Oklahoma's Latest Farm

And Ranch News

Monday, July 17, 2023


See Ya Friday at the 71st OCA Convention & Trade Show

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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 

 

  • Kelli Payne Shares the Story of AIM and Growing Paynes


  • Some Ranchers Closer to Herd Rebuilding as Drought Eases- But Likely Not in Missouri or Kansas


  • Cattle Producers Praise Congressional Resolution Supporting Beef Checkoff


  • Pecan growers invited to free crop thinning demo


  • Tips, tricks save cattle producers time and energy


  • 2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) results



  • USCA Attends White House Roundtable on Competition

Kelli Payne Shares the Story of AIM and Growing Paynes

Farm Director, KC Sheperd, had the opportunity to visit with Kelli Payne, of Growing Paynes in Mustang, Oklahoma, and co-founder of the AIM (Agriculture Immersion and Mentorship) Program. Payne and Sheperd talked about the AIM Program, her journey with Growing Paynes, agritourism, and more.


“AIM stands for Agricultural Immersion and Mentorship,” Payne said. “We wanted to introduce students to agriculture in a different way, give them some opportunities, not a full-fledged internship where you’re working for just one company all summer long, or just a shadow opportunity, but we wanted to take them around the state, and let them meet some people that have really done some great things in agriculture.”


Payne said AIM started as one of her many dreams that came to fruition when she saw there was a great need to fill. Now, she gives students an opportunity to get involved with agriculture in new ways.


“That coincided with trimming of all the strawberry plants in the greenhouses,” Payne said. “By the time they got done, tomato harvest was coming on, and pumpkin planting happened in between. So, they certainly had their work cut out for them.”


Payne said the interns came at a convenient time, being that she was gone for most of June. Payne credits her sister for helping with the program and said the students got to participate in a diverse set of experiences on her own farm.

Click here to read more and listen to KC Sheperd’s full conversation with Kelli Payne
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Midwest Farm Shows is proud to produce the two best Farm Shows in the State of Oklahoma annually- the Tulsa Farm Show each December and the Oklahoma City Farm Show each April.


The Tulsa Farm Show is Oklahoma’s premier agricultural and ranching event- and returns to the SageNet Center (Expo Square) December, 7-8-9, 2023. 


Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2022 Tulsa Farm Show.  To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here



Some Ranchers Closer to Herd Rebuilding as Drought Eases- But Likely Not in Missouri or Kansas

As drought continues to play a big role in factors impacting the beef cattle sector in many states, I am back talking with Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, Dr. Derrell Peel, about drought conditions in the top beef cattle states.


While Texas and Oklahoma’s drought conditions are now seeing improvements year-over-year, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska are facing conditions that are worse than a year ago.


Oklahoma is now at 23 percent moderate drought or worse, down from a year ago at 62 percent. In Texas, moderate drought or worse is at 31 percent, down from last year’s 93 percent.


This year, Missouri is facing 81 percent moderate drought or worse, versus last year’s percentage of 40 percent. Kansas is currently facing 82 percent moderate drought or worse, versus last year’s percent of 47 percent. In Nebraska- it's severe drought or worse at 48% this year versus 41% in 2022.


Peel said while drought is better in Texas and Oklahoma, those conditions in other major beef cow states might hinder the rebuilding of the cow herd.



“We have still got drought in Kansas, parts of Missouri, and parts of Nebraska,” Peel said. “You know, the question from the broader market is if we have reduced that overall drought picture nationally to a point where drought is not really driving the overall cattle numbers as much, certainly for producers that are caught in that.”

Click here to read more and listen to Dr. Peel talk about drought in cattle-producing states

Cattle Producers Praise Congressional Resolution Supporting Beef Checkoff

Cattle industry leaders praised the introduction of a bipartisan congressional resolution recognizing the importance of commodity checkoff programs, including the Beef Checkoff.


