Outstanding First Half for U.S. Pork Exports; Beef Exports Below Record Pace of 2022

U.S. pork exports concluded an excellent first half with another strong performance in June, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While well below the record pace established in 2022, June beef exports topped $900 million in value, pu

First-half pork exports achieve broad-based growth:

June pork exports totaled 245,964 metric tons (mt), up 12% from a year ago, while export value climbed 6% to $691.4 million. Through the first half of 2023, exports were 14% above last year’s pace at 1.47 million mt, valued at $4.05 billion (up 12%).

First-half beef exports lower overall, but bright spots emerge:

Beef exports totaled 115,107 mt in June, down 12% from a year ago and slightly below the May volume. Export value was $909.5 million, down 13% year-over-year but the highest since October and 4% above the value posted in May. First-half beef exports were 10% below last year’s record pace at 669,176 mt. Export value was just under $5 billion – down 19% from a year ago but still 8% above the first half of 2021.



The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. With headquarters in Oklahoma City, the OCA has a regular presence at the State Capitol to protect and defend the interests of cattlemen and cattlewomen.

Their Vision Statement explains the highest priority of the organization- "Leadership that serves, strengthens and advocates for the Oklahoma cattle industry."

To learn more about the OCA and how you can be a part of this forward-looking group of cattle producers, click here for their website. For more information- call 405-235-4391.

AND REMEMBER- the 2023 OCA Ranch Rodeo Happens this coming Friday and Saturday- August 18 and 19 at the Lazy E in Guthrie

Oklahoma Drought Monitor Shows Good Improvements From Past Two Weeks

According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor, exceptional drought remains at zero percent, unchanged from the past few weeks.

Extreme drought or worse improved from last week’s 2.58 and is now at 1.60 percent this week.

Severe drought or worse has improved from last week’s 7.58 percent and is now at 5.84 percent this week.

Moderate drought or worse has improved from last week’s 17.90 percent and is now at 12.81 percent this week.

Abnormally dry or worse conditions have improved from last week’s 47.67 percent and are now at 37.75 percent this week.

According to the 6-to-10-day precipitation outlook map, the entire state, aside from the northeast corner, is leaning below a 33 to 40 percent chance of precipitation through August 19. The northeast corner stands at a near-normal chance of precipitation through that date.

Click the Oklahoma drought map above the story to see this week's Oklahoma drought numbers.

Dr. David Anderson Discusses Outlook for Beef Demand and Cow Herd Rebuilding

In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am featuring comments from Dr. David Anderson, professor and extension economist for livestock and food product marketing at Texas A&M University.

Oklahoma Farm Report colleague, Carey Martin with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network, talked to Anderson about cattle markets and beef demand on the sidelines of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Shortcourse.

“Even with everything we talk about in the economy, folks are still buying beef,” Anderson said. “Beef is something that is in demand.”

Part of the reason for record-high beef prices, Anderson said, is because beef is in demand and there are tighter supplies. In the next few years, Anderson said it will be a test to see consumers’ ability to continue purchasing beef.

“We are set up for tighter and tighter supplies, which on its own suggests higher prices, and we are going to find a price point that people will pull back from,” Anderson said. “So far, we have not really found that in any broad sense.”

Anderson said one of the “unknowns” when it comes to beef demand is where the price point is that will trigger consumers to move to pork and poultry purchasing over beef.

This Week on SUNUP is Oklahoma State University Extension grain market economist Kim Anderson. During this week’s edition, Anderson talks about the latest in the global wheat markets.

In summary, Anderson said Russia’s actions to close the grain corridor for Ukraine have caused an increase in wheat prices. Ukraine retaliated against Russia, Anderson said, and is now assuming all ships coming into ports have military equipment.

“That has increased the cost for Russia to get ships into the port and exports with higher insurance,” Anderson said. “There are some shippers that are no longer sending ships to the Black Sea area. So, it has increased the cost of wheat coming out of that area, and of course, that should be supportive of our prices.”

There is world-record wheat production estimated for this year, Anderson said, and slightly lower ending stocks.

The average wheat price in Oklahoma since 2008, Anderson said, is $5.75.

“So, we still have a relatively high price, but with what is going on with Ukraine and the Black Sea, I expected prices to go up, and they went down,” Anderson said.

NACD Targets Locally-Led Climate-Smart Conservation Projects with $90 Million USDA Grant

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced a call for concept papers today as it launches the first phase of a $90 million program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities.

NACD’s program will advance grassroots efforts to ensure producers and local communities are prepared to meet growing demand for climate-smart commodity markets. Through its network of 3,000 conservation districts and partners, NACD anticipates reaching more than 1,400 producers, over half of which are expected to be small and underserved producers. With nearly half of the program budget dedicated to producer incentives and payments, it aims to implement climate-smart practices on over 430,000 acres and reduce or sequester over 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

The first phase of the program fosters private-public partnerships via a call for concept papers and a unique matchmaking process. Through the call for concept papers, NACD is seeking innovative ideas that scale implementation of climate-smart practices, advance greenhouse gas measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV), or support producer participation in resulting markets. NACD will then support project development through a matchmaking process. This will align concepts, as well as link potential partners with local conservation districts and other organizations. The formal request for proposals is anticipated in Fall 2023.

Oklahoma Beef Council Hosting 2nd Annual Steak and Grape in September

Farm Director KC Sheperd is talking with the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Oklahoma Beef Council, Nikki Snider. As there are many events coming up for the Oklahoma Beef Council, Snider gives Sheperd a rundown.

The Oklahoma Beef Council will host the second annual Steak & Grape wine pairing event on Friday, September 15, at Will Rogers Theater in Oklahoma City. The beneficiary of this year’s event is Pepper’s Ranch, Oklahoma’s premiere foster care community.

“We are so excited about this event,” Snider said. “It is our second year to do it. This year is coming up on September 15, and it will be at Will Rogers Theatre here in Oklahoma City.”



Located on 240 serene acres near Guthrie, Oklahoma, Pepper’s Ranch is home to tenured foster families providing love and care for youth within the foster care system. Peppers Ranch seeks to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect through a neighborhood of loving homes, counseling, and growth-oriented activities. Their safe and nurturing community inspires and equips each child to break the cycle, reach their full potential, and become productive citizens of society.

Also happening in the days ahead is the Beef Up the Blood Supply Blood Drive August 31 and September 1 in conjunction with the Oklahoma Blood Institute- Click here to learn more about this promotion- as described by Snider in her visit with KC.

More Stories for Your Weekend Reading- Including Reminders for This Coming Week!