Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Oklahoma Wheat Harvest At 85 Percent Complete
- Notable Increase in the Cost of Gain in Feedlots for 2022 says Dr. Glynn Tonsor
- NCBA and US Cattlemen Disagree Over Senate Ag Committee Action
- OSU's Mark Johnson Provides Tips for Managing Heat Stress in Cow-Calf Operations
- Want To Increase the Quantity and Quality of Your Forage? Here's What You Can Control in Your Regenerative Grazing Program
- Kids in the Kitchen Improves Eating Habits
- House Ag Committee Continues Series of Hearings on 2023 Farm Bill- Latest Focus is on Dairy
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Oklahoma Wheat Harvest At 85 Percent Complete
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Yesterday, I got the chance to speak with the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Mike Schulte about an update on the Oklahoma wheat harvest.
After some delays from rain and weather coupled with intense heat and wind for an extended period, harvest is finally coming to a close, Schulte said. Right now, he added, the Oklahoma Wheat Commission today is calling the state 85 percent complete.
"It really was a tough year all the way around due to the drought conditions all over the wheat corridor from southwest Oklahoma up into north-central Oklahoma," Schulte said. "I think producers in a lot of areas are really surprised that the yields are doing a little better than they anticipated."
If everything goes as planned, Schulte said the Oklahoma Wheat Commission sees wheat harvest being completed before the 4th of July Weekend.
In the Oklahoma Wheat Commission's Harvest Report issued on June 22, 2022, they give a detailed update on each region harvesting in the state and a summary of challenges and conditions faced during this year's crop.
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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.
The Tulsa Farm Show is Oklahoma’s premier agricultural and ranching event- and returns to the SageNet Center (Expo Square) December, 8-9-10, 2022.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2022 Tulsa Farm Show. To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here.
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Notable Increase in the Cost of Gain in Feedlots for 2022 says Dr. Glynn Tonsor
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In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am featuring commentary from Kansas State University Extension Livestock Market Economist, Dr. Glynn Tonsor. On KSU's Agriculture Today, now hosted by Samantha Bennett, Tonsor talks about the rising cost of gain in feed lots.
"You can look back over time at how the cost of putting weight on at the feed yard has varied over time," Tonsor said. "The most recent month I have closed the book on is April of 2022, and the cost of gain on the closeouts in April of this year were 120 dollars."
For context, Tonsor said closeouts in 2021 were at 96 dollars.
Higher production costs, Tonsor said, are not unique to the feedlot industry. Higher costs in society are currently higher in general, he added.
Discussion about higher cattle prices, livestock prices and higher meat prices are all relevant, Tonsor said, because the cost of producing those items and putting pounds on in the feed yard is up notably compared to one year ago, and especially three or four years ago.
In this interview, Dr. Tonsor also about higher production and labor costs impacting cost of gain and how he uses various resources to follow beef demand throughout the year and watch consumer patterns based on the economy.
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NCBA and US Cattlemen Disagree Over Senate Ag Committee Action
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On the other hand, the United States Cattlemen's Association is in favor of both bills.
NCBA says that although the Cattle Price Transparency Act was introduced when cattle markets experienced uncertainty because of the COVID-19 pandemic, market conditions have improved on their own without heavy-handed government intervention. This legislation would jeopardize that recovery.
The U.S. Cattlemen's Association disagrees and believes that without government intervention, negotiated trade in the U.S. marketplace will fall to zero percent by 2026 in parts of the country. When producers don't have the ability to negotiate a fair price for their cattle, U.S. Cattlemen's Association says based on current market conditions, it results in a vertically integrated, corporate-controlled beef supply chain.
NCBA opposes the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2022 and says that the legislation is duplicative and only creates additional bureaucracy for investigating anticompetitive behavior. U.S. Cattlemen's is in favor of the bill and would like to see legislation passed.
Editor's note- we will feature coverage the next couple of days on our Beef Buzz reports- comments from members of the Senate Ag Committee and from Ethan Lane of the NCBA.
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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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OSU's Mark Johnson Provides Tips for Managing Heat Stress in Cow-Calf Operations
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This week, Mark Johnson, Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist at Oklahoma State University offers his cattle breeding expertise. This is a part of the weekly series known as the "Cow-Calf Corner" published electronically by Paul Beck. Today, Johnson talks about heat stress.
Heat stress is caused by a combination of environmental factors including temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, air movement and precipitation. During the summer we need to assess the heat stress that cattle are under. Cattle on pasture are not as susceptible to heat stress as feedlot cattle because they have the ability to seek shade, water and air movement to cool themselves. In addition, radiant heat from dirt or concrete surface is increased for feedlot cattle. At temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit cattle can endure physiologic stress trying to deal with their heat load. Although cattle at this temperature are not at risk of dying they will have an increased maintenance requirement to cope with the heat.
Compared to other animals, cattle can't dissipate their heat load very effectively. Cattle do not sweat effectively and rely on respiration to cool themselves. A compounding factor on top of climatic conditions is the fermentation process within the rumen generates additional heat that cattle need to dissipate. Heat production from feed intake peaks 4 to 6 hours after feeding.
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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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Want To Increase the Quantity and Quality of Your Forage? Here's What You Can Control in Your Regenerative Grazing Program
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Below is a sneak peek of an article from the Noble Research Institute written by Meg Greski, a soil health educator for Oklahoma Convervation Commission:
Grazing animals have always been an essential driver of natural processes on Great Plains landscapes. Your grazing program determines whether your livestock contribute positively to your ranch ecosystem, or harm it.
