Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Makes it Five GOP Contenders Vying to Replace Senator Inhofe Early in 2023
- USMEF Still Combatting Covid in Today's Global Market, Says Dan Halstrom
- Introducing Nathan Ezell of the Jenks FFA Chapter, Your 2022 Northeast Area Star in Agribusiness
- Tipton Field Day Approaching on April 26
- SB 1261 Failed the Committee Deadline This Past Week- Is It Dead?
- Inaugural OSU Cattlewomen's Boot Camp Slated for June
- USDA Releases Equity Action Plan
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Market Update with Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef
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Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Makes it Five GOP Contenders Vying to Replace Senator Inhofe Early in 2023 |
Former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt has filed to run for U.S. Senate. Pruitt will seek the seat being vacated early in 2023 by Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe.
Pruitt’s move to make it official on Friday came after it was reported last month that he was weighing a run, making calls to gauge support in a crowded Republican primary. Already, Rep. Markwayne Mullin, former Oklahoma Speaker of the House T.W Shannon, Inhofe’s former chief of staff Luke Holland and state Sen. Nathan Dahm are set to battle it out for the Senate seat. Former Congresswoman Kendra Horn is the lone Democrat to enter the race.
Shortly after Pruitt filed for the office- I spent a few minutes on the phone with the former EPA Chief- and asked why the interest in running. "Ron, I tell you as I contemplated this decision- as you indicated I left the administration back in 2018 after serving the President for a couple of years and led on some consequential things like the Waters of the US and getting out of the Paris Treaty" and he adds that four years later- things are going the wrong way on those issues and more and so "I could not stand by idly and not respond- I care too much about these things- I care too much how we as a country are a light to the world and we need to do things differently and how dependent the world is on us for energy and geopolitical issues- so "I make the decision to get in today- I'm excited about the race and I'm excited about being a voice for Oklahoma- people know when I was Attorney General I was a fighter- I was a fighter when I was in Washington, DC- we got things done but I didn't make it personal either and we need that kind of leadership in the US Senate."
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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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USMEF Still Combatting Covid in Today's Global Market, Says Dan Halstrom |
While most of the restrictions surrounding Covid are now behind us in the United States, that is not necessarily the case in some of our key international markets for U.S. Beef, says Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
“Well, we are still very much affected in Asia in particular,” Halstrom said. “Japan and Korea, two of our larger markets, recently have come off their more strict lockdown, so we are starting to see food service get back to some new normal.”
While Halstrom said international food service is not normal by any means, it is on its way back to normal. Halstrom adds that this will take a while because this has all just recently happened in the last 30 days.
“The bad news lies around China and Hong Kong,” Halstrom said. “China and Hong Kong are in a zero-Covid policy and literally the mainland of China is locked down. Businesses are closed and ports are open, but at reduced value.”
Halstrom says they have had to get creative with finding ways to reach out to test the consumer, especially with food service largely on the sidelines.
“Food service is getting hammered as you can imagine; That is nothing new,” Halstrom said. “But on the other hand, the online platforms- the delivery platforms- are just bursting at the seams with demand because people want to order online and bring their foodstuffs into their apartments.”
“One of the ideas we came up with together was creating these- we call them beef trucks, or pork trucks, depending on the species,” Halstrom said.
We park the truck somewhere close to the main entrance, Halstrom said, and people come out and do their tasting demo outside the store.
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Introducing Nathan Ezell of the Jenks FFA Chapter, Your 2022 Northeast Area Star in Agribusiness |
During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report is spotlighting the 17 Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization.
One Star Finalist featured in the coming days from each of the categories, will be named the State Star Award Winner during the 96th Oklahoma State FFA Convention coming up May 3 and 4th in Tulsa, Okla.
This week, our coverage of the 2022 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists begins with Agribusiness competitor Nathan Ezell of the Jenks FFA chapter representing the Northeast Area.
Ezell’s project involved his self-made business, EZ Metalworks.
“It is a business I have built basically from the ground up over the course of my agriculture education experience,” Ezell said. “I do everything from pipe fencing, custom gates, custom barns, and just anything you can think of that is made out of metal.”
His inspiration for this project, Ezell said, started from working on my grandpa’s cattle ranch.
“I plan to keep this business going,” Ezell said. “I am going to OSU next year to pursue a mechanical engineering degree, and I hope I can keep that going over the summers and then after getting that degree maybe, use it as part of the business.”
