Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News

Monday, May 8, 2023

Howdy Neighbors!

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 

 

  • "Ghost" Cattle Operation in Kentucky and Texas At the Center of of Major Fraud Allegations


  • March Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Two Years; Beef Exports Show Signs of Rebound


  • Jarold Callahan Sees Upcoming Cattlemen’s Conference to Have a Tremendous Impact on the Cattle Industry


  • Southern Plains Perspective: El Niño Cometh…(maybe)


  • Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces The DRIVE Act To Protect Ranchers, Farmers, and Truckers from Biden Overreach


  • Senator Roger Marshall Emphasizes Role of Crop Insurance for Producers and Consumers


  • Equine herpes a growing concern this show season


  • Kim Anderson Predicts Oklahoma Will Produce Slightly Above Wheat Production Estimates

"Ghost" Cattle Operation in Kentucky and Texas At the Center of of Major Fraud Allegations

The cattle industry is wondering how wide of an impact the apparent cattle marketing fraud unfolding this spring will have in cattle country. According to reports from Drovers and Beef Magazine online, upwards of 80,000 cattle may have been involved- and based on the bankruptcy filings of the companies connected to Brian McClain of Benton, Kentucky- there could be $50 to $100 million dollars worth of liabilities that creditors may not find recoverable.



McClain Farms Inc., 7M Cattle Feeders Inc. and McClain Feed Yard Inc. all filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United State Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas at the end of April. Farm Credit Associations in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, Lazy J Arena in Stillwater, Cactus Feeders Finance LLC, First Capital Bank of Texas, Caterpillar and Rabo AgriFinance are just a few of the over 100 creditors owed by the entities. Estimated assets range from $1 million- $10 million while estimated liabilities range from $50 million- $100 million.


The AMS issued a release on May third- as they search for anyone that may have been caught up in selling their cattle and not getting payment- saying “The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is notifying anyone who sold livestock to and has not received payment from McClain Farms Inc., 7M Cattle Feeders Inc., McClain Feed Yard Inc., or Brian McClain to file Dealer Trust claims promptly.


“Unpaid livestock sellers may be protected under a provision of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, that requires all livestock purchased by a dealer in cash sales, and all receivables or proceeds from such livestock to be held in trust for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers."

Read More-including USDA's Plea to Those Who May Have been Involved with the Operations of Brian McClain- 
Sponsor Spotlight



P&K Equipment is proud to be Oklahoma’s premier John Deere dealer with twenty locations across Oklahoma & Arkansas. We carry a full line of John Deere equipment from residential to large ag and compact construction equipment. We offer the solutions you need to back it all up- technology, parts, and service support. In these winter months, now is the perfect time to gain the ADVANTAGE with P&K’s maintenance & inspection plans. Our factory-trained technicians are ready to help you keep your John Deere equipment on the cutting edge. You can find out more at pkequipment.com/advantage.

 

The P&K team makes it our mission to provide top-notch solutions & unbeatable customer service. Discover the P&K experience today- visit us online at pkequipment.com, call one of our 20 locations, or stop by for a visit today. 



March Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Two Years; Beef Exports Show Signs of Rebound

Beef exports totaled 120,495 mt in March, down 5% from a year ago. Export value fell 17% to $892.6 million, but both volume and value were the highest in five months. Through the first quarter, beef exports were down 8% year-over-year to 326,494 mt, valued at $2.35 billion (down 22%).


 “U.S. beef exports faced considerable headwinds late last year and at the beginning of 2023, but the March results show some encouraging trends,”  said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Most Asian markets showed renewed momentum in March, while exports continued to trend higher to Mexico, the Caribbean and South Africa.”


March exports of U.S. pork were the largest since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While below last year’s high volume, March beef exports were the largest since October.


March pork exports totaled 260,195 metric tons (mt), up 17% year-over-year and the ninth-largest volume on record. Export value was also ninth largest at $724 million, up 18% from a year ago. These results capped a strong first quarter for U.S. pork as exports reached 716,691 mt, up 14% from a year ago, valued at $1.96 billion (up 15%). 

