Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News

Friday, April 7, 2023


It's Good Friday- Why?


Ag and Financial Markets Are Closed Today

Howdy Neighbors!

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 

 

  • Exceptional Drought in Oklahoma Increases Slightly This Week- Other Categories Virtually Unchanged


  • Genetic Improvement Climbs Higher as Data Collection from Ranchers Increases


  • Introducing Sarah Simons of the Morrison FFA Chapter, Your 2023 Northwest Area Star in Agriscience


  • Thank a Farmer this Easter


  • Easter Greetings from KC and Her Easter Bunnies


  • Momentum Continues for U.S. Pork Exports in February; Beef Exports Below Year-Ago


  • Southwest Ranchers Bull and Female Sale Tomorrow


  • Good Friday- A Bit More Personal for Ron

Exceptional Drought in Oklahoma Increases Slightly This Week- Other Categories Virtually Unchanged

According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor Report, exceptional drought increased from last week’s 12.83 percent to this week’s 15.27 percent.


Extreme drought or worse is virtually the same, moving from last week’s 37.30 percent to 37.99 percent.


Severe drought or worse is unchanged from last week, remaining at 48.59 percent.


Moderate drought or worse has moved from last week’s 53.68 percent to 53.65 percent.


Abnormally dry or worse conditions are virtually the same, moving from last week’s 60.31 percent to this week’s 60.30 percent.


According to the 6–10-day Precipitation Outlook map, the majority of Oklahoma is leaning above a 40 to 50 percent chance of precipitation through April 15th. The western half of the panhandle, along with eastern Oklahoma, is leaning above a 33 to 40 percent chance of precipitation. Further east, the chances of precipitation are near normal.


To view Oklahoma's drought numbers for this week, click the Oklahoma drought map above the story.

Click here to read a national drought summary and access this week's graphs and charts 
Sponsor Spotlight



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Genetic Improvement Climbs Higher as Data Collection from Ranchers Increases

In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am visiting with the Director of Performance Programs at the American Angus Association, Dr. Esther Tarpoff, about data collection to improve the cow herd.


Working with Angus breeders across the country, Tarpoff said a large portion of her focus is on data collection. Data collected, Tarpoff added, includes information such as birth weights and weaning weights.


“We are taking that information; we worked hand in hand with AGI, Angus Genetics Incorporated, to then produce the EPDs that Angus members get back on their registered Angus cattle,” Tarpoff said.


There are many opportunities, Tarpoff said, to collect phenotypes and make selection tools for Angus members and their customers. With many ways to collect that information, Tarpoff recommends starting small.


“Do what you can,” Tarpoff said. “Do what you are comfortable with to start and do what you can do well.”


Tarpoff also talked about genomically enhanced EPDs.


“We are very fortunate to be able to use those for sure in the Angus industry, but in the entire beef industry to make better selection for those calves early in their life,” Tarpoff said.

Click here to read more and listen to Dr. Esther Tarpoff talk about data collection to improve the herd.

Introducing Sarah Simons of the Morrison FFA Chapter, Your 2023 Northwest Area Star in Agriscience

During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report are spotlighting the 17 Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization.


The stars come from the five areas in four categories- Star in Ag Placement, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agribusiness, and Star in Agricultural Production.


One Star Finalist featured in the coming days from each of the categories will be named the State Star Award Winner during the 97th Oklahoma State FFA Convention coming up on May 2nd and 3rd in Tulsa, Okla.


This week, our coverage of the 2023 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists continues with Agriscience competitor Sarah Simons of the Morrison FFA chapter representing the Northwest Area.


“My freshman year, I did research over honeybees’ behavior, and how aminicolpred insecticide affects it, and my junior and senior year, I did research over investigating the habituation of a microscopic organism called the tardigrade,” Simons said.


In other words, Simons said she studied whether or not an insecticide could change the way a honey bee learns and behaves. The answer, she added, is yes- an insecticide can negatively impact the way a honeybee thinks.


“Even if you are having a sublethal exposure to an insecticide to honeybees, it is still going to damage how they think cognitively and physically,” Simons said. “I personally think that is the reason why the bee population is declining is because bees will get that, and they won’t be able to find their way back to their hive.”

Click here to read more and listen to KC Sheperd talk with Sarah Simons ahead of the 2023 Oklahoma FFA Convention in Tulsa
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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
Click here for our Latest Cotton Talk- Hosted by KC Sheperd


Thank a Farmer this Easter

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated by many people across the world. Did you know that farming plays a crucial role in many Easter traditions? From Easter baskets full of candy and sweets, to hidden eggs and baby livestock, in the United States, Easter symbolizes a rebirth and the unofficial kick-off to spring.

