Oklahoma's Latest Farm

And Ranch News

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Howdy Neighbors!

Here is Your Daily Oklahoma Farm and Ranch News Update: 


  • Southern Plains Wheat Plantings Run Behind Last Year’s Pace


  • Overview of Cotton and Peanut Conditions and OSU Field Days with Maxwell Smith


  • Genetic Testing Can Help Ranchers Select Commercial Cows that Will Go the Distance


  • Factors Affecting Slaughter Cow Values with Derrell Peel


  • HUGE Dip in Pasture Range Ratings in Oklahoma in Latest Crop Progress Report as Summer Ends


  • Feeding Quality Forum Shares Market Outlook, Path to Meeting Demand



  • Three Days. 18 Congressional Visits, 16 fundraisers, roughly 35,000 steps, Plains Cotton Group goes to DC

Southern Plains Wheat Plantings Run Behind Last Year’s Pace

Both the corn and soybean harvests are running slightly ahead of the average pace, according to USDA NASS’ weekly Crop Progress report released Monday.


The 2024 Winter Wheat Planting number stands at 15% complete- one point behind the five year average. Our key southern plains HRW states show progress- Kansas is now 8% planted- versus 10% five year average- Texas at 15% planted versus 17% five year average and Oklahoma at 12% planted- even with the five year average. Many of the early planted fields are intended to provide wheat pasture later in the fall and winter- and with recent moisture- that may become a reality this year.


Besides the winter wheat numbers- In Oklahoma, Corn harvested for grain reached 30 percent, up 2 points from the previous year and up 14 points from normal. Corn conditions rated 64 percent good to excellent, 25 percent fair and 11 percent poor to very poor. Last week’s conditions rated 73 percent good to excellent, 19 percent fair and 8 percent poor to very poor.


Soybeans setting pods reached 84 percent, up 4 points from the previous year and up 6 points from normal. Soybean conditions rated 51 percent good to excellent, 33 percent fair and 16 percent poor to very poor. Last week’s conditions rated 58 percent good to excellent, 28 percent fair and 14 percent poor to very poor.


Cotton bolls opening reached 45 percent, down 7 points from the previous year and down 3 points from normal. Cotton conditions rated 11 percent good to excellent, 19 percent fair and 70 percent poor to very poor. Last week’s conditions rated 12 percent good to excellent, 16 percent fair and 72 percent poor to very poor.


Pasture and range conditions rated 22 percent good to excellent, 29 percent fair and 49 percent poor to very poor. Last week’s conditions rated 34 percent good to excellent, 21 percent fair and 45 percent poor to very poor. We have a deeper dive into the pasture/range ratings in the region further down in today's email.

Click here to access this week's reports and read summaries for the U.S., Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas
Sponsor Spotlight



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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



Overview of Cotton and Peanut Conditions and OSU Field Days with Maxwell Smith

Farm Director, KC Sheperd, is talking with Entomology and Plant Pathology Assistant Extension Specialist at Oklahoma State University, Maxwell Smith, about recent OSU Field Days and the cotton and peanut crops around the state.


Originally from the Altus area, Smith is now back living in Altus, serving producers with pest management needs and more. Cotton is his focus crop, he added, but he works with other crops as well.


At the Panhandle Crops and Forages Field Day held in Eva, Oklahoma, Smith said the area has received good rainfall since spring, which delayed planting. In some parts of the panhandle, Smith said, cotton crops were hailed out.


“With the increased rainfall, they have got some really good-looking sorghum and corn up in that area, and I saw some really good-looking cotton as I went up through there, too,” Smith said. “A lot of good-looking crops due to the high rainfall throughout this season compared to the last two years up there.”


The Peanut and Cotton Field Day took place last week in Ft. Cobb, and Smith was able to give an update on what he saw at the event. The Ft. Cobb area was faced with similar hail storm issues as the panhandle, Smith added.

Click here to read more and listen to KC Sheperd talk with Maxwell Smith about cotton and peanut crops around the state

Genetic Testing Can Help Ranchers Select Commercial Cows that Will Go the Distance

In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am talking with Zoetis Cattle Genetics Specialist, Kevin Milliner, about beef genetics.