Click here to read the full March export report from USMEF

Jarold Callahan Sees Upcoming Cattlemen’s Conference to Have a Tremendous Impact on the Cattle Industry

In this episode of beef buzz, I am talking with Jarold Callahan of Express Ranches about Cattlemen’s Conference coming up on May 24 and 25 in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at Oklahoma State University.


As board chairman of Cattlemen’s Congress, Callahan has been instrumental in bringing together the parties to work on Cattlemen’s Conference.

Themed “Blueprint for the Future,” the conference will look at past industry trends, where the industry is today, and what the future needs to hold.


This national event, Callahan said, is sponsored by OSU Animal Science Extension, The Noble Research Institute, and Cattlemen’s Congress.


“We have combined to try to do an event that will be pretty much-cutting edge and will talk about genomics, will talk about cattle type, will talk about the future, will talk about grass management, and sustainability,” Callahan said.


Callahan said the conference will also feature conversations about ethics in the show ring, fitting practices, and more.

Click here to read more and listen to Jarold Callahan talk about the upcoming Cattlemen’s Conference
Support Our Sponsors!
Tulsa Farm Show
KIS logo
Advertise With Us!

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


Southern Plains Perspective: El Niño Cometh...(maybe)

There is a new blog post out at the Southern Plains Persepctive. Read a preview below!


El Niño cometh. That was the subject line in an email from the good folks with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Center for Environmental Information (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/).    


The way it looks now, there is a 62% or better chance that we will see a El Niño pattern develop between now and July.  Just what does that mean? Well, as those of you who keep up with the weather news (and who follow this blog) know, we just have come out of our third year in a row of La Niña…a rare “triple dip” of the climate pattern that describes the cooling of surface-ocean waters along the tropical west coast of South America. La Niña is the counterpart to El Niño, which is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean.


Why is this important?


Well, if you are a “weather watcher,” you already know that generally La Niña events lead to higher-than-normal temperatures and drought in the Southern Plains and the Southeast, while El Niño can result in normal to cooler than normal temperatures across the region and higher amounts of precipitation (especially during the fall and winter) with a greater impact the further south you go (sorry Kansas).

Click here to read the full blog post from the Southern Plains Perspective

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 our Monday Farm and Ranch News Email with KC Sheperd
Subscribe To the Daily Email

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.

 



Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces The DRIVE Act To Protect Ranchers, Farmers, and Truckers from Biden Overreach

On May 2, Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act, which would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from implementing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds that are engaged in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed limiting device set to a maximum speed. The rule would negatively impact both the agricultural and trucking industries and include vehicles like semi-trucks, livestock trailer/truck combos, grain trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. See more examples of vehicles impacted here.


“This overreach by the Biden Administration has the potential to negatively impact all facets of the agricultural and trucking industries. I know from experience driving a semi while hauling equipment, and years spent hauling livestock, that the flow of traffic set by state law is critical for safety instead of an arbitrary one-size-fits-all speed limit imposed by some bureaucrat sitting at his desk in Washington, D.C.,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “This rule will add one more needless burden and Congress must stop it. For example, if a rancher is transporting cattle in a trailer across state lines, under this rule, the federal government would require a speed limiter device when above 26,000 lbs. Out-of-control bureaucrats are trying to impose ridiculous regulations on Americans who are trying to make ends meet.” 


FMCSA’s proposed rule to require speed limiters on commercial vehicles with a gross weight over 26,000 pounds will add extra transportation costs to the private sector and make our roads less safe. In fact, one study found that the “The frequency of interactions by a vehicle traveling 10-miles per hour below the posted speed limit was found to be 227% higher than a vehicle moving at traffic speed.” 

Click here to read more about the DRIVE Act

Senator Roger Marshall Emphasizes Role of Crop Insurance for Producers and Consumers

At the National Association of Farm Broadcaster’s Washington Watch event in Washington, D.C., the group of farm broadcasters had the chance to talk with Senator Roger Marshall. Farm Director KC Sheperd is featuring comments from the Kansas Republican talking about farm bill education, nutrition, and crop insurance.


As farmers and ranchers are businessmen and businesswomen, Marshall said they need up-to-date reports.

“You cannot give a farmer or rancher too much information,” Marshall said.


Marshall said he sees the challenges regarding how the EPA is slow to adopt chemistry and new technology. It is important for producers to keep the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) up to date for their own benefit, he added.


