Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
From: Ron Hays <ronphays@cox.net>
Date: 3/26/2018 6:01 AM
To: ron@ronhays.com



 
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We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network weekdays- if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it- click or tap here for this morning's Farm news from Ron Hays on RON.
 

 
Let's Check the Markets!  



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:
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
 
 
Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futuresclick or tap here for the report posted yesterday afternoon around 3:30 PM.
 
 
Okla Cash Grain:  
Daily  Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture on Friday, March 23rd.
 
  
Futures Wrap:  
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Network - analyzing the Futures Markets from the previous Day.
 
Feeder Cattle Recap:  
The National Daily Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
 
Slaughter Cattle Recap: 
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by the USDA.
 
TCFA Feedlot Recap:  
Finally, here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
 


 
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
 
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor

Carson Horn, Associate Farm Director and Editor
 
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
 
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production

Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News
 
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
   Monday, March 26, 2018
 
Howdy Neighbors! 

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 
 
FeatureAg Groups Continue to Worry Over China's Threats of  Retaliation - Except for R-CALF


Agriculture groups say trade retaliation from China will cause significant economic harm to the ag industry, if threats are followed through on by the Asian nation and one of the US ag industry's largest export customers.


China announced retaliation efforts to the Trump administration's tariffs on steel and aluminum, last week with their sights trained squarely on several major ag commodities.


American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the situation, stating Friday that if the trade situation "continues to deteriorate," the lives of farmers and ranchers "will become more difficult." China is mainly targeting U.S. steel products, fresh and dried fruits, and even ethanol, along with U.S. pork. 


The National Pork Producers Council said in a statement the tariffs by China will hurt the rural economy. Last year, the U.S. pork industry exported $1.1 billion of product to China, making that country the number two value market for U.S. pork. China is considering a 25 percent tariff on U.S. pork, along with recycled aluminum goods.


The US Meat Export Federation's President and CEO Dan Halstrom backed up those claims by NPPC, in his own statement.


"China is a key market for U.S. pork and especially for pork variety meat," he said. "In 2017, the U.S. industry exported 309,284 metric tons of pork and pork variety meat to China, valued at $663.1 million - our third-largest international market by volume and fourth-largest by value. For variety meat exports only, China was our largest destination in both volume (181,351 mt) and value ($425.2 million). In fact, China accounted for more than one third of U.S. pork variety meat exports last year."


It seems all of agriculture is distressed by these provocations stemming from the White House - all except populist group, R-CALF USA, with CEO Bill Bullard remarking that the United States is finally beginning to defend itself against unfair and imbalanced trade.


"We hope this is only the beginning of the President's efforts to help the United States begin producing more of what it consumes," he said. "The U.S. cattle industry needs to support these trade reforms in order to bring back America's middle class that has been decimated by failed trade policies. After all, it is America's middle class that covets U.S.-produced beef."

Sponsor Spotlight
 

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau - a grassroots organization that has for its Mission Statement- Improving the Lives of Rural Oklahomans."  Farm Bureau, as the state's largest general farm organization, is active at the State Capitol fighting for the best interests of its members and working with other groups to make certain that the interests of rural Oklahoma are protected.  Click here for their website to learn more about the organization and how it can benefit you to be a part of Farm Bureau.

TrevEdmond FFA's Trevor Lucas Named Successor to Retiring OK FFA Executive Secretary Kent Boggs

 
Trevor Lucas, Edmond FFA advisor and agricultural education instructor, has been named the successor to long-time Executive Secretary of the Oklahoma FFA Association Kent Boggs, who recently announced his plans for retirement. Our own Carson Horn sat down with Lucas, to discuss his career move and the opportunity to serve an organization that Lucas says he has grown to love.


Lucas talks about his experiences growing up through the organization as a member, a state officer, an ag teacher and ultimately in the position he will assume officially later this summer on June 15th. During those years of service as a member and state officer, he says was a time of both personal and professional growth. He credits the mentorship of Boggs as one aspect that has kept him driven, motivated and passionate about ensuring the programs he leads in his professional career are impactful to the students and members he teaches.


