Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Thursday, January 20, 2022
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- NCBA's Scott Yager Hopeful EPA Will Pay Attention to Its Own Advisory Committee on WOTUS
- Russ Files Bill to Give Counties More Say in Marijuana Applications
- Tom Vilsack Highlights Key Work in 2021 to Create More and Better Markets
- At Long Last, Mississippi River Infrastructure Funding Approved
- Soy Checkoff Unveils a New Strategic Plan for 2022
- The In's and Out's Of Soil Testing
- Texas Tech Receives $44 Million Philanthropic Gift, Largest in School History
- Remembering Dr. Bob Terry
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NCBA's Scott Yager Hopeful EPA Will Pay Attention to Its Own Advisory Committee on WOTUS
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As the Biden-Harris administration pushes forward with their plans to redefine the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) in hopes of better protecting the nation’s water resources, a recommended definition revision was recently submitted by a federal advisory committee on the subject.
Scott Yager, the chief environmental counsel for the NCBA, told us the proposed WOTUS recommendations align closely with agricultural concerns.
“They put together some very specific and informative policy recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency administrator,” Yager said. “What I think is so interesting about that is that we have seen agriculture talk about WOTUS and the need for clarity and pulling back overreach, but I think this is the first time we have seen a federal advisory committee develop recommendations that align pretty closely with what we have been saying.
Some key points of the latest recommendations to EPA Administrator Michael Regan are to stay true to Supreme Court decisions, create a rule that retains agricultural exclusions that have always been in the rule, make sure the rule is understandable and reexamine the roundtable process, according to Yager.
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National Livestock was founded in 1932 in Oklahoma City. National’s Marketing Division offers cattle for sale weekly at the Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City. The Finance Division lends money to ranchers across several states for cattle production. The Grazing Division works with producers to place cattle for grazing on wheat or grass pastures.
National also owns and operates other livestock marketing subsidiaries including Southern Oklahoma Livestock Auction in Ada, Oklahoma, OKC West Livestock Market in El Reno, Oklahoma, and the nation’s premier livestock video sale, Superior Livestock Auction. National offers customers many services custom made for today’s producer. To learn more, click here for the website or call the Oklahoma City office at 1-800-310-0220.
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Russ Files Bill to Give Counties More Say in Marijuana Applications
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Rep. Todd Russ has filed legislation for the upcoming session that will give county voters the say over who is licensed to grow marijuana within their counties.
House Bill 2989 would require applications to grow marijuana to be filed by June 30 each year in the county where the grow facility is to be located. County Commissioners would then set a date for a vote to be held every other year for applications to be approved or denied. If denied, an applicant would not be able to reapply for five years within that county. If growers operate in multiple counties, they would have to apply and be approved by voters in each county where they do business.
"Many of our rural voters did not approve the state question that resulted in the legalization of medical marijuana in our state," Russ said. "Yet they are saddled with the ill consequences. And they are facing the possibility that petitioners will place a question on a future state ballot to legalize recreational marijuana."
Since Oklahomans approved medical marijuana in 2018 with very loose regulations the number of licensed cannabis growers in the state has ballooned to more than 7,000.
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Tom Vilsack Highlights Key Work in 2021 to Create More and Better Markets
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Yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued the following statement highlighting key accomplishments of the Department of Agriculture to create more and better markets since the Biden-Harris Administration took office on Jan. 20, 2021. The Biden-Harris Administration immediately went to work on addressing supply chain disruptions the agricultural sector experienced during the pandemic and identified a wide range of improvements that will produce a more diversified food system that more fairly serves farmers, ranchers and consumers.
“The pandemic has been tragic and heartbreaking for our communities and families, but the disruptions it caused provided an extraordinarily rare opportunity to identify and address foundational vulnerabilities in our food system,” Vilsack said. “In order to address these foundational issues as we build back better, we went to work to fundamentally change and improve America’s food system to create more, better and fairer markets for producers and consumers alike.”
“Disruptions the pandemic caused to the agricultural sector highlighted the need for our nation’s food system to be more diversified, thereby creating more options for producers and consumers and enhancing the resiliency of the food supply chain. The Biden-Harris Administration is focusing historic resources on addressing the fundamental challenges the pandemic exposed,” Vilsack said.
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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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At Long Last, Mississippi River Infrastructure Funding Approved
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Yesterday, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, alongside other industry partners, celebrated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' announcement to fully fund the update of Lock and Dam 25 in Winfield, Mo. The allocation of $732 million will improve critical infrastructure and create jobs for the region.
MCGA President Jay Schutte of Benton City, Mo., issued the following statement:
“This is great news for Missouri, Illinois, all the states along the Mississippi River-and the agriculture community as a whole. Last fall, a group of Missouri Corn board members had the opportunity to tour Lock and Dam 25. Commissioned in 1939, this facility was clearly well past its 50-year lifespan.
“Missouri Corn has been pushing river transportation improvements for decades, and today’s announcement will result in much-needed infrastructure upgrades on the Mississippi River. It is no secret in bulk commerce there is inherent value in efficiency. Missouri corn growers rely on sound lock and dam infrastructure to keep barges moving and commodities flowing downstream. This is quite literally our pipeline in getting our products to other global markets.”
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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
The Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program knows this is a hard time for farmers and ranchers. We want you to know we are still open, and we are still here for you. The Ag Mediation program is a free service that provides mediation to agriculture producers who may need help with ag-related disputes.
At Oklahoma Ag Mediation, we have been helping people in agriculture resolve conflicts since 1987. We know firsthand about working together to resolve conflicts, so you don’t have to go through the court systems. Let our professional mediators help you. Mediation is allowed for lease issues, farmer/neighbor disputes, family farm transitions, and more. These services are available at no cost for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers in all 77 counties. For more information, you can go to ok.gov/mediation, or give us a call at 800 248 5465.
