Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Crafting of the 2023 Farm Bill is Ramping Up
- 2022 Cattlemen's Congress Laid the Groundwork for a Major National Beef Cattle Show to be a Fixture in OKC Each January
- Oklahoman Steve Kouplen Appointed to Serve in Key Role at USDA
- Farm Bureau Seeks Revision to Cattle Transparency Act
- Bill Proposes Moratorium on Commercial Medical Marijuana Licenses to Address Compliance Issues
- The Importance of Good Cattle Handling Skills with Dr. Stephen Boyles
- Oklahoma Stars event raises over $62,000 for Angus Foundation
- In Memory of Terry Peach- the Man Who Brought Together Oklahoma's Ag Groups
- Marcie Mack Leaving Oklahoma Career Tech March One for New Role at MidAmerica Industrial Park
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Crafting of the 2023 Farm Bill is Ramping Up |
The 2018 Farm Bill is set to expire in fiscal year 2023. Each Farm Bill sets policy on everything from farm loans to conservation, school lunches to feral hog control and more. Such a large bill takes much planning, meaning there is already talk about crafting the 2023 farm bill.
We spoke with Bart Fischer, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University, about the development of the 2023 Farm Bill. Fischer is a native of southwestern Oklahoma and served as the House Agriculture Committee chief economist under Chairman Frank Lucas during the crafting of the 2014 Farm Bill.
“There are so many people who know so little about what actually goes into that bill,” Fischer said. “Our country (already) owes a tremendous amount of money. It always seems to happen, when we get into a Farm Bill debate, suddenly everyone wants to talk about reining in spending; it is agriculture and rural America who gets to navigate those stormy waters.”
At a time when there is so much uncertainty coming from inflation and high input costs in addition to always-present factors like poor weather conditions, foreseen uncertainty in the upcoming Farm Bill is incredibly stressful for American producers, Fischer said.
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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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2022 Cattlemen's Congress Laid the Groundwork for a Major National Beef Cattle Show to be a Fixture in OKC Each January |
Cattlemen's Congress in 2022 has set the stage for one of the premiere National Beef Cattle Shows in the United States to become an annual tradition that will ring in the new year in Oklahoma City.
We sat down with the Bray Haven, executive vice president of Cattlemen's Congress, to talk about the second year of the show that has already become the largest Beef Cattle show in North America.
“We got very positive reviews after our second annual Cattlemen's Congress,” Bray said. “People were really excited about some of the changes we made from the inaugural show."
The number of sales hosted, along with the revenue generated, climbed to new heights this year. In all, 13 sales were hosted at the OKC Fairgrounds, while nine were held off-site during the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress. The 22 sales generated $10.2 million during the 16-day show period – breaking the first-year record.
Additionally, the 2022 show had more 9,000 head of cattle entered with more breeds represented than before. While the number of cattle entered were similar to 2021, the number of cattle shown this year increased by more than 700 head.
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Oklahoman Steve Kouplen Appointed to Serve in Key Role at USDA |
It took a full year for one of two Oklahoma federal appointments within USDA to be filled- but finally last week, President Joe Biden named Oklahoma rancher Steve Kouplen.to head up the Farm Service Agency within the state.
Still to come will be the naming of someone in the President's party to oversee Rural Development efforts in the state- again under the USDA banner.
As for Steve Kouplen-
Born and raised on the family farm and ranch near Beggs in east central Oklahoma, Kouplen learned the value of education, graduating from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Education. While raising a family and operating a commercial Hereford cattle ranch and farm, Kouplen served in several county and state leadership roles, including serving as President of the Okmulgee County Farm Bureau and Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Chairman of the Oklahoma Beef Council, and member of the board of directors for the East Central Electric Cooperative, Beggs School District, and Okmulgee County Fair Board. He is also a past member of the local Farm Service Agency Committee and the Okmulgee County Rural Water District #6. Kouplen was elected in 2009 to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and quickly rose through the ranks to Minority Leader.
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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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Farm Bureau Seeks Revision to Cattle Transparency Act |
The American Farm Bureau Federation announced today its support of the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2021, with the exception of the bill’s establishment of mandatory minimums for negotiated purchases.
AFBF delegates voted last week in Atlanta to revise 2022 Farm Bureau policy. While Farm Bureau supports robust negotiated sales, delegates voted to oppose government mandates that force livestock processing facilities to purchase a set percentage of their live animal supply via cash bids.
“AFBF appreciates the hard work that has been done on both sides of the issue to address the pressing needs facing America’s cattle industry,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. “The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act takes positive steps toward ensuring fairness for America’s farmers and ranchers as they work to feed this country’s families."
The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act is sponsored by Sen. Deb Fischer and Sen. Chuck Grassley, and cosponsored by 14 other senators from both sides of the aisle. The legislation would also equip farmers with more information by establishing a cattle contract library, updating mandatory price reporting and increasing fines for companies that violate the Packers and Stockyards Act.
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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 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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Bill Proposes Moratorium on Commercial Medical Marijuana Licenses to Address Compliance Issues |
Rep. Rusty Cornwell, has filed legislation to temporarily pause the issuance of commercial medical marijuana licenses until existing facilities are fully in compliance with state law.
House Bill 3208 would sunset the moratorium after two years but allow the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to implement a moratorium on licenses as they deem necessary.
"Since 2018, Oklahoma has seen a huge number of commercial medical marijuana grows and facilities flooding into our communities," Cornwell said. "In the initial rush to roll out a system for granting commercial licenses, we've failed to enforce their compliance with state law. House Bill 3208 would temporarily pause the issuance of commercial licenses so that we can confirm current operations are complying with the law."
