Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Thursday, September 29, 2022 |
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- USDA's Proposed Regulations Under the Packers and Stockyards Act Raises Concerns from NCBA
- OSU Researchers Studying Producer Interest in Crop Insurance
- Record Turkey Prices Expected as Thanksgiving Approaches
- 5 State Beef Conference Comes to Beaver, Oklahoma on October 4
- Certified Angus Beef Takes Fine Dining to New Heights to Connect with Consumers
- NCGA Calls on Farmers to Contact EPA Regarding Atrazine
- NCBA and NMPF Weigh in on the White House Conference on Hunger Nutrition and Health
- Jennifer Litchfield Claims People's Choice Grand Prize in 2022 Dairy MAX State Fair Ice Cream Contest
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USDA's Proposed Regulations Under the Packers and Stockyards Act Raises Concerns from NCBA |
In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am visiting with Tanner Beymer, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, talking about the USDA’s new proposed competition and market integrity rules under the Packers and Stockyards Act.
“USDA announced quite a bit,” Beymer said. “The first was that they are going to be publishing very soon at the federal register the second three rulemakings on Packers and Stockyards enforcement. This is the latest iteration of what has become a 14-year debacle and what the industry has collectively referred to as the GIPSA rules.”
This administration has been looking at revamping some of those rules, Beymer said and building off of the work and replacing some of the work from previous administrations.
“We are looking at, in front of us, an undue and unreasonable preferences and advantages rule out of USDA,” Beymer said. “In addition to that, USDA also announced that they are going to be putting together a pot of money to the tune of 15 million dollars to enter into cooperative agreements with state attorney’s general to incentivize them to better enforce anti-trust statutes in the agriculture sector.”
This is very substantial work coming out of USDA, Beymer said, and relatively unprecedented as far as we have heard in respect to some of the parts that they have announced to date.
“Over the last 14 years, we have seen many different proposed rules that if allowed to finalize would have been absolutely detrimental to the way that we do business in this country,” Beymer said. “This rulemaking that USDA announced, is not officially a notice of proposed rulemaking- it is what they are calling a draft rule. It is 180 pages long and I am not exaggerating when I say that we broke our printer in our office and ran out of highlighters trying to analyze the first little bit of this.”
Beymer said NCBA will be examining this draft rule through the lens of the NCBA grassroots policy process to make sure they are advocating for economic independence and freedoms on behalf of members.
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OSU Researchers Studying Producer Interest in Crop Insurance |
Oklahoma State University researchers are requesting input from farmers and ranchers to gauge their interest in crop and livestock insurance.
Jenna Bryant, a graduate student in agricultural economics, hopes the findings will support efficient operations for agricultural lending insurance companies.
The survey has 12 questions. Participants must be at least 18 years old and live and farm in Oklahoma. Eric DeVuyst, agricultural economics professor and OSU Extension specialist for farm and ranch management, is assisting Bryant with the survey project.
“I reached out to people I know in the state and asked what research would benefit them and provide general information to other ag lending organizations,” DeVuyst said.
Bryant will use the survey results to determine the expected impact on customer retention, additional loan volume and any new loan volume. Findings will inform operations at Oklahoma Ag Credit locations and be made available to support efficient operations for all ag lending insurance companies.
“I have a strong interest in ag finance and believe this is a good gateway into that field,” Bryant said. “This feels like a project that I will be able to see an immediate impact from. It is geared toward not only helping this company in making decisions, but it can also help producers by expanding access to crop and livestock insurance.”
The survey, which closes Nov. 15, is open to all qualifying producers in Oklahoma.
OSU Ag Research is Oklahoma's premier research and technology development agency in agriculture, natural resources and the life sciences.
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Record Turkey Prices Expected as Thanksgiving Approaches |
Families can expect to pay record high prices at the grocery store for turkey this upcoming holiday season thanks to the impacts of the bird flu and inflation. American Farm Bureau Federation economists analyzed turkey and egg costs in their latest Market Intel.
The retail price for fresh boneless, skinless turkey breast reached a record high of $6.70 per pound in September, 112% higher than the same time in 2021 when prices were $3.16 per pound. The previous record high price was $5.88 per pound in November 2015, during the 2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak.
Inflation is adding to the price hikes. All retail food prices were 11.4% higher in August compared to the same time last year. Despite the higher prices, there should be enough turkeys available for the Thanksgiving demand.
“All of us are feeling the pain of higher prices at the grocery store,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “HPAI outbreaks in the spring and an uptick in cases in the fall are taking a toll, but farmers remain dedicated to ensuring America’s food supply remains strong.”
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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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5 State Beef Conference Comes to Beaver, Oklahoma on October 4 |
Farm Director, KC Sheperd, got the chance to visit with Mary Chris Barth to talk about the 5-State Beef Conference coming up on Tuesday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Beaver County Fair Building in Beaver, Okla.
“This conference rotates within counties in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico,” Barth said. “This year, Beaver County has the privilege of hosting it on next Tuesday, October 4, and we will start registration at 9:30 a.m. at the fairgrounds pavilion, then we will break for lunch, and end the session by 4 p.m.”
Barth said it has been quite a while since the conference was in Oklahoma.
“The last time I actively participated in Beaver County was 15 years ago, so we are very privileged to have it back, and looking forward to all people coming from multiple states,” Barth said.
The speakers, Barth said, will be talking about drought-related issues.
“I think we are all so tied to our weather situation right now,” Barth said. “Our headline speaker is Kit Pharo. He is from Cheyenne Wells, Colorado.”
Barth said Kit Pharo will be speaking about focusing on production per acre rather than production per cow.
“Mr. Pharo says a farmer doesn’t focus on production per plant, he focuses on the production of bushels per acre, so it is a similar concept for a rancher,” Barth said.