"I tell everybody, probably the best decision I ever made in life was the day I decided to walk through the front doors of my ag building in high school," he reflected. "That was such a great experience for me. I had a great ag teacher and I just fell in love with the FFA. My freshman year when I was a state officer, Mr. Boggs taught me so much and gave me so many tools that I carry with me every single day."


As he transitions into his new position, Lucas says he hopes to carry on the traditions and good work that is already practiced throughout the association, but says he is willing to take on and embrace change when and where it is needed to cement Oklahoma FFA's future success.


Get the scoop by reading the full story or listening to Carson's complete interview with Lucas - click or tap here.

ConawayHouse Ag Committee Chairman Mike Conaway Defends His SNAP Reforms and Talks Farm Bill

At the 2018 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention in Ft. Worth- cattle producers welcomed Texas Congressman and current Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Mike Conaway. Conaway talked about several issues- but spent most of his time talking about his work on moving forward with the writing of the 2018 Farm BILL. 


After his remarks to the Cattle Raisers, I had the opportunity to talk about the latest Farm Bill Developments with the Chairman- and asked specifically his reaction to getting a News Release from Ranking Member Colin Peterson saying Democrats had no willingness to consider the SNAP reform proposals of the Republican majority. Conaway's reaction- "Disappointment- Hurt a Little Bit- but mainly disappointment that they had taken that position of going to the sidelines. I'm not sure they understand what we are trying to do- we are going to spend the next couple of weeks trying to have this conversation with the American people. I've had it(the conversation) with folks who are typically really strong SNAP supporters- that are really nervous about any changes to it- they are really impressed about what we are trying to get done- and I have asked them for their support- after they see the language of course- But the policies are defendable- they are not punitive- they are just good common sense ideas that I think that most Americans will support."

Conaway says he will push forward with a farm bill markup in early April- saying that's when the time on the House floor is going to open up- and told us he is looking forward to working with long time Kansas Senator Pat Roberts in a Conference Committee setting later in the process.

We have two stories to link to for you- one is the exclusive conversation that we had with the Chairman- click or tap here for that.

The other story is the complete audio of his remarks to the TSCRA- they are under twenty minutes and he spends the majority of his time talking farm bill- so it's a worthwhile listen if you are concerned about the status of the Farm Bill efforts- click or tap here for that. 


BrownThe Brains Behind Renowned RA Brown Ranch, Donnell Brown, Shares His Three Tips for Success

Head Honcho of the Throckmorton, Texas based RA Brown ranching operation, Donnell Brown, helped open the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association Convention that kicked-off Friday in Fort Worth. We caught up after his inspiring speech, where he talked to producers about how they can essentially do a better job at what they do, be more efficient and profitable and more successful. He has worked to boil his whole successful ranching philosophy down to three rules.


"Rule No. 1 - Select the cow that fits your environment. The cow is the factory and if she's not running at peak efficiency, then she's probably costing too much money. Rule No. 2 - select the bull that best compliments the cow to produce the calf that best fits your market," he said, adding that this rule also forces a producer to consider their herd's strengths, weaknesses and the operation's overall marketing plan. "Rule No. 3 - select the breeding system that best fits your management style."
 

Abiding by these three rules and allowing the natural decision-making process to guide you along in the management of your operation, Brown says will ultimately put your ranch on a path to future success and profitability.
 

Click or tap here to read the full article on our website or to listen to my complete interview with Brown for more of his insightful tips.


BUZZCattle Market Under Pressure as Spring Season Kicks-Off with Growing Supply Situation and Drought

 As we kick-off this spring, several things seem to be pressuring the cattle markets, according to Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel. In a recent interview, he explained some of the factors that have been impacting the price of livestock and producers' bottom lines.


"I think we are probably seeing a seasonal component to these markets right now," he said. "Calf prices typically peak out at this time each year. We've also seen these markets pull back rather abruptly, and I think there's probably some other things going as well."