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Soy Checkoff Unveils a New Strategic Plan for 2022
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It can be hard to imagine half of one percent of a farmer’s earnings from a bushel of soybeans can add up to much but think again. With percentages of pennies on every soy checkoff dollar, the United Soybean Board and Qualified State Soybean Boards focus those small investments in three key areas: Education, promotion and research.
Recently, the Oklahoma Farm Report’s own KC Sheperd spoke with USB Director Tom Oswald about a new strategic plan that prioritizes sustainable soy solutions for global and domestic customers while ensuring value and profitability for U.S. soybean farmers.
“I serve as the supply action team chair,” Oswald said. “That is the group (within) USB … that looks at how to grow beans better and how to grow the bean the market wants.”
To accomplish that goal the team looks at protein and oil composition, high oleic qualities, pests, weeds and more, according to Oswald. Developing better seed quality and genetics is also a large part of what the supply team does at USB, Oswald added.
“The supply action team is all about the farmer,” Oswald said.
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The In's and Out's Of Soil Testing
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Soil tests provide a scientific basis for evaluating available plant nutrients in cropland, pastures, lawns, and gardens. Analyses of soil samples can help farmers and homeowners fine-tune nutrient applications from fertilizers, biosolids, and animal manure. Properly managing the amount of nutrients added to the soil can save money and protect the environment.
Soil nutrients vary by location, slope, soil depth, soil texture, organic matter content, and past management practices, so getting a good soil sample stands out as a major factor affecting the accuracy and usefulness of soil testing. This fact sheet outlines some specific considerations which should be taken into account to get the greatest benefit from soil testing
Fields used for production of cultivated crops may be sampled any time after harvest or before planting. Generally, two weeks should be allowed for mailing, analysis, and reporting of results. Additional time may need to be allotted for ordering and application of fertilizers, manure, or lime materials. Noncultivated fields should be sampled during the dormant season. In either case, do not sample immediately after lime, fertilizer, or manure applications because those samples do not represent the true soil fertility.
Fields should be tested annually to measure the available nitrogen pool or as frequently as necessary to gain an understanding of how soil properties may be changing in relation to cultural practices and crop production.
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Texas Tech Receives $44 Million Philanthropic Gift, Largest in School History
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Gordon W. Davis has had a larger impact on the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources at Texas Tech University than just about anyone else.
A local businessman who spent 10 years as an associate professor in the college, Davis and his wife, Joyce, have given a $44 million donation, which represents the single largest philanthropic donation to Texas Tech in school history and is one of the largest investments in people and programs in an agricultural college in the U.S.
The gift will fund three areas within the college:
• A $25 million endowment that will directly benefit the college.
• A $4 million gift to establish the Gordon and Joyce Davis Endowment for Excellence in Meat and Food Science.
• A $15 million gift from the Gordon W. Davis estate to benefit future educational efforts within the college.
To honor this generosity, Texas Tech University is renaming the college the Gordon W. Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources.
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Remembering Dr. Bob Terry
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Word came this past Sunday afternoon from the family of Dr. Robert Terry that he had passed away that morning. Dr. Terry spent most of his professional career in Stillwater and taught Ag Education teachers that impacted literally thousands of young men and women who have come through the FFA program in Oklahoma and beyond.
He worked at OSU for over 30 years (18 years as Department Head of Agricultural Education) and was proud to say he taught 98 classes of AGED student teachers.
I worked directly with Dr. Terry towards the end of his career at OSU when he took on the duties of Director of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program in 1994- serving for eight years and leading four classes of the OALP from start to finish.
As he took on that role- I joined the Advisory Council of OALP that same year- and not long after that- I was elected for the first time as Chairman of the Advisory Council. That set me up for one of the most meaningful relationships in my life as Bob and I traded phone calls regularly about OALP matters- spent time together as we planned Advisory meetings, talked OALP but also life and began what became a tradition for me to help with media training in year one of each class.
It is said a man is strongest when he is on his knees- and Bob Terry's faith was clearly seen in his life. I saw it first hand up close and personal as we were roommates for the Class IX international travel to Argentina. Our discussions in the room and along the way in South America were impactful on my life and my walk with the Lord.
His legacy on this earth is truly amazing- those 98 classes of Student Ag Teachers, those four classes of OALP in which Dr. Terry had a role in polishing the lives of Lawmakers, Farm Group Leaders, Secretaries of Ag and some of the finest farmers and ranchers you can find here in Oklahoma.
Dr. Terry also has the legacy of his two children- Rob and Valery and their families.
Several words come to mind as I remember Dr. Bob Terry- Humble, Quiet, Respected, Servant Leader and of course- Friend.
A celebration of life will happen on February fifth at, of course, a place that Dr. Terry served in- University Heights Baptist Church in Stillwater. Details about that service, Dr. Terry's Life and how you can honor the memories you have of him can be read in the Obit link below.
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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 $2.11 and Select Beef was up $2.04 on Wednesday, 01/19/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 9,817 head on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers sold mostly steady to 2.00 higher. 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.
OKC West Manager Bill Barnhart added a few comments on the trade this week on the market's Facebook page- "The market remained fully steady on feeder cattle this week. Calves sold mostly steady on Tuesday except the better sets of weaned heifers which were 2.00-4.00 higher. Now that we have made it to mid winter most cattle are showing a lot of condition. As was the case last week fat cattle remain stagnant at 137 while choice boxed beef soars higher."
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/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
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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
Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
OklahomaFarmReport.Com
405.473.6144
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