Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Thursday, August 11, 2022
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Preventing Spread of ASF and More with Alicia Gorczyca-Southerland
- Lankford Works to Protect Oklahoma Ag Land from Foreign Purchases
- Factors to Consider When Planning for Drought with Dr. Laura Goodman
- Congressman Frank Lucas Tests Positive for COVID
- Poor Hay Crop Requires a Sustainable Winter Plan
- Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program Offered Free of Cost to Agriculture Community
- Megan Bradley, Leedey, Okla. Wins National Anthem Singing Contest
- August Area Meetings Planned for Tonight in Woodward and Kellyville
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Preventing Spread of ASF and More with Alicia Gorczyca-Southerland
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I had the chance to talk with Assistant State Veterinarian for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Alicia Gorczyca-Southerland on the sidelines of the Oklahoma Pork Congress about preventing the spread of foreign animal diseases such as African Swine Fever.
“It is very serious for us,” Gorczyca-Southerland said. “We are number nine in pork production in the United States. We have a very extensive show pig industry, so the introduction of ASF into the United States would be devastating to the pork industry whether you are a show pig or commercial swine company.”
Efforts in Oklahoma, Gorczyca-Southerland said, are focused on educating producers about biosecurity and steps they can take to prevent disease introduction onto their place.
“We have been working with the United States Department of Agriculture on a protocol that they are calling a mandatory stop movement, so that is going to be approximately 72 hours, and that means any swine products,” Gorczyca-Southerland said. “Any live swine and semen would stop the movement for that 72-hour period.”
This stop in movement for 72 hours, Gorczyca-Southerland said, allows the USDA along with state animal health officials to get a grasp on the scope of where the disease is and more importantly where it is not, so when they lift the order, continuity of business can be maintained for individuals who are not within a controlled area.
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The vision of the Oklahoma Beef Council is to be a positive difference for Oklahoma's farming and ranching families and the greater beef community, and its mission is to enhance beef demand by strengthening consumer trust and exceeding consumer expectations.
And Check out this video below that helps you learn more about the Beef Checkoff- .
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Lankford Works to Protect Oklahoma Ag Land from Foreign Purchases
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Senator James Lankford (R-OK) announced his plans to introduce the Security and Oversight of International Landholdings (SOIL) Act in order to provide oversight and transparency of purchases of US agricultural land that threaten national security. Lankford is continuing to respond to concerns from Oklahomans about the multiple recent purchases of Oklahoma agricultural land by foreign entities.
“The state’s ‘legal’ marijuana trade has predictably attracted transnational criminal organizations to Oklahoma that are trafficking drugs and people. The transnational criminal organizations have partnered with Chinese-nationals to buy land and businesses throughout Oklahoma. This is a national security issue and a human rights issue. We need to know who is buying our land, how they are using it and if any criminal activity is occurring.”
Following Lankford’s most recent trip to the border, he was briefed by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics on the rise of drug trafficking and drug overdoses in Oklahoma. OBN supports Lankford’s SOIL Act.
“The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics is extremely grateful to Senator Lankford for his continued support of our agency’s efforts to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating inside Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program. This legislation includes critical elements essential for identifying domestic and international criminals who are fraudulently obtaining Oklahoma licenses to appear legitimate on the surface while trafficking their marijuana to black markets throughout the United States. My agency is committed to working closely with Oklahoma’s Congressional Delegation, as well as our federal law enforcement partners to combat these drug trafficking organizations that are attempting to gain a foothold in our state,” OBN Director Donnie Anderson.
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Factors to Consider When Planning for Drought with Dr. Laura Goodman
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In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am back talking with Oklahoma State University Extension Specialist for Rangeland and Ecology, Dr. Laura Goodman, about factors to consider when developing a plan for drought.
“If we can come up with our plans before we are in this state, that is ideal,” Goodman said. “Figuring out who we are going to cull and who we are going to keep.”
Having some variety in your herd, Goodman said, and not just running cattle is a good strategy for years when there is not adequate forage.
“Another option we are looking at is using multi-species grazing, so mixing goats in pastures with our cattle, and that kind of provides a two-fold benefit that we can use some of the woody plants that stay green during drought for much longer,” Goodman said.
Goats are profitable, Goodman said, and the five-year average for 40 to 60-pound kids is $2.80 per pound. There are many producers who want to integrate goats into their operation but face many questions such as how to deal with parasites, predators, fencing, and more, Goodman added, so OSU Extension can help answer these questions.
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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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Congressman Frank Lucas Tests Positive for COVID
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Oklahoma's Third District Congressman Frank Lucas has joined the ranks of those who have tested positive for the latest strain of Covid- he tweeted on Wednesday "After experiencing symptoms this morning, I have tested positive for COVID-19. My positive case is a breakthrough case and, thanks to the science and efficacy of the COVID vaccines and boosters I’ve received, I am experiencing only mild cold-like symptoms."
While he's on the sidelines this week- in checking with his office- he is planning on making his August Town Hall meetings that are planned for next Wednesday and Thursday, August 17 and 18. That assumes a negative test before next Wednesday.
His office confirms what Congressman Lucas put out on social media that it appears to be a mild case for the Roger Mills County Republican.
Prayers for a speedy recovery to the former Chair of the House Ag Committee Frank Lucas
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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 AgCredit supports rural Oklahoma with reliable and consistent credit, today and tomorrow. We offer loans for land, livestock, equipment, operating costs and country homes (NMLSR #809962) to farmers, ranchers and rural businesses across 60 counties. As a cooperative, we are owned by the members we serve. Through our Patronage Program, we have returned more than $74 million to our members since 1997.
For more information on our services or to find a location near you, visit our website here.
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Poor Hay Crop Requires a Sustainable Winter Plan
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The drought has made it difficult for ranchers to stockpile hay for the winter season ahead.
