At the 2024 CattleCon held in Orlando, Florida, I visited with Atmospheric Scientist Matt Makens with Makens Weather about an update on current weather conditions. 

Just as many producers have finally breathed a sigh of relief with the arrival of El Niño bringing in some much-needed moisture, Makens says El Niño is already on its way out the door. Makens said it is normal to see weather events like El Niño peak in the winter, but unfortunately, this spell of moisture will not be enough to prepare for the years of La Niña in the forecast.

“In this case, La Niña is going to come racing back at us,” Makens said. “Our window of moisture here is pretty limited with this current El Niño, which is on the way out.”

The last La Niña was three years long, Makens said, which has only happened a few times since 1950. Makens predicts this next La Niña to be just as lengthy.



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.

At the 2024 CattleCon held in Orlando, Florida, I had the chance to catch up with Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Dr. Derrell Peel, and discuss the latest USDA Cattle Inventory Report released January 31, 2024.

Our coverage from the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Orlando is being powered by Farm Data Services of Stillwater.

The USDA Cattle Inventory Report is a semi-annual report released in July and January each year.

“The January one is the only one that has all the state numbers in it, too,” Peel said. “This is the biggest batch of data we get for the cattle industry all year.”

Included in the state data are the top Beef Cow states- Texas is number one with 4.115 million head, down 4% from last January; Oklahoma is second with 1.922 million head- down 3% percent; Missouri is third with 1.84 million head, down 6%; Nebraska is fourth with 1.637 million head and South Dakota has the fifth most beef cows with 1.502 million head- down by two percent.

Big Improvements Seen in the Latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor after Recent Rains

According to the latest Oklahoma drought monitor report, exceptional drought remains at zero percent, unchanged from the start of the calendar year.

Extreme drought or worse remains at zero percent, unchanged from the past five weeks.

Severe drought or worse is now at 1.36 percent, down from last week’s 1.67 percent.

Moderate drought or worse is now at 7.18 percent, down from last week’s 14.52 percent.

Abnormally dry or worse conditions are now at 22.45 percent, down from last week’s 32.77 percent.

According to the 6-to-10-day precipitation outlook map, the majority of the state, aside from the far southeast corner, is leaning above a 40 to 50 percent chance of precipitation through February 10. As for the southeast corner, that part of the state is leaning above a 33 to 40 percent chance of precipitation through that February 10 date.

To see this week's Oklahoma drought numbers, click on the Oklahoma drought map above!

This Week on SUNUP is Oklahoma State University Extension grain market economist Kim Anderson. During this week’s edition, Anderson talks about winter wheat conditions across the state and more.

Looking at USDA’s recent release of the crop conditions report, Anderson said crop conditions are in a better state than last year.

“These good conditions are going to partially offset the five percent less planted acres in Oklahoma and the six percent less planted acres over the hard red winter wheat area,” Anderson said.

Regarding factors impacting the world market, Anderson said Russia is predicted to produce another 3.4 billion bushels of crops. If this is so, Anderson said this will make three years in a row for Russia.

“They have got a tremendous amount of wheat to put on the market, and they are going to produce more,” Anderson said.

Wheat has been trading between $5.44 and $5.81, Anderson said, and is around $5.50 to $5.60 now.

Messner Ranch and Roger Mills County Cattlemen Holding Production Sales on Saturday

Messner Ranch is holding their 63rd Annual Production Sale on Saturday, February Third at 12:30 PM (CST)

The sale is happeniong at the Messner Ranch, 163728 E W 2 in Slapout, OK 73848

150 Service Age Hereford & Angus Bulls will be sold.

Attend in person or you can participate via DV Auction- click here for the details there.

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The Roger Mills County Cattlemen’s Association 46th Annual All Breeds Bull Sale happens Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 12:15 p.m.

They have a NEW LOCATION: The Red Barn Arena (1 mile South of Cheyenne, OK)

All bulls are semen tested, fully vaccinated, carry a Range Ready Health warranty up to $3500. Free delivery to Oklahoma and surrounding states.

Click here for our listing for phone numbers for more information and the PDF catalog for the sale.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Executive Committee approved the organization’s policy priorities at the 2024 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. This year’s priorities focus on advocating for the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, protecting cattle producers from federal regulatory overreach, and defending the U.S. cattle industry against external attacks.

“NCBA will continue pushing for passage of a Farm Bill that includes key animal health and voluntary conservation provisions, as well as hold the line against all federal policies that could damage the livelihoods of U.S. cattle producers,” said NCBA President-Elect and Wyoming cattle rancher Mark Eisele. “In the past year we have seen radical animal activists ramp up their attacks on our industry and our producer-funded Beef Checkoff that drives consumer demand and funds critical research. We will never let the same people that want to shut down family cattle operations, dictate how we promote our products.”  

While Oklahoma weather can be unpredictable, calving methods should remain consistent when it comes to intervening during labor or delivery.

Expectant cattle need to be sectioned off in advance of calving, in the event they need to be taken to a veterinarian or moved elsewhere for closer observation. Having a trailer or working chute ready to go is also helpful.

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University Extension beef cattle specialist and veterinarian, said if labor is not progressing, ranchers should wait about 30 minutes on mature cows and no longer than an hour for first-calf heifers before stepping in to assist.

What to do

Prepare a calving kit that includes:

• Veterinary emergency number
• Breeding dates and due dates
• Flashlights with batteries
• Thermometers
• View the story to see more!

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