Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Emergency Drought Commission Approves Three Million Dollar Cost Share Program to Push Back Against Drought
- Hard Red Winter Wheat Production Lowest Since 1957
- Federal Disaster Programs Available to Aid Producers in Forage Loss and Transportation
- Happening This Week- 5 State Beef, Rural Renewal and Night of Champs!
- Op-Ed from Kenneth Corn: USDA- We Serve Rural Communities Too
- Legislature allocates $250 million from PREP fund to fuel economic development throughout rural Oklahoma
- Latest Southern Plains Perspective Blog: Hot, dry, dust and smoke all outside the back door
- Express Ranches Fall Bull Sale Happening Today
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Emergency Drought Commission Approves Three Million Dollar Cost Share Program to Push Back Against Drought
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Drought relief is one step closer to being on its way to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers following the second meeting of the Emergency Drought Commission. Commissioners Blayne Arthur, Julie Cunningham and Trey Lam met Friday, September 30, 2022, and unanimously approved a program proposed by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission which will distribute the $3 million appropriated by the State Legislature and approved by Governor Stitt in House Bill 2959 to Oklahoma ag producers.
After the meeting, Ron Hays, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, caught up with Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur- “I think certainly a longer meeting, but also lots of good discussion,” Arthur said.
The Emergency Drought Commission, Arthur said, values public input from producers and producer groups. While there is not enough money to stretch as far as everyone would like, Arthur said the commission is putting thoughtful consideration into how to address the needs of ag producers and provide them long-term benefits.
“Today, our focus was on several of those items listed from proposal from the conservation commission and lots of things specific to water,” Arthur said. “We will, I anticipate very soon, have another meeting to address a focus on the transport of hay and feed, because we know that is a great need for producers as well, but I think lots of good points were brought up today regarding that proposal and we want to be very thoughtful in what we decide to do so it is the best for Oklahoma.”
Pending final approval by the OCC, scheduled to meet TODAY- Monday, October 3, 2022, emergency drought cost-share funds will be made available to all 77 Oklahoma counties to be distributed by local conservation districts. Projects included in the program are water well drilling, pumping facilities, pipeline, pasture tap, watering facilities, heavy use protection, cover crop planting, forage and biomass planting (excluding Bermuda grass), and pond clean out(a point of emphasis in the discussion between the Commission and members of the Legislature present).
As for a time line on having the chance to apply for and receive these cost share funds- Trey Lam tells the Oklahoma Farm Report that if the Conservation Commission does approve the request to operate this project from the Emergency Drought Commission- "the application period should begin around the second week in October and close around November first. Districts should meet, rank and fund the qualifying applications in early November. Hopefully work can start by mid November. All work should be authorized by first week of December for sure. Some districts will move more quickly."
The Drought Commission stipulated to the Conservation Commission that the cost share max per contract would be 80% with the maximum payment not to exceed $7,500 per project.
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We are pleased to welcome the Oklahoma Pork Council as a sponsor of our daily email!!!
The Oklahoma Pork Council is producer-led organization representing the interests of all pig farmers throughout Oklahoma since 1991. Through federally collected Pork Checkoff funds, Oklahoma Pork promotes pork and pork products, funds research, educates consumers and producers and support the efforts of the Oklahoma pork industry.
October is National Pork Month! Join us in celebrating our state’s farmers and the safe, affordable pork they put on plates of Oklahomans and people around the world! Learn more about the Oklahoma Pork Council here: www.okpork.org.
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Hard Red Winter Wheat Production Lowest Since 1957
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Two USDA reports important for grains are released on September 30, quarterly Grain Stocks and the annual Small Grains Summary. This specific Grain Stocks report is important as the September 1 numbers represent final old crop ending stocks. USDA's most recent September 12 report used estimated old crop stock numbers. This report includes production revisions for corn and soybeans for the prior 2021 fall harvest. For wheat, September 1 stocks are what is left over after one-quarter of use. The second report, Small Grains Summary, revises the completed 2022 harvest estimates for wheat, barley, and oats.