Our coverage of the 2022 Oklahoma FFA Convention is sponsored by Hilliary Communications, serving more than 19,000 customers with telephone service in 22 counties throughout Oklahoma & Texas. The company also offers IP television service and internet speeds up to 1 Gig. Hilliary Communications continuously researches the marketplace for innovations and strives to improve underdeveloped areas, offering services that exceed customer expectations. Click here to learn more about Hilliary Communications.
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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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Tipton Field Day Approaching on April 26 |
The annual Tipton Wheat Field Day for southwestern Oklahoma later this month will educate regional wheat producers on the research and developments invested in improving crop production.
“This event presents producers in southwest Oklahoma with regional research that is ongoing on wheat production systems,” said Gary Strickland, Oklahoma State University ag educator in Jackson County and the Southwest Research and Extension Center (SWREC) regional agronomist. "The overall emphasis of this is to look at the production and research of wheat in the southwest Oklahoma region to show producers what works and what doesn’t.”
The Tipton Wheat Field Day will be held 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., April 26 at Tipton Valley Research Center, 7753 State Highway 5 (4 miles south of Tipton on west side of Highway 5), which is part of the SWREC Station Complex in Southwest Oklahoma. The following research topics will be covered:
• OSU wheat variety demonstration
• Wheat hay forage yield and quality study
• Variety testing under limited nitrogen
• CoAXium wheat herbicide study
• Rescuegrass and wild oat herbicide trial
• Wheat breeding block
• Wheat foundation seed block
The event will also feature various guest speakers.
Early registration is not required, but participants are encouraged to register by 12 p.m. on April 22. To register, contact Aaron Henson at 580-335-2515, aaron.henson@okstate.edu or Gary Strickland at gary.strickland@okstate.edu, 580-477-7962.
Onsite registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the tour beginning at 9:15 a.m. The field tour will conclude with lunch and a presentation on Farm Bill policies and the Farm Bill outlook with Amy Hagerman, OSU Extension ag and food policy specialist.
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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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SB 1261 Failed the Committee Deadline This Past Week- Is It Dead? |
One of the more important priorities for many of the ag groups that interact with lawmakers at the Oklahoma state capitol is SB1261- and this measure- passed by the Senate- failed to pass out of the Committee it was assigned to in the House by deadline this past Thursday.
The measure- authored by Senator Brent Howard and Rep John Pfeiffer- amends state law that oversees aerial applicators in Oklahoma. It's aimed at protecting the spraying of crops and pasture in rural Oklahoma from being held hostage by growers of medical marijuana. The language that is added by SB1261 says "An award of damages to growing crops or plants resulting from negligent application or unintentional drift off target that is a violation of the Combined Pesticide Law shall be limited to:
a. crops or plants that are insurable under the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation program, or
b. crops or plants that are directly sold by the producer to the consumer. In a civil action arising from damages to growing crops or plants pursuant to this subsection, an award of actual damages shall not exceed the amount of compensation a producer has received from proven yield from the affected area.
If the producer has no proven yield from the affected area, an award of actual damages shall not exceed an amount equal to the county average yield for the specific crop or plant as calculated by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation program.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau's Steve Thompson tells us that the bill itself is technically dead- although the language from the bill could still find it's way going forward.
He says it's not time to panic- if you want to see the language (or something similar) become law- but farmers, ranchers and landowners need to be vocal about SB1261 and talk to their lawmakers(especially the House) about making this a priority as we approach May and get closer to the end of the 2022 Session.
Stay Tuned.
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Inaugural OSU Cattlewomen's Boot Camp Slated for June
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Women play a vital role in production agriculture in Oklahoma, and the upcoming OSU Cattlewomen’s Boot Camp is designed to help them continue down a successful road.
JJ Jones, Oklahoma State University Extension agricultural economics specialist in the southeast district, said this brand-new opportunity is a combination of other successful programs previously hosted by OSU Extension.
“We’ve taken elements of our popular Oklahoma livestock boot camps and combined them with the teaching method of Annie’s Project to come up with this program designed specifically for women in agriculture,” Jones said.
This hands-on learning opportunity for women in agriculture will take place June 6-8 at the Grady County Fairgrounds, 500 E. Choctaw Ave., in Chickasha. The three-day workshop will combine traditional educational programming with hands-on demonstrations and activities and classroom exercises. Registration is $100, and the workshop is limited to 50 participants.
