Tornadoes and Hail Slam Into Southwest Oklahoma

More tornadoes showed up in Oklahoma yesterday as we said goodbye to April- and Cordell was one of several communities that felt the wrath of nature.(Picture above from Facebook from ElkCity News near Cordell)

News9 reports "Southwest Oklahoma became the bullseye for tornadoes, with five preliminary tornadoes at Cordell, Roosevelt, southwest of Apache, Frederick and east of Hollister."

And this storm appears to have had plenty of hail- "Another highlight of Tuesday's severe weather was the amount and size of hail received. Near Canton, nearly 4" diameter hail and plenty of tennis ball-sized hail near Lone Wolf and other areas of southwestern Oklahoma.

"More hail rained down in northern Oklahoma near Medford and other towns nearby."

As folks clean up and assess damage in the many locations who got hit yesterday- today may be another rough day- I fear insurance adjusters for crops and property may be very busy because of this week- the graphic below shows potential hail for this May first:

In Washington D.C. at NAFB (National Association of Farm Broadcasting) Washington Watch, Farm Director KC Sheperd had the chance to visit with the CEO of NASDA (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture), Ted McKinney. Sheperd and McKinney talk about trade, labor, and more.

McKinney also praised our Oklahoma Secretary of Ag Blayne Arthur who currently serves as the President of NASDA.

Regarding trade, McKinney said NASDA is pleased that the Biden Administration is working to straighten out trade under existing rules.

Currently, the biggest challenges for trade are sanitary phytosanitary issues, McKinney said, which is usually the biggest challenge year-round. Animal welfare standards are another upcoming issue, McKinney added.

As the premier John Deere dealer across Oklahoma & Arkansas, P&K Equipment is proud to serve our 20 communities and the surrounding areas. From residential, small ag & hay, large ag, & compact construction equipment- the P&K team makes it easy to buy & own your John Deere equipment. You’ll find transparent pricing & easy financing options on the website & in stores. You’ll have technology, sales, parts, and service support long after the sale. So when you’re ready to experience the ease of operating John Deere equipment- you can trust the experts at P&K Equipment.

At the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Washington Watch Event, Farm Director KC Sheperd had the chance to visit with the Vice President of Governmental Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Ethan Lane. In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am featuring comments from the conversation regarding HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) in dairy cattle.

“I think the animal health officials have done a phenomenal job of keeping the industry updated,” Lane said. “We are five weeks into this thing now, and there have been regular updates. They have been consistent with their guidance.”

New test requirements have gone into effect as of April 29th for HPAI in lactating dairy cows in interstate transport. Lane said these test requirements do not have an impact on the beef cattle industry, as this is a dairy-only issue.

“So far, science is leading us to a spot where we are not concerned about this being a beef industry issue,” Lane said.

Introducing Kamlyn Cundiff of the Allen FFA Chapter, Your 2024 Southeast Area Star in Agricultural Production

This morning, our coverage of the 2024 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists continues with Agricultural Production competitor Kamlyn Cundiff of the Allen FFA chapter representing the Southeast Area.

Farm Director KC Sheperd interviewed all 18 Star finalists recently in Stillwater after they were judged in their respective areas- and you can hear KC talk with Kamlyn by clicking on the blue button at the bottom of this story.

Cundiff’s project is goat production where she raises and sells goats to showmen across Oklahoma. Cundiff said that growing up in the livestock industry and having experience with showing and raising goats inspired her project.

“I have a love for goats and I think it is amazing to see people do great with goats I have raised,” Cundiff said.

Our coverage of the Stars and the 2024 State FFA Convention is powered by Hilliary Communications.

Following last weekend’s devastating storms, the Oklahoma Pork Council, in partnership with Operation BBQ Relief and Newman’s Firehouse BBQ, distributed 800 free pork meals to the local Sulphur community yesterday.

Ben E. Keith, and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, along with Operation BBQ, have arranged for an additional fresh pork product delivery to Sulphur today (happening same time, same place). The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma’s CEO, Jeff Marlow, arranged for a refrigerated truck loaded with vegetables to be driven to Sulphur, arriving this later this morning and staying on site at the Walmart in Sulphur through the week.

Ben E. Keith’s Emily Melton arranged for a special delivery of pork purchased by Oklahoma pig farmers via Oklahoma Pork to fill the reefer truck. Lastly, Oklahoma Pork purchased 10 cases of pork loins and 10 cases of pork butts, meaning thousands of more meals for Sulphur residents to be prepared by Operation BBQ last night for dinner and through the balance of this week.

Earlier on Monday- Ok Pork, Tyson and local pork producers were in Holdenville feeding folks as well.

Rural Water Systems Impacted by Oklahoma Storms May Qualify for Assistance Through USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn announced Tuesday that the department is asking rural Oklahoma water districts who experienced damage during recent storms to contact the State Office to see if they qualify for grant assistance.

USDA Rural Development has funding utilizing the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, that can assist an eligible community recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Water districts are encouraged to contact RD-OK-CPWaterWaste@usda.gov  or call 405-742-1070.

Who may apply?

• Rurally located public bodies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Federally recognized tribes
• Applicants must show that a major decline in quantity or quality of water occurred within two years of the date of the application. Grants are also awarded when a significant decline in quality and quantity of water is imminent.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less — check eligible addresses
• Tribal lands in rural areas
• Colonias

How may the funds be used?

• Water transmission line grants up to $150,000 to construct waterline extensions, repair breaks or leaks in existing water distribution lines
• Water source grants up to $1,000,000 for the construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, and/or other sources of water (water source up to and including the treatment plant)

House Honors OSU 1979 National Champion Livestock Judging Team

The Oklahoma House of Representatives recently honored Oklahoma State University’s 1979 National Champion Livestock Judging team on the House floor.

The team was introduced on the floor by Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, who was a member of the team while studying at OSU. Lowe introduced the team’s coach, Dr. Bob Kropp, along with members Tom Kissee, Terry Richardson, Stan Comer, Bill Robertson and Bill Wilkins. The presentation was the opening event for the OSU Day celebration at the State Capitol on April 24th.

“It was an honor to recognize these outstanding gentlemen and celebrate the 45th anniversary of our national championship,” Lowe said. “These guys became lifelong friends, and Dr. Kropp has always been somebody that I’ve not only admired but has become a mentor and friend. It was very special to celebrate this great team and the legacy of excellence in OSU’s livestock judging teams.”

This year marks 45 years since Lowe’s team took home the national championship. OSU first won a national championship in livestock judging in 1925 and, since then, has earned more championships than any other university in the country.