Farm Director KC Sheperd caught up with Allendale's Rich Nelson, who says today's 531 million bushel estimate is the lowest since 1957's 429.
This year's HRW harvest is -29% from last year. Nelson said the wheat side is a very interesting story.
"They surprised us with a large wheat production revision for this crop we just harvested that going in the bins, 133 million bushel revision for the September report here." Nelson said.
Nelson said this is the largest revision for wheat production they've ever done on this report.
To see the USDA Small Grains 2022 Summary released on September 30, click here
To read the Quarterly Grain Stocks Report released on September 30, click here.
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Federal Disaster Programs Available to Aid Producers in Forage Loss and Transportation
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In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am featuring comments from Farm Director KC Sheperd’s conversation with Oklahoma State University Agricultural Economist, Amy Hagerman, talking about disaster programs available to help ag producers get through the drought.
“First and foremost, for any of our forage producers in the state that are grazing livestock, is the Livestock Forage Program,” Hagerman said. “Currently, 76 of our 77 counties have at least one pasture type that is eligible for the LFP program. It is a pretty straightforward program. The payment rate is based on the severity and length of the drought in the county during the growing season that is most important for that kind of grass. So, say your native pasture versus your warm season grasses versus your cool season grasses.”
If producers are interested in applying for that program, Hagerman said they can contact their local FSA office. Their farm should already be on file and the FSA office should be able to see what kind of grasses they have, how many acres, and what their stocking rate is.
“So, they will just need to provide their head of breeding animals that they had as of that eligibility date, and FSA will tell them what that is,” Hagerman said.
Hagerman said producers will also need to provide documentation of how many animals they had to sell because of the drought.
The ELAP Program (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish), Hagerman said, is another program that can benefit producers during this time.
“I have talked to people who are bringing in hay from 900, 1000, or more miles away to their operation when ordinarily they could buy hay within the state,” Hagerman said.
The ELAP Program, Hagerman said, will help offset part of the transportation cost of bringing that hay into the state.
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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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The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. With headquarters in Oklahoma City, the OCA has a regular presence at the State Capitol to protect and defend the interests of cattlemen and cattlewomen.
Their Vision Statement explains the highest priority of the organization- "Leadership that serves, strengthens and advocates for the Oklahoma cattle industry."
To learn more about the OCA and how you can be a part of this forward-looking group of cattle producers, click here for their website. For more information- call 405-235-4391.
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Happening This Week- 5 State Beef, Rural Renewal and Night of Champs!
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5 State Beef Conference Comes to Beaver, Oklahoma on Tuesday, October 4- the conference will feature guest speakers talking bout the latest in the beef industry and drought-related issues. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Rural Renewal Symposium Planned for Wednesday, October 5- Hosted by Oklahoma State University, this symposium unites stakeholders and researchers from across the U.S. to share current rural renewal research. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Tulsa State Fair Night of Champions on Wednesday, October, 5th
This is an evening to celebrate and honor 150 of Oklahoma's 4-H and FFA youth who "MAKE THE STAGE" as well as select the prestigious Grand and Reserve Grand Champions. For more information, CLICK HERE.
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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
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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Op-Ed from Kenneth Corn: USDA- We Serve Rural Communities Too
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Below is an Op-Ed by Kenneth Corn, USDA Rural Development - Oklahoma State Director
When people hear the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) they automatically get visions of farms, wheat, cattle and tractors. While it’s true that USDA serves the needs of the farm and ranch families across the country, its not our only mission. USDA-Rural Development serves the people and families that call rural cities and towns home in ways that many people are not aware.
It is important to remember that most of our vital resources and values come from rural America. We get our energy from rural areas. Our food supply is grown in rural communities. The water we need to survive often begins in rural areas that many of us never see. And it’s important to remember that it’s where some of America’s best ideas are born.
The mission of USDA-Rural Development is to not only help rural communities survive but prosper. We take our jobs seriously and look for ways to create opportunities to help rural cities and towns achieve progress by providing investments in both public and private sectors that improve the quality of life and economic stability.