For more information about the OSU Cattlewomen’s Boot Camp, contact Jones at 580-332-7011 or jj.jones@okstate.edu.
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USDA Releases Equity Action Plan
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In support of Executive Order 13985 Advancing Racial Equity and Support to Underserved Communities, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) made its Equity Action Plan (PDF, 500 KB) publicly available. The plan outlines actions USDA will take to advance programmatic equity to improve access to programs and services for underserved stakeholders and communities.
At the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA took swift actions to analyze data, consider a wide range of diverse stakeholder input, and prioritize activities that are immediately responsive to the urgent needs of those who have historically had difficulty understanding or accessing USDA’s programs and services.
To craft this Equity Action Plan, USDA first assessed and identified key challenges and opportunities through analysis of data and robust stakeholder engagement. Concurrently, USDA convened staff and leaders across USDA components to learn together and evaluate systems, practices, and policies that hinder progress. USDA Mission Areas and staff offices have identified challenges and opportunities of particular focus. The USDA Equity Action Plan highlights a set of actions USDA will take to advance equity; these particular actions are highlighted in the plan because of their potential high impact for underserved farmers and ranchers, families and children, and rural communities.
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Market Update with Paul Dykstra, Certified Angus Beef |
Another sideways price pattern developed the week of April 4th in the cash fed cattle trade as the market average came in again near $139/cwt. That marked five weeks with an average between $138 and $139/cwt. following a downward adjustment from $143/cwt. for the week of February 28. Looking at this past week, packer bids on Tuesday were consistent with last week’s average. (Editors Note- Cassie Fish in her regular commentary reported northern feedlots did get $142 with one string at $145)
As we near the middle of April, cattle feeders feel a spike in fed cattle prices is due immediately - if it’s to happen at all. This comes as feedyards are transitioning from long yearling finished cattle to spring-born calf-feds.
This period is typified by a brief supply gap incentivizing a price spike as packers compete for fewer pens that have seen enough days on feed to hit premium quality grade targets. The USDA data indicates that larger than normal feedlot placements in the fourth quarter, forced by dry conditions, will push more finished cattle toward feedlot show lists beginning in May. Should that condition develop, then feedlot pricing leverage will weaken.
It’s important to note that cull cow slaughter continues to run much higher than last year. A closer look shows cull cows were up an enormous 16.7% over a year ago in last week’s total, whereas fed steers and heifers were just 1.3% higher. Weekday fed cattle headcounts ranged from 94,000 to 97,000 last week except for Friday’s 91,000 total.
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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 76 cents and Select Beef was down 81 cents on Friday 4/15/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 4,300 head on hand Sunday evening- and according to Stockyards President Kelli Payne- they expect to start this morning's auction with 4,600 head and anticipate about 5,000 head for today's run. They will start today's sale at 8:00 AM.
Compared to the sale on April 4th- Last Monday Feeder steers 2.00 - 5.00 lower. Feeder heifers $1.00 - 3.00 lower. Steer and heifer calves 4.00 - 7.00 lower.
Quality mostly average. Demand moderate to good.
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
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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 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.
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Our Latest RRP features Don Schieber, the 2022 winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award, which is the highest award given by the Governor of Oklahoma to honor distinguished Oklahoma agriculture producers. This prestigious award honors leaders in the agriculture industry who exemplify personal values, performance, and achievement.
Governor Kevin Stitt presented Schieber his award during the Oklahoma celebration of Ag Day on March 24th- after riding with the honoree in a mule drawn wagon up Lincoln Blvd to the front steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Schieber is the 25th award winner and becomes the newest inductee into the Oklahoma Ag Hall of Fame. Ron and Don talk about his career in production agriculture- his work on behalf of wheat farmers with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission and US Wheat Associates that included traveling to 26 countries taking the Oklahoma wheat production story to buyers of wheat around the world. Don is a major supporter of the wheat breeding work of Dr. Brett Carver- having provided ground on his farm in Kay County for an OSU wheat Variety Field Plot for 17 years.
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
Rural Oklahoma Networks
405-317-6361
***************
Mike Henderson
Director of Sales
405-615-4922
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KC Sheperd
Farm Director
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405-443-5717
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Ron Hays
Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
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