Beyond the seasonal patterns, Peel says he has kept his eye trained on the growing supply situation unfolding right now, that has many concerned as we move towards that peak season of slaughter during May and June. He says in addition to that, carcass weights are also of concern. Peel says the futures market has started to react to this with many long positions that have strongly supported the market in recent months beginning to pull out. Compounding this scenario, is the fact that drought conditions, especially in the southwestern part of cattle country, has continued to persist. Peel rejects the idea though that significant herd liquidation will occur, but contends the next few weeks will be critical in how things play out.


"There's a lot of general nervousness in markets right now that is really related to the macro-economic situation, specifically trade policy and that uncertainty," Peel surmised. "And, obviously the drought continues to be a very serious situation. I think from a market standpoint it's not eminent that we're going to see market reaction, but it could be an impact as we go forward."


Listen to Derrell Peel explain the pressures squeezing cattle markets this spring, with me on Friday's show - click here.

Sponsor Spotlight

 
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And- their iPhone App, which provides all electronic futures quotes is available at the App Store-
click here for the KIS Futures App for your iPhone.   

DMICheckoff Scientists Successfully Collaborate with McDonald's to Create New Dairy-Focused Offerings 

Dairy checkoff scientists who work onsite at McDonald's headquarters have helped the chain launch three items that continue its commitment to elevate dairy and provide customers with great-tasting menu choices.


Scientists working for Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff, collaborated with members of McDonald's culinary team to craft sandwiches and the Egg White Delight McMuffin which will now feature sharp white cheddar cheese slices that are more than 30 percent larger than the pasteurized process version previously used. Celebrating this debut, a new Signature Crafted Recipe - Garlic White Cheddar - will be added to the Signature Crafted Recipes lineup.


The burger chain also launched limited-time-offer McCafe Turtle Coffee Beverages that join a McCafé lineup that offers dairy in 90 percent of its items. In addition, a line of ready-to-drink McCafé Frappes at grocery stores nationwide has been launched, featuring three flavors - caramel, vanilla and mocha.



Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chairman of DMI, said this is another example of how national dairy checkoff partnerships deliver results.


Click over the original web article to read more about this success story for the dairy industry.
NACDNational Association of Conservation Districts Applaud Conservation Provisions in Omnibus Package

Before the weekend on Friday, Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law a Fiscal Year 2018 omnibus appropriations package that included provisions that will improve conservation delivery across the US which NACD President Brent Van Dyke expressed was very encouraging to see.


The omnibus includes strong funding levels for Conservation Operations at $874 million, including conservation technical assistance, and maintains full funding levels for farm bill conservation programs. Additionally, the System for Award Management and Data Universal Numbering System requirements to participate in conservation programs were eliminated - a move which has been support by NACD for years.


"Removing the burdensome task of SAM/DUNS reporting allows landowners and operators to prioritize conservation program participation without hindrance," said NACD CEO Jeremy Peters.


The omnibus also maintains funding for EPA's 319 grants and provides continued financial support for the Watershed Operations and Watershed Rehabilitation programs. Additionally, the package includes $335 million for the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry programs, which is an increase from FY 2017's levels, with $28 million dedicated to urban forestry efforts.
 

Click here to read more about the conservation provisions that were approved by Congress and the President included in the Omnibus spending bill.

Want to Have the Latest Energy News Delivered to Your Inbox Daily?
 

Award winning broadcast journalist Jerry Bohnen has spent years learning and understanding how to cover the energy business here in the southern plains- Click here to subscribe to his daily update of top Energy News.

 

Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K EquipmentAmerican Farmers & RanchersLivestock Exchange at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Stillwater Milling Company, National Livestock Credit Corporation, Oklahoma AgCredit,  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 also appreciate our Market Links Sponsor - OKC West Livestock 
 
 
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! You can reach us at the following:  
 
phone: 405-473-6144
 

 



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