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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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Certified Angus Beef Takes Fine Dining to New Heights to Connect with Consumers |
With market swings and unpredictable weather, ranching can sometimes feel like an adventure. But rock climbing to a 100-feet high ledge for a fine dining meal with a celebrity? Only Colorado Angus rancher Ty Walter can say he’s done that.
Raising the "steaks," as part of the Certified Angus Beef Takes You There campaign, Walter participated in the brand inventing the "sport" of extreme dining. Focused on sharing the transformative power of food and idea that different culinary experiences can take consumers on a journey to different destinations, the campaign elevated the best Angus beef to new heights.
In a cliff-side setting, Walter joined actor, comedian and host Joel McHale to talk cattle production and what makes Certified Angus Beef ® brand products consistently superior - all while enjoying a four-course meal at an elevation of 8,500 feet.
"The thing I was most nervous about was dropping my fork," Walter says. "I’ve never done anything like this before, but that was the best beef I’ve ever had."
After a 2-mile hike, the pair rock climbed to a 100-feet high ledge. There, Walter and McHale enjoyed a four-course meal, featuring the Certified Angus Beef ® brand and Certified Angus Beef ® Prime products, all cooked by Certified Angus Beef Executive Chef Ashley Breneman from a kitchen in the sky.
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NCGA Calls on Farmers to Contact EPA Regarding Atrazine |
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraging growers to join its call-to-action and submit comments to the EPA on the important role atrazine, a popular herbicide, plays in their work.
The call-to-action was launched over the summer as EPA began revising its registration for atrazine. EPA is proposing a level of concern for atrazine at 3.4 parts per billion, down from the current level of 15 parts per billion.
The move would significantly impair the effective use of atrazine on farms, according to NCGA.
“Atrazine allows corn growers to experience higher yields using less land with fewer inputs, which is good for the environment and saves growers money,” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “Reducing the effectiveness of this important herbicide will hinder the work of farmers and turn the clock back on our conservation efforts.”
Since the organization launched the call to action on July 20, more than 3,000 growers have taken action through NCGA’s website. The response on this issue needs to reflect its importance to our industry, according to NCGA leadership.
EPA’s open comment period closes on October 7. You can join NCGA’s effort by clicking here.
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NCBA and NMPF Weigh in on the White House Conference on Hunger Nutrition and Health
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On Wednesday, September 28, 2022, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) CEO Colin Woodall attended the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to represent U.S. cattle producers who raise the most sustainable beef in the world and provide a nutritious protein to Americans.
Woodall says “The White House has prioritized ending hunger and increasing access to nutritious food and America’s cattle producers are ready to help by providing safe, sustainable, and nutritious protein to the world.”
Also, Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), issued a statement regarding the White House Conference on Hunger Nutrition and Health.
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Jennifer Litchfield Claims People's Choice Grand Prize in 2022 Dairy MAX State Fair Ice Cream Contest |
Everybody has a favorite flavor of ice cream, and the debate over whose ice cream is the best rages on each year at the State Fair of Oklahoma. The dairy farming families of Dairy MAX and the Oklahoma State Fair host an annual “From Cow to Cone Homemade Ice Cream Contest” during the fair each September to promote dairy products and raise awareness for dairy farming among the greater community.
Of course, the main ingredients in ice cream come from milk-and the most important part of that is milkfat, which gives ice cream its smooth and creamy texture. Ice cream just wouldn’t be ice cream without your favorite flavorings and mix-ins. From vanilla to chocolate chip caramel swirl, there’s no limit to how you can flavor your ice cream!
Judges sampled all the entries- and then the general public was able to join them and sample them, too. Class winners were selected by the judges- but the final say of the day was the People's Choice award from a vote of the general public who sampled and then voted.
The top honor this year was one of the Vanilla Ice Cream entries. Jennifer Litchfield of Oklahoma City came away with that championship. (You just can't beat a great tasting homemade Vanilla Ice Cream)
Dairy MAX always has a lot of fun with this contest- and it's a great way to interact with fair goers. Click on the link below to check out all the winners- and see the recipe for this year's People's Choice if you want to give it a try.
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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 88 cents and Select Beef was down $2.00 on Friday 09/28/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 6.610 head this week in their regular Tuesday-Wednesday sales.
According to USDA Market News- "Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers sold 5.00-7.00 lower. Steer and heifer calves sold 8.00-12.00 lower. Demand light for unweaned calves, moderate for long weaned cattle. Several fresh weaned bawling calves on offer as the Fall calf season is in full swing. Drought conditions continue with no relief of rain in the forecast."
OKC West Manager Bill Barnhart adds these comments on this week's market: "All classes sold lower this week at the auction. Big cow runs continue as producers try to hang on. Over the last 60 days we have seen 3 times as many cows come to market as normal. Stocker operators are beginning to lose hope for winter pasture with most not planted yet and no moisture in the forecast. Calves have also been plentiful and the market is now reflecting the lack of demand. Feeder cattle were softer as well, off 3.00-7.00 this week mostly on the prospects of higher feed costs."
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 shares the story of Joey Carter, a hard-working farmer who was widely regarded as a model citizen in a rural North Carolina town. Carter is the focus of a movie coming out in October called Hog Farmer- the Trials of Joey Carter.
He was not the type of person who ever expected to find himself caught up in the middle of a federal lawsuit involving some of the nation’s most ruthless trial lawyers and one of the world’s largest food companies.
But that’s exactly what happened when Joey’s family farm became the focal point in a series of nuisance trials that attracted national and international media attention. While his neighbors leveled charges of environmental racism in hopes of winning multi-million-dollar verdicts, Joey was left wondering how this could happen to a man who has always taken pride in playing by the rules.
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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