Here are some interesting facts, which showcase the impact that farmers have on Easter celebrations:


  • An estimated 180 million eggs will be purchased and used for decoration and made into deviled eggs.


  • 700 million marshmallow peeps will be sold.


  • 90 million chocolate bunnies will be produced.


  • 16 million jelly beans will be consumed.


  • Chicks and bunnies are also popular Easter gifts.


This year when you are decorating eggs, searching for your basket of goodies and enjoying your candy, don’t forget to thank a farmer.


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.
Listen to the latest Farm and Ranch News for Friday with KC Sheperd
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Sponsor Spotlight



The Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program knows this is a hard time for farmers and ranchers. We want you to know we are still open, and we are still here for you. The Ag Mediation program is a free service that provides mediation to agriculture producers who may need help with ag-related disputes.


At Oklahoma Ag Mediation, we have been helping people in agriculture resolve conflicts since 1987. We know firsthand about working together to resolve conflicts, so you don’t have to go through the court systems. Let our professional mediators help you. Mediation is allowed for lease issues, farmer/neighbor disputes, family farm transitions, and more. These services are available at no cost for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers in all 77 counties. For more information, you can go to ok.gov/mediation, or give us a call at 800 248 5465.

 



Easter Greetings from KC and Her Easter Bunnies

Happy Good Friday! Good Friday is one of my favorite moments at my Church (Crossings, OKC). Each year they have a Good Friday Experience in which you walk through the several Moments before Jesus's Last Days. It's Powerful and Moving and Sets the tone for Easter Weekend. Even though it's hard to walk through and think about how Jesus must have felt in those last days, it sets the mood for the days after when you know he will Rise!


I don't know about you guys, but lately, there are not enough hours in the day to get all the things I need to get done. The Girls will turn 10 Next Month, and we are blessed that they have found the 'things' they love to do. Londyn loves Singing and Playin the Piano and has recently found a love for gymnastics. Crosslee is hardcore into Softball, games, tournaments, and lessons. So my evenings are packed with practices, driving, recitals, lessons, more driving, finding food and snacks, helping coach and help, and more driving! Most days, I feel like I can barely come up for air, but I know I will want to remember and cherish these times. These moments will teach my kids what practice and hard work can do.


Easter is always special around here for a bunch of reasons. The number one is my anniversary in Christ and my Anniversary at Crossings Church. The second I heard that choir and orchestra at Crossings, I knew I had found my church home. This year will be extra special, too, because last November, both of my girls asked Jesus into their hearts, and they will be Baptised Next month. There is no better feeling than knowing your kids trust in the Lord!


My Easters as a kid consisted of going to my Grandma Leona's in Gotebo. She would make a big lunch, and we would hide Easter Eggs. And I remember she would always tell me she was "Drinking from her saucer because her cup had overflowed." I never really knew what that meant until I got older, and now I understand that with all my blessings, I'm doing the same.


So while I'm running around to games and practices, Hiding eggs with the family and packing Easter baskets, always thinking I probably forgot to do something somewhere.. at some time, I know these are the moments that I'm truly Drinking from My Saucer, because My cup has overflowed. Easter is a true Reminder of what God has done for us! I Hope you have that today, too, friends; Happy Easter.

Click Here To Listen to KC's "Drinking from My Saucer"

Momentum Continues for U.S. Pork Exports in February; Beef Exports Below Year-Ago

Beef exports totaled 105,057 mt in February, down 3% from a year ago, while export value dropped 16% to $757.8 million. For the first two months of the year, exports were down 9% from last year’s large volume to just under 206,000 mt, while export value dipped 24% to $1.46 billion. February exports to Japan and South Korea increased slightly from a year ago, though value trended lower. Through February, beef exports trended significantly higher year-over-year to Mexico, the Caribbean, the European Union and South Africa.


“On the beef side, it was encouraging to see a modest rebound compared to January,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “With Asian markets continuing to ease indoor mask mandates and eliminate travel restrictions, we expect to see a continued boost in restaurant traffic and foodservice demand as the year progresses.”


U.S. pork exports remained robust in February, achieving double-digit increases over last year in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were lower year-over-year but improved from the low totals posted in January.


Click here to read the full report from USMEF on U.S. meat exports

Southwest Ranchers Bull and Female Sale Tomorrow

The Southwest Ranchers Bull and Female Sale will be held at the Wheeler's Farm Sale Facility in Chickasha, Oklahoma on April 8.


