On Monday, March 4, Michael Kelsey, the Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, gave an update on wildfire issues, resources from OCA, and more.

As many ranchers are getting back onto their properties and assessing the damages, Kelsey said OCA wishes them well as they tackle these issues.

“There is such an emotional side to this issue because when you are dealing with cattle that have either perished, or you have to take care of an unrecoverable animal, that can be a really difficult and a very emotional situation,” Kelsey said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to all that are having to deal with that.”

Regarding the relief efforts, Kelsey said Oklahomans have responded generously with hay and other resources. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation website has more information on these applying for these resources, drop-off locations, donation links and more at https://www.oklahomacattlemensfoundation.com/wildfire-disaster-relief.

As we navigate through these times, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation now has available a Fire Relief Fund Application for those who have suffered loss from these wildfires. This application will help us determined how best to help our constituents.

VIEW the Application HERE



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Oklahoma remains Trump country- based on the Super Tuesday results. The former President grabbed 82% of the GOP votes cast for President in the Primary- 254,688- well above the only other active challenger left in the race against him- Nikki Haley who garnered 49,373 votes- 16% of the GOP vote. A total of 311,249 Republicans voted in the Presidential race. Oklahoma remains a deep red state.

Democrats, who welcomed Independents to vote in their primary as well as Democrats-had 91,561 voters cast their vote for the list of six candidates on the ballot for the Democratic nomination for President. It was no surprise that President Joe Biden carried the day with 73% of the vote- a total of 66,824 cast their votes for the incumbent.

There was also a Libertarian contest for President as well- less than a thousand voters participated in that selection with Chase Oliver grabbing 61% of that vote.

Nationally- Donald Trump won 14 states and now has 1,057 delegates in total- (picking up 965 last night) while Nikki Haley won Vermont and now has 92 total delegates.

In the Democratic primary- incumbent President Biden only lost American Samoa yesterday- and he is moving easily toward being nominated again as well.

Polls show Trump with a lead on Biden here in March- but November seems like it's a long way away. The real unknown is which party will control Congress next January- and for agriculture- that matters as that is the Congress that will most likely finish writing the next Farm Bill.

Stay tuned.

Samantha Werth Sees Tremendous Potential in the Sustainability of the Cattle Industry

I am back talking with Samantha Werth, the Director of Sustainability at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, about the cattle industry’s role in sustainability and regenerative agriculture.

One of the key conversational elements for the cattle industry when it comes to climate change and the carbon footprint is methane. Werth said the cattle industry has a great story to tell when it comes to methane.

“There is a lot we can be doing on both the cow-calf side and the feedyard side to really help in that conversation, and it really does support that goal towards climate neutrality,” Werth said.

Werth said NCBA has been creating resources around grazing management planning because it is an easy option for producers to assess the state of their land, livestock, and operation goals. With the help of a grazing management plan, Werth said producers can achieve many goals, including being more sustainable.

“There are a lot of great USDA-funded programs that are out there,” Werth said. “We work with an entity called Trust in Beef, and they are doing a lot right now in that space of connecting producers to climate-smart commodity projects that will help producers get paid if they implement new practices.”

At the 2024 Oklahoma Local Ag Summit, Oklahoma Farm Reporter Maci Carter had the chance to visit with the Director of Market Development at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Meriruth Cohenour. Carter and Cohenour talk about the benefits of farm hubs for producers and consumers.

“A farm hub is basically another version of a farmers market,” Cohenour said. “A hub was created to allow our producers another place to sell. We are expanding market opportunities by allowing farmer’s markets to be sold by a representative instead of the farmer having to sit at their table or booth on one day a week.”

Cohenour said a farm hub has a manager who sells products on consignment for the farmers that provide the products. Cohenour also explained a farm hub can be different depending on location, as some are similar to a farmers market, and others are more like grocery stores.

From a consumer perspective, Cohenour said a farm hub allows the consumer to have more flexibility in purchasing. While a farmers’ market may only be open for a few hours on a weekend, Cohenour said many farm hubs are open five or six days per week.

“The easiest way to find your local farmers’ market or farmers hub is to go to oklahomaagritourism.com,” Cohenour said. “You can find a farmers’ market drop-down menu there that allows you to find the market in your area. You can search by region or town and see what is available.”

Evaluating Cow Efficiency and Fit During Calving Season

Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist, offers herd health advice as part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Peel, Mark Johnson, and Paul Beck. Today, Johnson talks about cow efficiency during calving season.

Does our selection and breeding program result in a cowherd that is suited to our resources? Can our available resources support our current cowherd or are we attempting to make a highly productive cow function in an inadequate environment? Calving season can be an excellent time to answer these questions.

Following are other potential indicators of a mismatch of cow genotype to available forage/feed resources:

1. Yearling replacement heifers that fail to reach puberty and/or breed by 13 – 15 months of age and calve by 24 months of age.
2. Infertility of two-year old first calf heifers during a defined breeding season, (the most common reproductive challenge).
3. Excessive weight/body condition loss after calving.
4. Decline of percentage of cows calving early (less favorable calving sequence analysis).
5. Reduced overall conception rate.

Ultimately, the reproductive rate of the cow herd determines the practical limit or optimum combination of each. Selection programs to improve the fit can be accomplished through using bulls with lower EPDs for Mature Weight, Mature Height and Milk.

Ag in the Classroom Road trip Coming up June 4-6th

EVENT TIMING: June 4-6, 2024

EVENT DEPARTURE LOCATION: Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry

CONTACT INFO: Emily Ague at (405) 885-1851 or emily.ague@ag.ok.gov

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Join Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom on a three day adventure, “Oklahoma Agriculture: The Bedlam Series.” We will travel from around Norman, OK to around Stillwater, OK area to experience agriculture in the areas surrounding our two Bedlam Universities. Stops will include: cattle ranches, turf, equestrian, dairy, and much more!

EVENT COST: This tour cost $75 and space is limited. Hotel and meals are provided.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  Apply for the trip today with the form below. IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRIP, AN AITC STATE COORDINATOR WILL CONTACT YOU WITH REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT INFORMATION TO COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION.

Teachers who have NOT attended an AITC Road Trip (or have not attended in several years) are given TOP preference.

If you have questions, please contact Emily Ague. Contact information is listed above.

Apply Now!!