“As a cattle producer who invests in the Beef Checkoff, I know how important this program is to the continued success of America’s cattlemen and cattlewomen. The Beef Checkoff was created by cattle producers, is run by cattle producers, and provides immense benefit to cattle producers,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer. “I am proud of Representative Barry Moore (R-AL) for leading this resolution and standing with cattle producers to recognize the importance of checkoff programs. I hope more members of Congress listen to farmers and ranchers and reject animal rights activist-led proposals like the OFF Act that undermine producer control of checkoffs.”


Every time cattle are sold in the U.S., $1 from the sale goes to support the Beef Checkoff. These investments are collected by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board (CBB), a producer-led organization overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each year, industry organizations, research institutions, and land grant universities develop proposals focused on strengthening beef demand through research, consumer education, marketing, and promotion efforts. The cattlemen and cattlewomen that volunteer their time to serve on the Beef Board, as appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, determine which proposals to fund. The organizations that receive funding become contractors to the Beef Checkoff and undergo regular audits to ensure the judicious use of producer dollars and compliance to the program.

Click here to read more from NCBA on the congressional resolution supporting the beef checkoff
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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


Pecan growers invited to free crop thinning demo

The Oklahoma Pecan Management Program will host two pecan crop thinning demonstrations to help growers improve the quality of this year’s harvest and next season’s return crop.


Demonstrations will be held July 27, 4-5:30 p.m. in Madill, and August 8, 4-5:30 p.m. in Perkins.


“The high yields we’re expecting this fall can benefit from pecan thinning,” said Becky Carroll, OSU Extension fruit and pecan specialist. “Many growers are hesitant to thin their crops, but demonstrating the process may give them more confidence to effectively manage their orchards.”


Growers will learn the benefits, proper timing and equipment needed for pecan crop load management. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in pecan crop load assessment and the thinning process in the orchard. Each demonstration will be followed by a question-and-answer session.


The event is free, and participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. For more information, contact Carroll at becky.carroll@okstate.edu or 405-744-6139.


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.
Click here for the Monday Farm and Ranch News with KC Sheperd
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Union Mutual of Oklahoma Turns 85 Years Old



Back in July of 1938 when Union Mutual of Oklahoma was founded, FDR was in the White House, EW Marland was in the Governor’s Mansion, and the Soldiers of Gettysburg were gathering for a reunion on the old battlefield. Union Mutual was born out of necessity in Oklahoma and serves as one of the oldest rural insurance carriers serving only the people of Oklahoma. Union Mutual was created 85 years ago for one purpose, that was and is to serve and protect rural Oklahomans and their property. That mission has bever wavered.

 

Union Mutual Insurance of Oklahoma 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, “Protection for Oklahomans by Oklahomans.” In poor economic times, in times when national insurance companies either stopped writing or completely left the state, Union Mutual has been there for Oklahomans. Today, Union Mutual writes insurance in all 77 counties of Oklahoma through almost 300 agency locations. These agents provide fast and reliable quotes for most lines of insurance.

 

Union Mutual of Oklahoma CEO Monica Collison had this to say on the company turning 85 years old. “I am humbled to lead such and extraordinary company and team with the history and legacy of Union Mutual. Union Mutual has stood with rural Oklahoma for 85 solid years and I look forward to helping it for the next 85 years.”

 

For the agent nearest you, go to unionmutualic.com or give them a call at 405 286-7703. 

Tips, tricks save cattle producers time and energy

Dr. Deke Alkire with the Noble Research Institute has several time- and labor-saving ideas that he is offering cattle producers- here are a couple:


FOUR-WHEELER CATTLE GUARD

Most people do not like to open and shut gates. This has led to countless escaped animals, arguments and reprimands. Cattle guards are common along pasture roads that are frequently traveled, but they can be expensive. There are places where it would be handy to cross a fence but a full-size cattle guard is not justifiable. For cattle producers who use a four-wheeler, a smaller version of a cattle guard is a good idea. These only need to support the weight of your four-wheeler, so they can be can be constructed for much less than a full-size version. Elevating the tire path helps prevent cows from jumping across it.