When I was appointed by President Joe Biden to lead Rural Development in Oklahoma, I was reminded the President felt rural communities across America have been left behind. If you take a moment to reflect, you might realize that over the last few decades they have been. Populations are shrinking, job opportunities have been lost and infrastructure is crumbling. We in rural Oklahoma know this story all too well!
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Legislature allocates $250 million from PREP fund to fuel economic development throughout rural Oklahoma
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The Oklahoma Legislature has approved a slate of bills entailing a major investment in workforce and economic development throughout the state funding infrastructure improvements at industrial parks, aeronautics facilities, and the state fairgrounds as well as to increase Oklahoma’s presence with international trading partners.
During the 2022 legislative session, $250 million was allocated to the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity Fund (PREP). Those funds were allocated through the appropriations process and approved by the Legislature on Thursday in special session.
After vetting by the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding and its working groups, the Legislature also approved an additional $52.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that will be used for these projects based on the federal guidelines.
Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Chuck Hall explained lawmakers want to make rural communities more competitive for attracting well-paying jobs.
“The PREP projects will be transformational for rural communities and a boon for economic development,” said Hall, R-Perry. “By building out the infrastructure, or making improvements to existing structures, we will attract more investments, which means jobs and prosperity for Oklahomans.”
The funds will help industrial parks and aeronautics facilities, such as air parks, modernize and expand infrastructure, including water systems and broadband, which are vitally needed to attract greater economic development opportunities that will ultimately benefit the entire state.
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Latest Southern Plains Perspective Blog: Hot, dry, dust and smoke all outside the back door
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There is a new blog post out at the Southern Plains Perspective, by Clay Pope. Read a sneak peak below!
The drought just keeps hanging on and on and on……
Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words and heavens knows I don’t want to write a thousand words about this drought (now if it would rain, I would write a sonnet with more verses than the song ‘Halleluiah’). Instead, I thought I would just share a few images.
This is a picture of what I saw from my back yard earlier this week.
No, that’s not smoke signals on the horizon-it’s an out-of-control grass fire about 15 miles from my house. This is becoming more and more a normal sight as the dry conditions continue to hang on in my part of the world. It serves as a serious reminder that we all need to be mindful of the risk of wildfire during this time of drought.
Speaking of dry conditions… This is a close up of the region from the latest drought monitor (FYI–the darker the color, the worse the conditions).
And not only has it been dry, but the heat has been above normal as well (as once again illustrated by our friends at the MESONET….who have way too much fun making graphics by the way…)
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Express Ranches Fall Bull Sale Happening TODAY at the Ranch in Yukon
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Express Ranches - Rancher's Bull Sale
Monday, October 3, 2022
11:00 AM
At the Ranch
Yukon, Oklahoma
445 Head Sell
216 Angus Bulls
42 Hereford Bulls
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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- Choice Beef was down $2.33 and Select Beef was up 35 cents on Friday 09/30/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had right around 6,000 head Sunday late afternoon- and ONSY President Kelli Payne says they expect to start with approximately 7,000 head this morning- the auction will begin at 6:30 AM this morning.
From the September 26th sale: Compared to 9/19: Feeder steers steady, except for 6 weights and few 8 weights 3.00-6.00 lower. Feeder heifers 2.00-6.00 lower. Steer and heifer calves 10.00-15.00 lower. Demand moderate for all classes. Several un-weaned calves included today and these selling to limited demand. Quality mostly average. Temperatures have cooled off some and in the mid 80's but extended forecast remains dry.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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Here's our new feature that will be a part of the Monday Daily Email- market commentary from Bob Rodenberger, a partner with Stockman Oklahoma Livestock Marketing.
Bob will be talking Fridays with our own KC Sheperd with his commentary and will be posted on our website-- OklahomaFarmReport.Com.
We will share a link to it Mondays here in our market section of the daily email.
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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, Oklahoma Pork Council, 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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