Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
|
|
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 |
|
|
|
Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Former House Ag Committee Chair Frank Lucas Officially Back on House Ag Committee
- Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur Looking Forward to Increased Opportunities for Oklahoma Commodities
- Red Angus Remains an Exceptional Stand-Alone Breed while Complementing Other Breeds Through Crossbreeding
- Register for Oklahoma Local Ag Summit 2023
- Derrell Peel talks Record Low Hay Stocks This Winter
- State Treasurer Todd Russ Hits the Ground Running
- 10 Things You Should Do To Get Started With Regenerative Grazing
- 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Angus Pen & Carload Show results
|
Former House Ag Committee Chair Frank Lucas Officially Back on House Ag Committee |
Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement Monday night after the House Republican Steering Committee and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson announced the Republican Members who will serve on the Committee for the 118th Congress, which includes former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Congressman Frank Lucas:
“I’m coming home to the Ag Committee,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “I’m proud in the 118th Congress that I’ll be returning to the House Agriculture Committee. Since being elected to Congress in 1994, I’ve been a Member of the Agriculture Committee, having had a hand in writing every Farm Bill since 1996 and serving as Chairman of the Committee from 2011 to 2015 crafting the landmark 2014 Farm Bill.
“At a time when strengthening safety nets and accounting for higher input costs are a necessity, it’s the responsibility of the Committee to work across the aisle to craft a comprehensive 2023 Farm Bill, ensuring America’s farmers, ranchers, and families have the tools and resources they need to grow the food and fiber and thrive in a 21st century America. Even in the hyper-political and terse times we live in today, I have the utmost confidence the House Agriculture Committee can provide certainty for our producers and innovation in nutrition programs. I thank Chairman Thompson for his leadership and his steadfast dedication to American agriculture, and I look forward to working with my colleagues delivering a Farm Bill for the American people.”
Editor's Note- We have discussed with the Congressman multiple times over the last two years his intention to get back on the House Ag Committee as the work got serious on the 2023 Farm Bill- back on election night 2022- he repeated his story of having a promise in hand from Leadership that his return to the House Ag Committee with his seniority on the Committee intact would happen- and the actions of the Republican steering committee on Monday evening has made that a reality.
|
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.
|
Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur Looking Forward to Increased Opportunities for Oklahoma Commodities |
At the Oklahoma Sorghum Producers meeting in Enid, Oklahoma, Associate Farm Editor, Reagan Calk, got the chance to visit with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur, about what she looks forward to in her next term as Secretary of Ag and adding value to commodities in Oklahoma.
“Very excited to be working with Governor Stitt again,” Arthur said. “We have a lot of things on our ‘to-do’ list, certainly. One thing we are really going to spend a lot of time on is our value-added products in the state of Oklahoma and really trying to access some of those international markets. We think there is a lot of opportunity there for Oklahoma producers and a lot of opportunity to really increase some rural development and just economic development in general in the state.”
After attending the meeting of the Oklahoma Sorghum Producers, Arthur talked more about adding value to commodities in Oklahoma.
“Sorghum is doing tremendous things, and we have had some discussions about looking for more research dollars,” Arthur said.
Dieticians and nutritionists have been hired, Arthur said, to encourage consumers that there are ways sorghum can be utilized in a healthy daily diet.
“We look forward from the department’s perspective to working with our sorghum producers, but also all of our other partners,” Arthur said.
|
Red Angus Remains an Exceptional Stand-Alone Breed while Complementing Other Breeds Through Crossbreeding |
In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am visiting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Red Angus Association, Tom Brink, about the value of the Red Angus breed alone, and when it comes to crossbreeding.
Red Angus showed up and showed out at the 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress, as the breed won Supreme Bull, shown by Pembroke Cattle Company of Fairview, Oklahoma.
The center of the Red Angus breed’s success, Brink said, is the Red Angus Association’s tagline, “Ranch Tested. Rancher Trusted.”
Red Angus has a tremendous reputation on the female side, Brink said, and there is quite a bit of data from Superior Livestock Actions to show that Red Angus females will sell above the price of just about any other breed.
“People know these cattle do work at the ranch level, and they are looking for that Red Angus cow,” Brink said. “She is a productive cow, she is a fertile cow, and she tends to last very well.”
Red Angus is an “all traits breed,” Brink said, and consists of genetics that can contribute to all segments of the cattle business and make all segments of the industry more profitable. Over the years, Brink said breeders have successfully improved a variety of traits within the breed, while sticking to that maternal base that Red Angus is known for.
|
|
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
|
|
Register for Oklahoma Local Ag Summit 2023 |
For the ninth year, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry in partnership with the ONIE Project will be hosting an educational packed summit for local ag. The Oklahoma Local Agriculture Summit, formerly called the Oklahoma Farmers Market and Agritourism Conference, is taking place February 27 – March 2 at the Stoney Creek Hotel. The summit’s focus is to continue the momentum for local food in Oklahoma. By providing a summit that strengthens local food systems, farmers markets, and agritourism sites through resources, education, and networking opportunities.
February 27 participants can choose to attend OLAC’s Innovative Farm Tour, where we will visit 3-4 innovative farms in NE Oklahoma. February 28 will kick off the summit with in-depth workshops, including marketing workshops, hands-on growing demonstrations, and industry meetings. On March 1, over 20 breakout sessions will be provided covering topics for growers, market managers, agritourism sites, and support organizations. On March 2nd, participants can attend a bus tour showcasing agritourism sites.
Registration is required for all events. Workshops and main summit day sessions are free to attend. Lunch is included on March 1st.
