt and from $0 to 22.55/cwt for heifers. The largest proportion of OQBN calves were in the 5-weight class with premiums for steers ranging from $10.36 to 22.08/cwt and for heifers, $0 to 35.53/cwt. The 6-weight calves represented the second largest proportion of OQBN calves marketed with premiums for steers ranging from $3.83 to 8.83/cwt and from $6.62 to 30.00/cwt for heifers.

Premiums appeared stronger when more OQBN calves or other program calves were present, likely drawing in a larger audience of buyers to compete for preconditioned calves and generating greater selling power.
Happening Today and Tomorrow- Red River Crops Conference in Altus
Oklahoma State University Extension and Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension are again teaming up to present the annual Red River Crops Conference on Jan. 19-20.
As usual, the conference will focus on cotton the first day(today) and in-season crops the second day. You can register on site. This year’s conference will take place at the Jackson County Expo Center, located at 300 S. Todd Lane in Altus, Oklahoma.


Topics and speakers for Jan. 19 conference sessions include:
  • National Cotton Council update – Dr. Jody Campiche, National Cotton Council director of economics and policy analysis.
  • Cotton market update – Dr. John Robinson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension cotton marketing economist.
  • Herbicide program update – Todd Baughman, OSU Extension weed specialist.
  • Cotton Inc. overview – Ryan Kurtz, director of agricultural and environmental research for the organization.
  • Cotton insect update – David Kerns, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Integrated Pest Management coordinator.
  • Cotton area program update – Emi Kimura, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agronomist, and Seth Byrd, OSU Extension cotton specialist.


Topics and speakers for Jan. 20 include:

  • Grain and livestock market update – Francisco Abello, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension farm management economist.
  • Current wheat crop status and in-season management – Amanda de Oliviera Silva, OSU Extension small grains specialist.
  • Sorghum pest control technologies and research update – Brent Bean, director of agronomy for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.
  • Current weed control studies in the Southwest – Misha Manuchehri, OSU Extension weed specialist.
  • Hay storage and management – Marty New, OSU Extension area livestock specialist, and Aaron Henson, OSU Extension Tillman County agricultural educator.
  • Farm Bill update and outlook – Bart Fischer, co-director of Texas A&M’s Agricultural Food Policy Center.          
  

Best bet if you have decided to make the last minute decision to go to the Conference is to put the address in your GPS and head that direction this morning or tomorrow morning.
Emerging Leaders Luncheon to be held at CattleCon22
Headed to Houston? #CattleCon22 is just around the corner and we are excited to once again bring you the Emerging Leaders Luncheon.

This unique event connects college students and recent college graduates with cattle industry leaders in an interactive group setting. Emerging leaders will engage with mentors from a variety of professions across industry segments to discuss career opportunities and pathways to leadership over lunch. This networking event provides emerging leaders invaluable connections for professional success.

See the complete #CattleCon22 schedule by clicking the blue button below!
Let's Check The Markets!
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.
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.
Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices continue to go higher. Choice Beef was up $1.63 and Select Beef was up $1.34 on Tuesday, 01/18/2022.

Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
OKC West in El Reno had 4,000 head on Tuesday of this week for their calf and stocker sale.

Compared to last Tuesday: Steer calves under 450 lbs sold 2.00-4.00 higher remainder of the steers traded mostly steady. Heifer calves sold
4.00-6.00 higher. Demand good. A cold front is expected to sweep across the trade area towards the end of the week. 

For today- OKC West is expecting 5,500 head and will be starting their sale at 9 AM.

Click below for the Tuesday report- we will have the complete weekly report for the Tuesday-Wednesday sales tomorrow morning.
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..
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.
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network - analyzing the Futures Markets for that trading day- as reported by KC Sheperd.
Slaughter Cattle Recap: 
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by the USDA Market News
TCFA Feedlot Recap:  
Finally, here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
 
Ron Hays, Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster and Editor
 
KC Sheperd, Farm Director and Editor

Dave Lanning, Markets and Production

Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager

Chelsea Stanfield, Farm News and Email Editor


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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We also appreciate our Market Links Sponsor - OKC West Livestock! 


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.
God Bless!
Reach Out To Us:
Tim West
President/General Manager
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network

2401 Exchange Avenue,
Suite F
Oklahoma City, OK 73108

405.317.6361
Ron Hays
Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
OklahomaFarmReport.Com

405.473.6144