Milliner has been working with beef genetics for 19 years and says genetic testing passed the experimental stage many years ago and is now a proven technology. Genetic testing, he added, is a tool to be utilized to build a better cow herd regardless of the type of operation.


While many believe the use of genetic testing is only a good tool for registered breeders, Milliner said as a commercial producer himself, he sees great value in this technology.


“I almost think it is probably more beneficial to the commercial producer, simply because we don’t know a whole lot about that commercial female,” Milliner said. “The advent of genomic enhanced EPDs that we have with the registered folks- they know tons of information about both the bull and the cow.”


The benefit of commercial genetic testing, Milliner said, is seeing the genetic potential of a cow, aside from what can be seen on the outside.

Click here to read more and listen to Kevin Milliner talk about beef genetics
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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


Factors Affecting Slaughter Cow Values with Derrell Peel

Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, offers his economic analysis of the beef cattle industry as part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Peel and Mark Johnson. Today, Dr. Peel talks about beef cow slaughter.


As of mid-September, cull cow prices at Oklahoma auctions are an average of 33.1 percent higher year over year across all grades and dressing percentages. Higher slaughter cow prices are the result of strong lean beef markets and the related growth in breeding demand for cows. 


Beef cow slaughter increased annually from 2015 – 2022 and, after rising sharply the past two years to the highest level since 1996, is declining year over year in 2023. Beef cow slaughter is falling more sharply in the second half of this year and may end the year down in the range of 15-17 percent from year earlier levels. The declining supply of lean beef is driving higher processing beef prices. The current price of 90 percent lean beef is 17.3 percent higher year over year. 


With fall culling decisions approaching, producers should be aware of factors affecting cull cow value and consider opportunities to increase cull value. Table 1 shows the average percent difference in price of slaughter cows compared to a base of average dressing, Boner cows. The price of average dressing Boner cows in mid-September is $108.38/cwt. which means that the prices would be expected to vary from a high of $120.74/cwt. for high dressing Breaker cows to a low of $91.80/cwt. for low dressing Lean cows. 

Click here to read more from Dr. Peel about beef cow slaughter

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 Tuesday morning farm and ranch news with Ron Hays
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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.



HUGE Dip in Pasture Range Ratings in Oklahoma This Week as Summer Ends

The lingering drought as summer slips into fall here in 2023 is reflected best in the Pasture & Range ratings across the middle part of the US- especially here in the southern plains.


Oklahoma saw another big drop in the good to excellent ratings in the report released on Monday- dropping from 34% a week ago to 22% good to excellent this week- with 49% poor to very poor. That 49% number was the good to excellent rating number a month ago in mid August- so the hot dry conditions in recent weeks has flipped our conditions in just thirty days. 2023 is still a lot better than what we were dealing with at this point a year ago- Oklahoma's pasture range ratings were just 9% good to excellent in mid September 2022.


Our neighbors are also suffering with declining pasture range conditions- Kansas is at 17% good to excellent this week- steady with a week ago and still better than the 8% of a year ago- Missouri is at 17% good to excellent this week- and up 2 points from last week.


The best state in our region is New Mexico- they jumped 15 points this week versus last and now have a 60% good to excellent rating this week.


The two worst states in the US when it comes to Pasture Range ratings- Texas and Louisiana. Both states show a 7% good to excellent rating this week- that's a drop in Louisiana of 6 points whiile Texas is up one point from a week ago. Texas is significantly worse this year versus last when the state had a 27% good to excellent rating. Texas leads the nation in the poor to very poor numbers- at 71% poor to very poor ratings- off one point from last week.

Feeding Quality Forum Shares Market Outlook, Path to Meeting Demand

The beef demand success story of the past is also the industry’s roadmap for the future, said speakers at this year’s Feeding Quality Forum.


Certified Angus Beef (CAB) gathered cattle feeders, ranchers, allied industry and students at the 18th annual event, held Aug. 22-23, in Lincoln, Neb. The program covered everything from current market conditions and technology to price forecasts and advancements on the horizon.


