Senator James Lankford has been actively engaged in key political discussions in Washington D.C. this week, coinciding with President Trump’s selection of nominees and ongoing appointments. A significant focus has been the ongoing ceasefire negotiations involving Israel and Hamas, following nearly 18 months of intense conflict.

Farm Director, KC Sheperd is sharing comments from the Senator this week about Benjamin Netanyahu coming to town. Lankford expressed cautious optimism about the progress being made. He reported that both Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump have been in dialogue regarding a multilateral ceasefire agreement. “After almost a year and a half of a terrible war in Israel, where the nation has faced attacks from all directions, we finally see a gap in hostilities,” Lankford stated.

He highlighted crucial developments, such as the cessation of missile launches from Iran and a ceasefire in Gaza which he described as positive steps for regional stability. However, he underscored the urgent need for Hamas to release hostages. “They cannot consider themselves a functioning government while holding hostages. Their release is essential for any genuine stability in the area,” he urged.

Back in Oklahoma, the state legislative session has also kicked off, marked by Governor Kevin Stitt’s State of the State address. Lankford praised the governor’s vision for Oklahoma, emphasizing the goal to elevate the state to a top-10 ranking in business and education. “We are focused on continually improving education for our families and students. It’s imperative for all of us to support our leaders with our prayers and encouragement as they tackle the legislative challenges ahead,” he said.

In light of recent tragedies, Lankford also addressed safety in air travel, particularly following a catastrophic plane crash near Washington D.C. that resulted in 67 fatalities. “This was the worst air disaster in over a decade, raising significant concerns regarding air traffic safety,” he remarked. The senator highlighted the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City, which serves as a premier training facility for air traffic controllers nationwide. He stressed the importance of recruiting and training new air traffic controllers to address current shortages and enhance safety measures in U.S. airspace.

“We are proud of the training initiatives at the Mike Monroney Center and are committed to providing opportunities for aspiring air traffic controllers,” Lankford concluded.

The Oklahoma Pork Council, a farmer-led organization, represents the interests of all Oklahoma pig farmers. From large-scale commercial operators to first-time 4-H and FFA exhibitors, our mission is to positively impact every Oklahoman who raises pigs. At Oklahoma Pork, we focus our efforts within four strategic intentions to serve our farmers: foreign animal disease preparedness, workforce at all levels, image enhancement, and freedom to operate. Learn more by visiting okpork.org. 

Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays had the chance to talk with outgoing Chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board Andy Bishop to discuss his volunteer service to the beef industry. Coverage of CattleCon 2025 is powered by Farm Data Services of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Bishop said that one of his favorite benefits of his position is the people he has met. “I really enjoy that camaraderie,” he said. “It is more like a family atmosphere and a high school reunion when we go to these functions.”

He added that looking at his four children causes him to ask what he can do now to positively impact their futures. “Anything that I can do in this position to enhance the industry and continue pushing it forward in a way that will allow them more opportunities for success…I feel like I have done my part to do that, so I really enjoy that part of it as well.”

Bishop said that the topic of how to best tell the checkoff story and how it helps the industry is constant in CBB conversations, and that there are many things going on behind the scenes to ensure that monies are being spent appropriately and efficiently.

Outgoing NCBA President Mark Eisele Reflects on His Service to the Beef Industry

At CattleCon 2025 held in San Antonio, Texas, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays talked with the outgoing President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Mark Eisele. Coverage of CattleCon 2025 is powered by Farm Data Services of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Eisele is happy to have given his time and resources for the advancement of NCBA and said that it all began with a challenge by his predecessor at the ranch he now owns as a non-blood heir. “We ran into trouble with Cattle Free by ’93,” he said. “We thought we would lose our public lands. He was determined that it was going to happen; that’s probably why he let me buy in. He basically threw the gauntlet down at me and said, ‘You are never going to cut it, kid.’ I dug my heels in and said, ‘I will do whatever it takes now, no matter who I need to ask or network with.’”