There will be 138 lots, including 115 Angus, Hereford and Red Angus Bulls, and 23 registered open Angus heifers.

Click here for more information and to access the sale catalogue

Good Friday Has Become a Bit More Personal

As many of you know- I was honored to travel to Israel with Class XX of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program back in February- and the trip showcased amazing ag and the ancient culture of that land.


I won't speak for the others- but those memories will pale in comparison to living for a few days in the physical locations where Christ was born, grew up, had his earthly ministry and then offered His Love to Us by taking on the sin of all of us.


The picture above is at Station V of what is called the Via Dolorosa- Luke 23:26 tells of Simon from Cyrene who was in Jerusalem from the nearby countryside- perhaps a local farmer- he was grabbed by the Roman guards and forced to carry the cross of Christ along the street that leads to the hill of Calvary. Tradition says that at this point Jesus put his hand on the wall and over the centuries- pilgrims have placed their hand in the spot where Jesus- bleeding, in agony, rested for a moment. For just a few seconds- I put my hand there and thought of that "Good" Friday- the most pivotal day in history for mankind and our relationship with God.

Walking along the Via Dolorosa in Jersusalem made Good Friday just a bit more personal- reminding me of what Our Lord did for us all. The sunrise you see here was over the Sea of Galilee few days later- and I contemplated that morning about that AWFUL Friday for Jesus- and the fact that He came through it to Resurrection Sunday- giving us a chance to have a relationship with His Dad.


The word for it is Agape. I ran across these words that I want to share with you-


Agape love is unconditional, selfless, sacrificial love. It is love that has no boundaries; it has no end. It is love that never fails; it is love that gives us hope.

Our heavenly Father demonstrated agape love when He permitted His only begotten Son, Lord Jesus, to die in our place. He sacrificed His beloved Son to redeem us. Jesus displayed agape love as He gave up His holy dwelling and the riches of Heaven to live among us and then die on the cross as the price for our sins. He continued to bless us with agape love as He imparted to us His sweet Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Leader of our souls. He expressed His love as He made the blind see, the lame walk, and the dead arise. There is no greater love than the love that our Triune God has demonstrated toward us.

Come to our King and Savior, Jesus Christ, and experience the unconditional, selfless, sacrificial love that we can only receive through Him. 


If you want to talk about this open invitation that was made real 2000 years ago in that- drop me an email- my address is at the bottom of today's email.


AND from Jan and I- we wish you a wonderful Easter- and that you may know God's Agape Love.

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:
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.
Hear Today's First Look

Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices were mixed- Choice Beef was up $1.03 and Select Beef was down $1.53 on Thursday 04/06/2023.


Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News

Boxed Beef Report

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.


Oklahoma National Stockyards Market Report from 4/3/2023
Oklahoma National Stockyards Cow and Bull Market from Tuesday 04/04/2023
Tulsa Auction Report from Monday 04/03/2023
Joplin Regional Stockyards Market from Monday 12/21/2020
OKC West in El Reno Market Report from 04/04 and 04/05/2023
Woodward Livestock Market from Thursday April 6, 2023
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.
Read  Cash Grains Report from 04/06/2023
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network - analyzing the Futures Markets for that trading day- as reported by KC Sheperd.
Click to Listen to Our Weekday Wrap with KC
Slaughter Cattle Recap: 
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by the USDA Market News
Read Report
TCFA Feedlot Recap:  
Finally, here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
Read Report
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.

Since the legalization of Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma with State Question 788- criminals have flocked to the state to set up illegal grow houses because of cheap permits, cheap land and lax rules allowing them to get into the business of growing marijuana in Oklahoma- supposedly for the in state Medical Marijuana market.


Ron Hays talks with Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics spokesman Mark Woodward about how these enterprises have invaded Oklahoma- the magnitude of the current problem and how the state is pushing back on thousands of bad people who have set up shop in the state- with the hope to reduce the number of these operations dramatically in the days to come. It's a huge problem all across rural Oklahoma but Woodward believes progress is being made to reign in these illegal marijuana farms.


Search for Road to Rural Prosperity and subscribe on your favorite Podcast platform.


To hear this podcast, you can click here or tap below:

Listen to Episode 85 with Ron Hays talking Criminals in Oklahoma Growing Marijuana with Mark Woodward of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics
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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.
Head to Our Website OklahomaFarmReport.Com
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Radio Oklahoma Ag Network

405.473.6144
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