Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- EPA Unveils Latest Final WOTUS Rule
- Final EPA WOTUS Rule to be Costly and Burdensome for Farmers and Ranchers
- Ag Community Raise Concerns about New WOTUS Ruling
- At Cattlemen's Congress- Commercial Cattlemen Encouraged to Come Thursday
- Kevin McNew of Farmers Business Network Sees 2023 Being a Challenging, Yet Profitable Year for Farmers
- Jimmy Emmons Tells Ranchers Now is the Time to Start Rebuilding Carbon into their Rangelands
- Plan Now for a More Profitable 2023
- 21st Annual Demin and Diamonds Sale Coming up January 4th
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EPA Unveils Latest Final WOTUS Rule |
Last Friday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a final rule establishing a durable definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to reduce uncertainty from changing regulatory definitions, protect people’s health, and support economic opportunity. The final rule restores essential water protections that were in place prior to 2015 under the Clean Water Act for traditional navigable waters, the territorial seas, interstate waters, as well as upstream water resources that significantly affect those waters. As a result, this action will strengthen fundamental protections for waters that are sources of drinking water while supporting agriculture, local economies, and downstream communities.
“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act 50 years ago, it recognized that protecting our waters is essential to ensuring healthy communities and a thriving economy,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Following extensive stakeholder engagement, and building on what we’ve learned from previous rules, EPA is working to deliver a durable definition of WOTUS that safeguards our nation’s waters, strengthens economic opportunity, and protects people’s health while providing greater certainty for farmers, ranchers, and landowners.”
This rule establishes a durable definition of “waters of the United States” that is grounded in the authority provided by Congress in the Clean Water Act, the best available science, and extensive implementation experience stewarding the nation’s waters. The rule returns to a reasonable and familiar framework founded on the pre-2015 definition with updates to reflect existing Supreme Court decisions, the latest science, and the agencies’ technical expertise. It establishes limits that appropriately draw the boundary of waters subject to federal protection.
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Final EPA WOTUS Rule to be Costly and Burdensome for Farmers and Ranchers |
On Friday, December 30, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of the Army (the agencies) announced a final rule establishing a definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am visiting with the Chief Counsel for NCBA for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Council, Mary-Thomas Hart, about how this final WOTUS rule will impact ag producers going forward.
“When NCBA looks at any WOTUS definition, regardless of administration, we are looking for whether that rule regulates isolated features, whether it regulates ephemeral features, and if there are agricultural exemptions in place,” Hart said. “We got one out of three on today’s rule.”
The new rule includes agricultural exemptions for stock ponds, prior converted cropland, and certain drainage ditches, however, Hart said, the rule leaves open the possibility that the federal government can regulate ephemeral features or features that only carry water after a precipitation event.
“The federal government could also assert jurisdiction over isolated features like prairie potholes and playas,” Hart said.
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Ag Groups Raise Concerns about New WOTUS Ruling |
On Friday, December 30, 2022, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers released a new Waters of the United States Rule.
Among the reaction to the Biden Administration's Final Rule on WOTUS- Oklahoma Secretary of Ag Blayne Arthur called the Rule "concerning."
"EPA’s newly announced WOTUS rule makes it unclear if the federal government will regulate water resources located on farmland and other private property. That uncertainty will only impede the ability of Oklahomans to do their jobs.
"Further, the timing of this announcement coincides with the Supreme Court currently considering a case that will provide much-needed clarity related to the WOTUS definition. EPA has chosen to make their own ruling ahead of the SCOTUS decision, which may lead to yet another rule change in the near future. We believe this illustrates a lack of regard for those that are doing the work to feed our nation and world."
To read reactions from ag groups and Congressional Leaders on the new WOTUS rule, click below.
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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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Union Mutual was chartered in 1938 to write property and casualty insurance in the state of Oklahoma. Over the years, Union Mutual has maintained the attitude that started the company and continue to be that company that understands Oklahomans’ insurance needs when they contact any member of the UMIC team.
That’s 83 years of protecting rural Oklahomans, providing town and country, poultry house and legacy rural actual cash value policies.
With over 80 years of experience and 300 agents in all 77 Oklahoma Counties to serve you, it’s time to take a good hard look at Union Mutual Insurance Company.
For the agent nearest you, go to unionmutualic.com or give them a call at 405 286-7703.
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At Cattlemen's Congress- Commercial Cattlemen Encouraged to Come Thursday |
The 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress is quickly moving forward with national breed shows and sales. Tyler Norvell, with the Cattlemen’s Congress Board of Directors, says that already excitement is building toward the two Supreme Drives planned for next week.
Norvell says that Congress is the only major national show in the US that brings together all of the breeds showing in a Supreme Drive. Next Tuesday, January 10th- the first of the two Supreme drives will happen with the champions in the Open Bull and Female shows in the European breeds- as well as the Champion Junior Female in each breed will be evaluated against all the other breeds and a Supreme Champion will be selected. This will be the third set of Supreme Champions of these breeds that will be selected.
Two nights later- the American Breeds will have a similar show in those three categories. This will be the second time that the American breeds will have a chance to select a Supreme Champion.- as the 2022 show was the inaugural year for the American Supreme Drive.