The four-wheeler cattle guard photo is of Noble Research Institute cooperator Jan Lee’s design, but there are many others online. Search for four-wheeler cattle guards.


ELECTRIC CATTLE GUARD

If you already have an electric fence nearby, another option is an electric cattle guard. These are inexpensive and easy to build. Devlon Ford wrote a great article describing how to build one: Electric cattle guard saves time.

Click here to read the full set of tips and tricks from Deke Alkire

2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) results

Over 750 Angus juniors and their families traveled to Grand Island, Neb., to compete in the 2023 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 1-8 at Five Points Bank Arena.


National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members transformed into “Guardians of the Plains” as they exhibited 1,096 entries during the weeklong event that included more than a dozen educational contests in addition to the cattle show.

            Jirl Buck, Madill, Okla., judged owned heifers; Ethan Moore, Madill, Okla., assisted in judging 619 owned heifers; Jarold Callahan, Edmond, Okla., judged the 220 bred-and-owned heifers, 61 bulls and 37 cow-calf pairs; Ryan Callahan, Edmond, Okla., assisted in judging bred-and-owned heifers; Brigham Stewart, Washington, Kan., judged the 68 steers; and Joe Myers, Harrodsburg, Ky., judged the 91 phenotype and genotype heifers.


            Ty Collum, Perkins, Okla., led the grand champion owned female. Conley DT Georgina 1076 is a September 2021 daughter of Colburn Primo 5153 and first won early senior champion.


           Kathryn Coleman, Modesto, Calif., led the reserve grand champion owned female. BCII SC FTZS Sandy 3122 is a March 2022 daughter of KR Cadillac Ranch and first won junior champion – division 4.


           Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, Iowa, won third overall champion owned female with UDE Queen Ruth 2003. She is the January 2022 daughter of KR Casino 6243 and first claimed junior champion – division 7.

Click here to read full results from the 2023 National Junior Angus Show

USCA Attends White House Roundtable on Competition

On Thursday, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) participated in a meeting hosted by the White House and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to discuss legislative competition priorities.


USCA Executive Vice President Lia Biondo, who attended the convening, issued the following statement: 


“Today’s discussion marks continued progress on the Biden-Harris Action Plan for a fairer, more competitive producer marketplace. Since its release in 2022, the Action Plan has guided administrative and legislative action to build a more resilient meat and poultry supply chain.

 

“USCA is pleased with the Biden Administration’s support of critical cattle market reform legislation, as outlined in the Action Plan. A study compiled by Texas A&M’s Agricultural and Food Policy Center forecasted that without enactment of legislation like the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act, negotiated trade in Texas-Oklahoma-New Mexico is expected to fall to zero percent by 2026. Zero percent negotiated trade is a wholly, vertically consolidated industry. 

 

“USCA looks forward to working with the Biden Administration and Congress to build a better business climate for independent producers, as outlined in the Action Plan and discussed at today’s listening session.”  

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 lower- Choice Beef was down $4.07 and Select Beef was down 92 cents on Friday 07/14/2023.


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

Boxed Beef Report

Oklahoma National Stockyards had 5.593 head of cattle on the premises as of 9 PM Sunday evening. The sale will start at 6:30 in the morning. ONSY is expecting to start with 5,800 - 6,000.


On July 10th- Compared to the last test two weeks ago: Feeder steers 3.00-5.00 higher. Feeder heifers 5.00-10.00 higher. Steer calves 5.00-10.00 higher. Heifer calves 15.00-20.00 higher. Demand good for feeder cattle; extremely good for calves. Quality average. Heavy rains over the past several days caused widespread flooding. Very muddy conditions hampering livestock movement.


Click below for the complete closing report.

Oklahoma National Stockyards Market Report from July 10, 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 conversation and story on our website.


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 talk about the cattle markets of this past week.
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 07/14/2023
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 07/14/2023
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
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