I had the chance to catch up with nationally recognized no-till farmer, regenerative rancher and soil-health expert Jimmy Emmons about a new program led by Farm Journal, called Trust In Beef.

Back in 2023, Emmons was named the senior vice president of climate-smart programs. Emmons is leading Trust In Food’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Connected Ag Project, America’s Conservation Ag Movement, and Trust In Beef, coalition-driven conservation programs developed to accelerate the adoption of conservation agriculture at scale.

Trust In Beef works across two program streams to secure a sustainable future for beef including empowerment of producers on their journey and connecting consumers to beef’s sustainable story.

“We want to get everybody up to speed to understand that it can be for you, and it can be extra ROI if you do this right,” Emmons said. “Part of the Trust In Beef initiative is to get that learning curve out there and to show producers the key things they need to be focused on.”



The vision of the Oklahoma Beef Council is to be a positive difference for Oklahoma's farming and ranching families and the greater beef community, and its mission is to enhance beef demand by strengthening consumer trust and exceeding consumer expectations. 

To learn more, visit www.oklabeef.org. Also, don't forget to like its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oklabeef for stories on Oklahoma's ranching families and great beef recipes. 

And Check out this video below that helps you learn more about the Beef Checkoff- it's the January 2024 Edition of the Drive in Five 

At the OCIA/OGI Meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Farm Reporter Maci Carter had the chance to talk with the Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Mike Schulte, about his priorities for 2024.

“The OCIA, Oklahoma Genetics Incorporated annual meeting is really a priority because I think it allows us to kick start things off for the year and let producers know what we are doing in regards to research and innovation and the things we are working on with our research programs that the Oklahoma Wheat Commission is funding, and then the market development issues and priorities that we have moving into the future as we go into this year,” Schulte said.

As Oklahoma State University plays a large role in wheat breeding and genetic innovation across the state, Schulte said there had been a plethora of wheat varieties from the OSU research program over the last few years that have performed extremely well.

“If you look at USDA reports from last year, the top four wheat varieties in the state are OSU wheat varieties that are actually on planted acreage, and another three of those varieties actually made it up into the top nine,” Schulte said.

While producers in Oklahoma have their reliable favorites from OSU, Schulte said there has been an increase in production of newer varieties in the state as well, such as Showdown and OK Corral.

State Representative David Hardin Defends HB4118

I talked on Thursday with Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell about his bill that has passed the Oklahoma House earlier this week, HB 4118, getting his response to the spread of false information about legislation he has sponsored that can protect law-abiding farmers and landowners from sue-and-settle tactics. 

Rep. Hardin also released a statement on Thursday defending his proposal: “Oklahoma farmers are worried about the potential threat of wealthy, out-of-state activists suing them to promote a liberal environmental agenda. These sue-and-settle tactics are commonly used nationwide to impose regulations, and the lawyers behind them are known for targeting those who lack the means to defend themselves, such as small-family farmers.

“Let me be clear: House Bill 4118 will only shield Oklahoma’s protein farmers who comply with the state’s nutrient management plan. Those not in compliance will face recourse, which could include litigation.

“In Oklahoma, there are strict laws and regulations in place for poultry growers. They must follow a state-approved nutrient management plan that provides guidelines for responsibly handling poultry waste. These plans ensure poultry growers protect soil and water resources as they produce affordable food and responsibly use the byproducts to benefit other agriculture commodities around the state."

Coming to a Grocery Store Near You This August- No State Sales Tax on Groceries

The House had passed a bill to remove state sales tax from most food items sold at grocery stores some time ago- the Senate- led by Pro Tem Greg Treat- embraced that bill and passed it Thursday- and the Governor issued this unique statement (seen above)yesterday afternoon.

It's the top story of our daily State Capitol News Report that we are posting on our website from Ken Johnson- you can listen here.

NOT everything that you buy at the grocery store will be eligible for the zero state sales tax- food prepared in the store deli or the store bakery will be subject to state sales tax- just like the food you buy down the street at a restaurant or stand alone bakery business.

To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE.

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 eight weeks.

Severe drought or worse is unchanged from last week’s .19 percent.

Moderate drought or worse is unchanged from last week’s 3.23 percent.

Abnormally dry or worse conditions are unchanged from last week’s 16.61 percent.

According to the 6-to-10-day precipitation outlook map, the western part of the panhandle and the eastern half of the state are both standing at a near-normal percent chance of precipitation through March 2. The eastern side of the panhandle and the central part of the state, including western Oklahoma, is leaning below a 33 to 40 percent chance of precipitation through March 2.

How Wheat’s First Hollow Stem Phase Affects Profits

Wheat producers across the state are closely monitoring fields for signs of first hollow stem, the maturity stage of the plant that indicates the time to stop grazing cattle. Reports from earlier this week suggested some wheat fields have reached first hollow stem- although those fields that have been grazed are likely behind that level of development.

Timing is crucial in late winter and early spring. If stocker calves are pulled off grazing fields too early, producers risk losing the weight gain on their livestock. If calves are left on pastures too long after first hollow stem, wheat profit potential will drop.

OSU Extension agricultural economist Eric DeVuyst said research shows producers should remove cattle from grazing fields before first hollow stem.

DeVuyst said grazing just one day after first hollow stem could cost $6.26 per acre in wheat yield loss. Producers could see a loss of $41 per acre if fields are grazed one week after first hollow stem.

Growth Energy Welcomes Finalized EPA Rule on Year-Round E15 for Eight Midwestern States

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today after it finalized a rule granting the request made by eight midwestern states to sell E15 year-round. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement in response:

“We commend EPA for finalizing its rule, and we thank the eight midwestern governors who have now successfully secured a future for year-round E15 in their states. This is a win for the residents of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, and a win for biofuel producers and fuel retailers.

“While this is great news, drivers will need a solution for this summer to minimize disruptions and make sure they have the same access to E15 that they’ve had for the past five summers."

“E15 saves drivers money while helping them lower their carbon emissions. We look forward to working with policymakers to ensure that consumers can have permanent access to these benefits all year long.”

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