As of Jan. 6, OMMA reported 12,197 active commercial licenses, a 22% increase from 9,987 in Jan. 2021.
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The Importance of Good Cattle Handling Skills with Dr. Stephen Boyles |
Recently, a unique seminar was offered to exhibitors and producers that featured national beef industry and breed leaders with Beef Quality Assurance at the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress. The seminar also allowed folks to earn their BQA certification.
Dr. Stephen Boyles, a beef cattle extension special for The Ohio State University, was one of the speakers helping with producer certification at the event. He is also the 2021 BQA Educator of the Year. We caught up with Boyles after his presentation, which focused on cattle handling best practices.
“You are developing a relationship - an understanding with those animals for a number of years,” Boyles said. “If they get to know us and our movements, then they are going to understand, ‘Oh, this person wants me to move this way,’ and rather than be frantic about it, they are going to move in an easy matter.”
Boyles points out the fact that cattle are trainable, just like a horse or a dog. At the same time, handling cattle gently and humanely go far with consumers, according to Boyles.
“Our consumers expect this,” Boyles said. “It is not just the product itself - they expect this product to be brought to them a certain way. It makes them feel good to eat beef when they understand that an animal was handled in a proper way.”
The proof is in the blood chemistry, according to Boyles.
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Oklahoma Stars event raises over $62,000 for Angus Foundation |
The Angus breed has set itself apart not only in its commitment to produce high-quality cattle, but also to ensure a bright future for the breed. Support for the Angus Foundation allows it to effectively carry out its mission of youth, education and research. On Jan. 5, Angus enthusiasts gathered at the Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City, Okla. for the second annual Oklahoma Stars event. Held during the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress, the event raised over $62,000 for the Angus Foundation.
“We are so grateful for those who spent the evening with us at the Oklahoma Stars event,” Thomas Marten, Angus Foundation executive director, said. “It is through the loyal and generous support of our growing number of donors that many opportunities are available to our Angus youth and breed.”
Attendees spent the evening at the historic Will Rogers Theatre enjoying live music from local band Grassland Caravan and Certified Angus Beef® hors d'oeuvres. Tickets were sold for the chance to win several raffle items, including a Certified Angus Beef® brand cooler, Certified Angus Beef® brand knife set, cigars and whiskey package and a Vytelle embryo package. The highlight of the evening was the live auction, featuring a variety of exciting lots donated by generous supporters. The high-selling lot was the New Mexico Elk Hunt, donated by Reverse Rocking R Ranch, which brought $20,000.
“It was a great evening for the Angus family to gather in support of the Angus Foundation,” Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO said. “It’s our tremendous donors that allow us to offer such incredible opportunities to our members.”
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In Memory of Terry Peach- the Man Who Brought Together Oklahoma's Ag Groups |
Memorial services are set to honor Terry Peach of Mutual, Okla. at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Woodward, Okla. A viewing is set to take place Monday at the Billings Funeral Home Chapel at 1621 Downs Avenue in Woodward. The Tuesday afternoon services at the First United Methodist Church in Woodward are located at 1111 Downs Ave.
Last week, the Oklahoma Farm Report's Ron Hays shared some memories that he and others have shared about the legacy that Terry Peach leaves behind.
"With the passing of our friend and longtime agriculture leader and statesman Terry Peach, Oklahoma Agriculture has lost a gentleman who served the farmers and ranchers of this state multiple ways.
"Peach served as the Oklahoma executive director of the Farm Service Agency, an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, from 1993 to 2000, appointed by the Clinton administration.
The photo above is of Terry being honored by the Oklahoma Wheat Growers at their meeting in December 2010.
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Marcie Mack Leaving Oklahoma Career Tech March One for New Role at MidAmerica Industrial Park |
For the second time in less than a year- Marcie Mack has resigned from her role as state director of Oklahoma's Career Tech System. The State Board that she reports to rejected that first resignation last fall. This past Friday, Oklahoma Career Tech State Director Marcie Mack announced again that she was resigning and this time also announced she had accepted a position as manager of talent development with MidAmerica Industrial Park. MIdAmerica is the largest industrial park in Oklahoma and is located in Pryor.
The State Board of Career and Technology Education will consider Mack's resignation, with an effective date of March 1, at its meeting Feb. 17. The board will also consider the appointment of an interim director at that time, Mack said.
“It has been an honor to serve as the state director of Oklahoma CareerTech,” she said. “I have been afforded the opportunity to work with amazing staff, students, educators and business leaders across the state. The part I cherish the most is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of students and the success of Oklahoma businesses.
Career Tech has 29 campuses across the state of Oklahoma that offer a wide variety of vocational training. Of importance to the farm and ranch community- Ag Education is a part of Career Tech, which includes Oklahoma FFA- one of the largest and best FFA programs in the United States in terms of number of student members and national recognition that is garnered by those members year in and year out.
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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 Friday. Choice Beef was down 57 cents and Select Beef was up 15 cents on Friday, 01/21/2022.
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 the yards early Sunday evening- and Kelli Payne, President of ONSY expects to start with 10,500 head at 6:30 am as the Monday sale begins- a total of around 11,000 head is expected to sell.
Compared to January 10th: Feeder steers and heifers mostly steady to 2.00 higher. Steer calves steady to 3.00 lower. Heifer calves steady to 3.00 higher. Demand moderate to good. Commodity markets closed today due to the holiday. Several thin fleshed light weight cattle available. Weather continues very dry. Quality average to attractive.
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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