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
|
|
Derrell Peel talks Record Low Hay Stocks This Winter |
Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, offers his economic analysis of the beef cattle industry as part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner” published electronically by Dr. Peel and Mark Johnson. Today, Dr. Peel talks about winter hay stocks.
Two years of drought have severely depleted U.S. hay stocks. The recently released December 1 hay stocks from USDA showed total stocks of 71.9 million tons, 16.4 percent below the previous ten-year average and the lowest December 1 stocks on record in the data back to 1973.
Each of the top ten states for hay stocks was down compared to the ten-year average and collectively were down 20.8 percent from the 2012-2021 average December 1 stocks level (Table 1). The largest hay stocks on December 1 were in Texas, 25.8 percent below the ten-year average for the state. Other top ten states were down from the ten-year average ranging from Tennessee, down 10.9 percent, to Oklahoma, down 32.7 percent.
|
State Treasurer Todd Russ Hits the Ground Running |
Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ was sworn in Monday as the 20th State Treasurer of Oklahoma. Russ, a banker for more than 30 years, a farmer, rancher, and small business owner, said he is ready to get to work on behalf of all Oklahomans.
“I am deeply committed to evaluating the systems used to manage our money as a state,” Russ said. “The taxpayers deserve to know that their money is being invested in areas that comply with our laws and align with our standards and values.”
Russ laid out a plan to evaluate all the state’s investment partners and their policies regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to evaluate risk and growth opportunities. He is also committed to increasing the return of unclaimed property to its rightful owners, ensuring the value for the 529 College Savings Program and assuring that Oklahoma STABLE program investors receive the best rates possible.
“The dangers of ESG to our state’s financial well-being is a top issue for me,” Russ said. “I am concerned that companies that utilize these non-financial factors to make key financial decisions are missing the mark. We will not do business with those who are punishing Oklahomans based on these unattainable environmental or social values.”
“I plan to reevaluate the dollars invested on behalf of our state and ensure Oklahomans’ taxes are invested in companies that prioritize our values and ethical standard,” Russ said.
|
10 Things You Should Do To Get Started With Regenerative Grazing |
An important part of the regenerative ranching process is regenerative grazing. The use of livestock grazing is an important part of the ecological process to improve soil health and plant diversity. In starting this process, you might be asking yourself “What do I need to get started with regenerative grazing?”
Regenerative grazing is first and foremost a change in mindset from traditional grazing management. It is the proactive planning and active management of the grazing events: grazing the appropriate amount of leaf production at the optimal time, encouraging the grazing livestock to uniformly utilize the pasture or paddock, and managing grazing to maintain ample residual and allow full recovery of grazed plants before the next grazing event. Being adaptive and flexible, active monitoring, and managing for positive changes to improve soil health are the main differences between regenerative and traditional grazing management.
The flexibility of an adaptive system allows and encourages changes in grazing management of a property from year to year. These changes include:
- Shape of grazing paddock
- Size of grazing paddock
- Stock density (number of animals temporarily grazing an area)
- Duration (length of time an area is grazed)
- Intensity (amount of plant remaining after grazing)
- Frequency (how often it is grazed)
- Time of year
Other considerations are what type of grazing animal species to use (cattle, sheep, goats, etc.) and the physiological stage of production of those grazing animals (growing, mature, bred, open, lactating, dry).
|
2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Angus Pen & Carload Show results |
Angus producers competed for top honors during the 2023 Cattlemen’s Congress Angus Pen & Carload Show, Jan. 6 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Two carloads and nine pens-of-three were showcased.
John McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan.; Kevin Yon, Ridge Spring, S.C.; and Matt Perrier, Eureka, Kan., evaluated the bulls and heifers before selecting champions.
Deer Valley Farm, Fayetteville, Tenn., claimed grand champion carload, with eight August, September and October 2021 bulls sired by G A R Greater Good, SG Salvation and Deer Valley Growth Fund. The group weighed an average of 1,609 pounds and posted an average scrotal circumference of 39.4 centimeters.
Express Angus Ranches, Yukon, Okla., exhibited the reserve grand champion carload, with eight January 2022 bulls sired by EXAR Grenade 9152B, G A R Home Town and EXAR Vanguard 0614B and DB Iconic G95. The bulls posted an average weight of 1,476 pounds and an average scrotal circumference of 40.5 centimeters.
Boyd Beef Cattle, May’s Lick, Ky., showcased the grand champion pen of three bulls with January and February 2022 sons of G A R Home Town and Dvar Huckleberry 871. The trio posted an average weight of 1,279 pounds and an average scrotal circumference of 37.3 centimeters. The bulls first won early calf champion.
...
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices were mixed- Choice Beef was up 81 cents and Select Beef was down 34 cents on Monday, January 16th.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
|
Oklahoma National Stockyards had 14,600 head on Monday, January 16th.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers steady to 3.00 higher. Steer calves under 500lbs unevenly steady, over 500lbs, 6.00 – 8.00 higher. Heifer calves unevenly steady. Demand moderate to good. Dry weather continues and a strong market continue to drive cattle to town.
Click below for the complete closing report.
|
The Joplin Regional Stockyards had a total run of 11,226 head on Monday January 16th.
Compared to last week feeder steers traded 2.00-4.00 lower. Feeder heifers traded steady to 2.00 higher. Supply was heavy with good demand.
Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.
|
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
|
|
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:
|
|
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.
|
|
God Bless!
Reach Out To Us:
|
|
Tim West
President/General Manager
Rural Oklahoma Networks
405-317-6361
***************
Mike Henderson
Director of Sales
405-615-4922
|
|
KC Sheperd
Farm Director
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405-443-5717
|
|
Ron Hays
Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