“There are three carbon sinks out there, right, three big carbon sinks,” Roger Marshall said. “The ocean, trees, and soil. So, if you want me to continue to no-till farm on our ranch, then we need these chemicals to do that. I just don’t think many people with EPA understand that you have to trade one for the other and see which is the maximum benefit. So, that is what we need to be sharing is that part of the story.”

Click here to read more and listen to the full conversation with Senator Roger Marshall

Equine herpes a growing concern this show season

A case of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy was reported at a Tulsa horse show in April.


As exhibitors gear up for a busy show and rodeo season this summer, Oklahoma State University Extension animal health specialists advise owners to closely monitor the health of their horses and implement smart biosecurity measures to safeguard against infection.


“Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy is the neurologic form of equine herpesvirus-1, which is a very common virus within our equine population,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, clinical assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences and OSU Extension director of continuing education. “We’re particularly concerned because in most instances, there’s a 30-50% mortality rate if a horse starts exhibiting neurologic signs.”

Clinical signs of a neurologic issue could include:


  • Incoordination
  • Instability
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of tail tone and hind limb weakness
  • Head tilt
  • Urine dribbling
Click here to read more about the equine herpes virus

Kim Anderson Predicts Oklahoma Will Produce Slightly Above Wheat Production Estimates

One of the regular features on SUNUP is the analysis of Oklahoma State University Extension grain market economist Kim Anderson. During this week’s edition, Anderson talks about the latest in the grain markets and Oklahoma’s wheat production.


Anderson said Oklahoma’s wheat production estimates revealed that wheat production in the state in 2023 would be somewhere around 54 million bushels. That estimate, Anderson said, could be a little low.


“A couple of weeks ago, when our crop conditions were not quite as bad as they are right now, I had that production up in the 70-million-bushel range,” Anderson said. “However, our crop conditions went from about 45 percent down to 65 percent for the poor to very poor conditions.”


Comparing this year’s conditions to last year’s during harvest, Anderson said conditions last year were not near this poor.


“Last year we produced 69 million bushels,” Anderson said. “You would expect production lower than that. However, we had a ten percent increase in wheat planted acres.”


Looking at the overall crop for U.S. hard red winter wheat, Anderson said he expects production to be similar to last year.

Click here to listen to Kim Anderson talk about the grain markets
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 down 33 cents and Select Beef was up 67 cents on Friday 05/05/2023.


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

Boxed Beef Report

Oklahoma National Stockyards had 7,200 head as of 9 PM Sunday evening- they will start the May 8 sale at 6:30 AM this morning with an estimated 7,300 head.


According to the report of Monday May 1, 2023- Compared to last week: Feeder steers steady to 4.00 higher, stocker cattle up to 8.00 higher. Feeder heifers 2.00 - 4.00 higher. Steer

calves 4.00 - 9.00 higher, with instances 11.00 higher. Heifer calves 2.00 - 3.00 higher except heifer calves over 500lbs 1.00 - 4.00 lower.

Demand moderate to good. Much needed moisture fell across the trade area last week and more is in the forecast late in the week.


Click below for the complete closing report.

Oklahoma National Stockyards Market Report from 5/1/2023

Here's our regular feature that is a part of the Monday Daily Email- market commentary from Bob Rodenberger, a partner with Stockman Oklahoma Livestock Marketing.


Bob talks Fridays with our own KC Sheperd with his commentary and is posted on our website-- click here for this week's update


We share a link to it Mondays here in our market section of the daily email.


Learn more about Stockman Oklahoma by clicking here.

Listen to KC Sheperd talk with Bob Rodenberger about last week's cattle markets
OKC West in El Reno Market Report from 12/15 and 12/16
Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futuresclick below for the latest update on the Livestock and Grain Futures Trade..
Click Here to Listen to Justin's Commentary From 05/05/2023
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 05/05/2023
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
Listen to Ron
Beef Buzz
Blue Green Gazette
Calendar
Auctions
Market Links
Facebook  Twitter  Youtube  

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.
Head to Our Website OklahomaFarmReport.Com
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

Email KC
Ron Hays
Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network

405.473.6144
Email Ron