“It’s hats off to you as an industry for producing the right genetics, managing those correctly and bringing high-quality beef to the industry,” said Glen Dolezal, Cargill Protein, warning he doesn’t want to go backward as implant programs and new additives come on the market.


“I encourage you to be careful,” Dolezal said.


Having the most accurate measures to evaluate carcass quality provides the best data possible to make those decisions. Bucky Gwartney, Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS), said most major packing plants use cameras to grade, sort or gather data in their operations today.


Rural locker plants may soon have greater access to the technology through a USDA pilot program that’s currently testing a cell-phone-like device to capture ribeye pictures and call marbling scores.

Click here to read about highlights and topics from the 2023 Feeding Quality Forum

Three Days. 18 Congressional Visits, 16 fundraisers, roughly 35,000 steps, Plains Cotton Group goes to DC

Plains Cotton Growers was busy this week, advocating for the Texas High Plains and state and national cotton industry interests in Washington D.C.


PCG CEO Kody Bessent brought the PCG officers — Brent Nelson, Martin Stoerner, Travis Mires and Brent Coker — to visit with Congressional members on the importance of averting a government shutdown, improving the farm safety net and passing a strong farm bill that will benefit producers and industry for the next five years.


Opinions from Congress on whether the government will shut down was a mixed bag. Some Senators and Representatives stated they didn’t feel it would get to that point, while others were emphatic that it would. PCG officers emphasized the implications for the cotton industry should that happen, speaking for producers, but also for the merchant segment as we near the harvest season.


Each officer had speaking points they discussed with members. Nelson spoke to the market loan rate and the need to raise the rate to accommodate for the rise in production costs. Stoerner emphasized the need to increase reference prices to address the same thing.

Click here to read highlights from the Plains Cotton Growers D.C. trip

Emergency Responders Embrace Agricultural Safety Resource

An agricultural safety resource known as “Tools of the Trade” is proving popular with emergency medical responders who are trying to prevent trauma incidents in their communities, and is also being promoted to traditional agricultural safety educators during National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 17-23.


Tools of the Trade, an online collection of video demonstrations and accompanying handouts, was favorably received by hundreds of attendees at the 2023 Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Association (WEMSA) conference held last winter in Green Bay.


“The idea was to introduce EMS personnel to interactive safety ‘tools’ that they can replicate and use to teach community members about farm safety and health,” said Marsha Salzwedel, Ed.D., agricultural youth safety specialist at the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute. “We know that EMS and fire personnel are trusted by farmers, so for them to share safety and health information with farmers is ideal.”

Click here to read more about the “Tools of the Trade”
Let's Check The Markets!
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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 39 cents and Select Beef was up 29 cents on Monday 09/18/2023.


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

Boxed Beef Report

Oklahoma National Stockyards had 7,500 head on Monday, September 18, 2023.


Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers 2.00-5.00 higher. Steer and heifer calves 4.00-8.00 higher. Demand continues very good despite cattle futures trading lower. Several un-weaned calves included as well as several crossbreds. Quality mostly plain to average. Some lesser grades sold with little discounts to the top cattle. 


Click below for the complete closing report.

Oklahoma National Stockyards Market Report from 09/18/2023

The Joplin Regional Stockyards had a total run of 8,067 head for Monday, September 18,2023.


Compared to last week feeder steers sold 3.00-6.00 higher. Feeder heifers sold 6.00-10.00 higher. Supply was heavy with very good demand.


Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.

Joplin Regional Stockyards Market from Monday 09/18/2023
OKC West in El Reno Cow and Bull Market Report from 09/18/2023- Slaughter Cows Steady to $3 Lower
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 09/18/2023
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 09/18/2023
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.

Cattle Industry Leader Bob Drake sits down and talks with Ron Hays about his lifetime of service in the cattle business. Drake has served as the President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, the last President of the old National Cattlemen's Association and Vice President of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau.


He loves politics and being a change agent for the cattle producer back up at the fork of the creek. Drake had a front row seat as the Beef Checkoff was approved by cattle producers and he believes it's way past time to find a way to get a second dollar at the national level.


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


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