Norvell also talked with me about the special effort to engage commercial cattle producers in the show in 2023. On Thursday, January 5th- “We have the Hereford Pen Bull Show on Thursday- and the Herefords wanted to pair up with us to do a luncheon for any commercial cattlemen that wanted to come in from the six state region- and we have a lot of RSVPs but even if you did not RSVP- we still want you to come.” He adds “This is a great place to see elite genetics- whether they are looking for a $2,500 to a $5,000 bull or a $100,000 bull- there is something here for everyone- so if you are a commercial cattleman and you are out there- come to Oklahoma City on Thursday.”
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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
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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Kevin McNew of Farmers Business Network Sees 2023 Being a Challenging, Yet Profitable Year for Farmers |
At the 2022 National Association of Farm Broadcasters conference in Kansas City, Farm Director, KC Sheperd, got the chance to speak with the Chief Economist and Head of Research for the Farmers Business Network, Kevin McNew about how Farmers Business Network aids farmers in making the best decisions for their operations.
“At Farmers Business Network we are about returning margin to the farm, and my job as head of data analytics is to understand what are their best choices, whether it is buying inputs, or navigating these complex markets that they are facing,” McNew said.
Because the drought has persisted for so long, and La Nina is persisting into the winter, McNew said he does not see much reprieve any time soon.
“But I do think that is going to be supported, especially as we turn our attention to South America’s growing season where they are probably going to struggle with the onset of La Nina in the winter,” McNew said. “I do think corn markets are going to stay very supported, wheat is going to stay a little bit supported, although I think wheat farmers are probably going to come back pretty strong in ’23 across the country with more wheat acreage.”
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Jimmy Emmons Tells Ranchers Now is the Time to Start Rebuilding Carbon into their Rangelands |
Over the decades, U.S. farmers and ranchers have significantly reduced soil carbon levels in farm and rangeland. In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am talking with Jimmy Emmons, who is a rancher, farmer, and Oklahoma Conservation Commission’s Soil Health Mentoring Coordinator, about the value of improving soil carbon levels.
“Most of the prairie region from here to the north was somewhere between seven and 14 percent soil organic matter, originally,” Emmons said. “Most of our country here in Oklahoma is less than one percent.”
Every percent of soil organic matter can hold around 20,000 gallons of water, Emmons said, depending on the soil.
“We see a lot of ponding, terraces full of water,” Emmons said.
Many producers think their water is ponding because they have received good rains, Emmons said, but in most cases, it is because their soil is not allowing that water to infiltrate. By practicing good stewardship such as minimizing tillage, grazing management, and more, Emmons said, producers can help their soil rebound and begin putting more carbon back into the ground.
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Plan Now for a More Profitable 2023 |
If you’ve been waiting for a sign it’s time to deal with the shoebox of receipts piled in the corner of your office or shop or on the kitchen table … this is it.
Dan Childs and Jason Bradley, two agriculture economic consultants at the Noble Research Institute, say that to end your financial year well, most of the work should already be done.
“Don’t wait until the end the year to cram it all in,” Bradley says.
To make the most of your end-of-year tax consultation meeting, be prepared with updated income/expense records, then use this final month of the year to reflect, recalibrate and look toward a more regenerative future on your farm or ranch.
If your tendency is to let receipts and statements stack up until the end of the year, make 2023 the year you ask for help to start a new habit.
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21st Annual Demin and Diamonds Sale Coming up January 4th |
The 21st annual Denim and Diamonds Angus sale is coming up on January 4th, 2023. Held in conjunction with Cattlemen's Congress, the sale will take place at the Super Barn Sale Arena at the OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
You can attend the sale in person or watch and participate online at Live Auction.TV- available here.
63 Elite Angus lots will be available, including Elite Donor and Show Prospects, Bred Heifers, Proven Donors, Flushes, ET Picks, Pregnancies, Embryos and Semen.
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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 higher- Choice Beef was up 65 cents and Select Beef was up $1.09 on Friday 11/20/2020.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Weekly Cattle Auction Reports
The buttons below allow you to check out the weekly Cattle Auctions in the region that we post on our website and here in our daily email update.
These are all the final markets held by the respective markets in 2022.
Note the first market report of the new year comes from the Joplin Regional Stockyards that had a regular sale on Monday January second
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The Joplin Regional Stockyards had a total run of 10,017 head for their first trading day in 2022 on Monday January Second.
Compared to the sale 2 weeks ago feeder steers traded 4.00-7.00 higher with feeder heifers trading 6.00-11.00 higher. Supply was heavy with very good demand.
Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.
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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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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.
Oklahoma Farm Report's Ron Hays talks regenerative agriculture and ranching with Jimmy Emmons. Jimmy is a long time resident of Leedey, OK. He is the third generation on the family farm in Dewey County. He and his wife Ginger have been farming and ranching together since 1980. They have a diverse 2000 acre cropping operation growing wheat, soybeans, sesame, sunflowers, irrigated dairy alfalfa hay, canola, grain sorghum and several cover crops for seed.
Jimmy has been monitoring soil health with soil testing since 2011 utilizing cover crops to enhance soil health.
Jimmy and Ginger also have a 250 cow/calf herd and take in yearling cattle for custom grazing on the nearly 6000 acres of native range. Ginger is the primary cattle manager in the operation. The Emmons’ utilize an adaptive multi-paddock grazing system on their range and forages grown on crop ground. They use the system to keep the native grasses and soils healthy, maximize biological diversity and optimize animal health.
As Jimmy Says- Long Live the Soil!
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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