Hay yields are much lower in 2022 than they were last year, and in areas of the state with the worst drought, hay season is non-existent.
“Producers don’t have anything to bale up,” said Gary Strickland, Jackson County Oklahoma State University Extension director and agriculture educator. “They may have gotten one cutting of alfalfa, and maybe a second if it was under irrigation.”
In the dryland fields of the southwest region, summer forages, such as sudan grasses and pearl millets, have emerged with very little growth. Strickland took a tour of five regional counties a couple weeks ago and found field after field of burnt-up grasses from the drought and extreme heat.
“The feeding toxicities associated with Sudan grasses and sorghum in drought is also a concern,” Strickland said. “We’ve had very little wheat straw hay baled up due to the high wheat acre abandonment, and irrigated Bermudagrass is not producing the tonnage it would normally produce.”
Dryland Bermudagrass needs rain and cooler temperatures to recover before winter. The current environment of relentless heat into the evening hours has not allowed grasses to repair overnight from the heat of the day.
“A lot of producers say they don’t have the hay to support their herds, and they have had to take cattle off pastures earlier than usual to prevent cattle from grazing perennial grasses too low,” he said.
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Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program Offered Free of Cost to Agriculture Community
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Associate Farm Editor, Reagan Calk, sat down with the Operations and Communications Manager for the Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Cheyenne Sparks, and talked about the services the program has to offer and who can utilize those services.
“Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program facilitates mediations across all 77 counties of Oklahoma,” Sparks said. “Anybody that is in agriculture, whether you are a lender, you are a producer, you work contract, you have fence line disputes, or family farm transitions, if you are in agriculture in any kind of conflict, we are here to help.”
Sparks said mediation is a voluntary, no-charge service offered to ensure the conversation keeps going.
“We want to make sure everybody gets to that agreement they are looking for,” Sparks said. “If you aren’t able to come to an agreement, at least you have more knowledge of the situation and you are able to continue on and make sure that you are not losing funding, you are not losing time, and you are not losing relationships in your agricultural practice.”
For individuals interested in mediation, Sparks said they come to you.
Typically, Sparks said mediation takes place in an unbiased location.
“So that could be your local library or local courthouse,” Sparks said. “We also are housed at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, so you could come to our offices and meditate there.”
Due to COVID, Sparks said they began offering virtual mediation sessions, so for those who are unable to attend in person, that service is provided for anybody who is looking to do that from home.
“When you start mediation, we will contact you,” Sparks said. “You call us to request mediation and we will contact you about scheduling and then we will get everything on the books and contact all parties involved so that they are able to come together to come to an agreement.”
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Megan Bradley, Leedey, Okla. Wins National Anthem Singing Contest
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The votes are in and Megan Bradley is the winner of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Ranch Rodeo National Anthem Singing Contest. Bradley will sing the National Anthem at the Friday night performance of the OCA Ranch Rodeo on August 19, 2022, 7 p.m., at the Lazy E Arena near Guthrie, Okla.
Bradley, an incoming freshman at Southwestern Oklahoma State University majoring in pre-dentistry. She has had the opportunity to perform on the Oklahoma Rodeo Opry stage as a part of the "Rising Star" series. She has also had the privilege of singing our National Anthem for the OKC Redhawks, OKC Dodgers, different rodeos, and several other sporting events, and was honored last year to perform for Governor Kevin Stitt.
“We’re excited to feature Megan singing the National Anthem at the very beginning of the Friday night performance. She’s a talented young vocalist and we are honored to have her kick things off for us,” said Weston Givens, OCA Ranch Rodeo Committee Chair.
The OCA Ranch Rodeo is a two-day event scheduled for August 19 and 20. Performances begin nightly at 7 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m with shopping inside the trade show. Make plans to join us at the Lazy E Arena. To learn more about the OCA Ranch Rodeo or purchase tickets, visit www.okcattlemen.org.
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August Area Meetings Planned for Tonight in Woodward and Kellyville
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Oklahoma Farm Bureau members traveled to Guymon and Ardmore on Monday as the general farm organization kicked off their 2022 August Area Meetings.
Pictured above is Steve Thompson offering an update to members in Lawton on Tuesday evening.
Meetings have taken place in Guymon and Ardmore on Monday and then Tuesday evening in Lawton and Enid.
These meetings allow members to consider and discuss some of the pressing issues facing agriculture and rural Oklahoma as they prepare for the development of organizational policy for the upcoming year.
Two more meetings are planned for this evening- The August 11th meetings include the District 1 East meeting at the Red Prairie Steak House in Woodward and the District 9 meeting at the Creek County Fair Grounds in Kellyville. Both meetings start at 6 PM.
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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 $1.50 and Select Beef was down 62 cents on Wednesday 08/10/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 9,686 head of cattle on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week on 8/9 and 8/10.
USDA Market News Reports "Feeder steers sold 5.00-7.00 higher. Feeder heifers 2.00-4.00 higher. Demand good to very good for feeders, especially cattle over 900 lbs. Steer and heifer calves under 500 lbs sold 10.00-14.00 higher, over 500 lbs 2.00-4.00 higher. Demand very good for light weight weaned calves, good for heavier weights."
Meanwhile- Manager Bill Barnhart of OKC West writes on their Facebook page "More of the same this week at the auction. 750 cows Monday and almost 3,000 calves Tuesday sold to surprisingly higher prices.
Lots of optimism around on feeder cattle too. Even though we are in drought conditions calves are showing some value based on the high feeder cattle prices. The overall reduction of cattle numbers could now be starting to show up. Little change in the fat trade so far this week. Feeder prices Wednesday were higher across the board with a smaller percentage of top quality cattle offered. Have a great week."
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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