Both outcomes have been observable across the world throughout human history and continue today. The amount and quality of forage you grow is directly dependent on your management decisions, as is the effectiveness with which your livestock harvest it.
Drought is likely to be with us for the foreseeable future. High input prices are likely to continue long term. But there are things producers can control. In my job at the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, I've seen how grazing management choices can make a drastic difference in the productivity of the land, the need for inputs and the health of the cow herd.
In this article, Greski talks about grazing methods to increase forage production and more.
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Kids in the Kitchen Improves Eating Habits
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With summertime in full swing, many parents and caregivers find themselves often hearing, "I'm hungry, can I have a snack?" Parents of older children who are able to stay home alone for several hours each day are concerned about the types of healthy snacks their children can safely prepare on their own.
Since good nutrition starts at a young age, parents are encouraged to get their children in the kitchen to help prepare snacks and simple meals.
"Getting kids in the kitchen early has proven to be one way to get today's youth started down a path of healthy eating," said Jenni Klufa, assistant state specialist for youth programs through Oklahoma State University Extension's Community Nutrition Education Program. "Research shows that even picky eaters are more willing to explore different foods if they've helped shop for and prepare them."
CNEP's KIK It Up! program now features many healthy snack options online for youth. The recipes have easy-to-follow directions and are geared toward children ages 6 to 15. The recipes are divided into age groups and correspond with age-appropriate kitchen skills. Most children should be able to prepare them on their own or with a little help from a parent, caregiver or older sibling. One simple recipe that's a healthy and refreshing snack in the summertime and easy for children to make is the Red, White and Blue Fruit Burrito.
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House Ag Committee Continues Series of Hearings on 2023 Farm Bill- Latest Focus is on Dairy
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House Ag Committee Chairman David Scott of Georgia gaveled in the the latest review of key Farm Bill programs on Wednesday- looking at Dairy programs.
Chairman Scott said in his opening remarks "A significant portion of today's hearing will cover the dairy safety net for family farmers, which is an integral part of ensuring the consistent production and availability of dairy products. Contained within that safety net is Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), a program that provides more comprehensive coverage to small and medium-sized farms than any program before it.
The creation of DMC was an important part of the 2018 Farm Bill, and it is vital that we understand if there are ways to further improve this tool so that it is working for farmers and the American people. I look forward to a productive conversation about programs, such as DMC, designed to give these farmers a safety net that works."
Top Republican on the Committee- GT Thompson of Pennsylvania offered comments as the hearing came to a close- saying "A strong and resilient dairy sector is critical to our rural communities, especially in my home state of Pennsylvania, and it is incumbent upon my colleagues and I to get dairy policy right in the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization. Today's hearing highlighted the need for a robust safety net that helps producers weather the tough years and effective programs that bolster the movement of dairy products throughout the supply chain."
Seventh-generation Pennsylvania dairy farmer Lolly Lesher emphasized the importance of the farm bill safety net program and called for milk pricing improvements today during a House Agriculture Committee hearing. Lesher, a member-owner of Dairy Farmers of America, testified on behalf of the cooperative and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) on Wednesday.
Lesher thanked Ranking Member G.T. Thompson (R-PA) for his years of advocacy on behalf of dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and beyond, and for his key role in overhauling the dairy safety net during the last farm bill. She also expressed her gratitude to Chairman David Scott (D-GA) for his work and for convening today's hearing.
Revised at the urging of NMPF in the 2018 Farm Bill, USDA's Dairy Margin Coverage program offers effective margin protection for small and mid-sized farms and affordable catastrophic coverage for large farms. Lesher, whose family milks 240 cows in southeastern Pennsylvania, said in her written testimony that the program "has provided important security to family's farm." She urged the committee to make additional updates to reflect current production, so the program remains a viable safety net.
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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 lower- Choice Beef was down 99 cents and Select Beef was down 71 cents on Wednesday 06/22/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West El Reno had 7,181 of cattle sold on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.
USDA Market News reports- Compared to last week: Feeder steers sold 2.00-8.00 higher. Feeder heifers traded 5.00-8.00 higher. Demand very good for feeders. Steer and heifer calves sold 4.00-6.00 higher. Demand moderate to good. Much more seasonable like weather has finally arrived allowing most of the wheat to be harvested.
OKC West El Reno Manager Bill Barnhart adds these comments via Facebook: "With the futures down hard today, the cash feeder market was surprisingly higher again this week. Several top quality offerings were on hand. Corn has lost a lot of ground in recent days giving cattle feeders a shot at lower cost of gains but the price increase on feeders has more than made up for it. Little fat trade reported so far this week but a huge spread has developed between northern packers and southern plants."
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
Reagan Calk, Farm News and Email Editor
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.
KC Sheperd visits with Dakota Moss of Livestock Risk Services. When the pandemic hit in 2020 the cattle markets along with the rest of the world suffered. Many farmers and ranchers altered their marketing plans on crops and livestock to try and prevent a loss in the down Covid markets. This led to cattle being held months longer than planned hoping for a better market. Unfortunately for many farmers and ranchers they had no choice but to sell much heavier cattle into a down market. Resulting in a lower $/cwt price and profits lost. Sheperd and Moss discuss some alternative options for producers with the Livestock Risk Protection program.
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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