Eisele has drawn motivation from that challenge ever since saying that he couldn’t do it alone and found that he had to work with his fellow cattle producers.

To deal with anti-animal agriculture groups, Eisele’s position is to meet their claims with solid facts backed by scientific research and examples of good stewardship.

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and members of his leadership team comment on the resignation of Oklahoma State University President Kayse Shrum.

“Like everyone, I was surprised by the news of Dr. Kayse Shrum stepping down as President. I greatly appreciate her service to the university and our state. She was instrumental as a member of the Governor’s cabinet throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring tests were available for Oklahomans. Her tenure as president improved rural health care workforce shortages in establishing a nursing program at OSU-Stillwater and a medical school in Tahlequah. She also faced other challenges such as shepherding my alma mater through conference realignment with the Big 12 going from the brink of disaster to emerging as an undisputed top-4 conference in the country. I wish her and Darren the best in their future endeavors.”

Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today released the following statement after the resignation of Oklahoma State University President Dr. Kayse Shrum.

“Dr. Shrum has been a transformative leader, bringing vision and passion to Oklahoma State University,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “Her dedication to students, faculty and staff has left a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for her service. Under her leadership, OSU has strengthened its position as a top-tier research university while remaining dedicated to its land-grant mission of service to Oklahoma. Her impact extends beyond higher education. Her leadership in health sciences and innovation has shaped the future of medical education and rural healthcare in our state.

“While I respect her decision to step down, her contributions to OSU and Oklahoma will be felt for years to come. I wish Dr. Shrum the best in her next chapter.”

America’s farmers and ranchers need a new, modernized farm bill, a strengthened farm safety net, and open trading markets. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall traveled to the Capitol to emphasize those priorities to the Senate Agriculture Committee today as he testified in the hearing ““Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part I.”.”

“Farm families across the country are grateful that you recognized the incredibly hard times across the agricultural economy and included much-needed economic assistance and emergency aid for communities devastated by natural disasters in December’s Continuing Resolution,” Duvall said. “Despite the assistance in the CR, farmers still are looking to you all to pass a modernized, five-year farm bill as soon as possible.”

Duvall was joined in the first part of the Hearing at the witness table by

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew

President Larew emphasized the urgent need for a strong, fully funded farm bill in 2025 with policies to strengthen the farm safety net, invest in conservation and ensure fairness in agricultural markets. He also urged Congress to protect the Packers and Stockyards Act, support country-of-origin labeling and address trade policies that impact farm incomes. Discussing the uncertainty stemming from recent federal funding freezes, he stressed the need for clear, stable policies to support rural communities.

Larew told Senators the time to act is now- "“We appreciated the efforts of Chairman Boozman and other committee leaders at the end of last year to ensure the passage of disaster and economic aid. We cannot afford a third extension of the 2018 Farm Bill. Congress must act quickly to pass a fully funded farm bill in 2025.

"This bill should strengthen the farm safety net and provide farmers with robust risk management tools, invest in voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs, support the next generation of farmers and keep the farm bill coalition together. But a strong farm bill alone is not enough—we also need open and fair agricultural markets. 

These comments were posted yesterday by Ron on his Facebook page after being called up on stage at the General Session of CattleCon 2025:

It was a humbling moment in their Wednesday morning General Session Wednesday at the 2025 CattleCon in San Antonio- I received the inaugural Greg Henderson Memorial Excellence in Ag Journalism Award given by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

This award is extremely special because of the life and career lived by Greg Henderson- the longtime editor of Drovers who was known for his integrity, honesty and desire to both report about the beef cattle business but also to tell the beef cattle story.

We lost Greg last August- but it’s exciting that his memory is being held high with this award. Greg was a hero to so many of us that regularly reported on the beef cattle industry here in the US.

I appreciate the many kind words that so many have shared with me here in San Antonio and via social media- but none were any more special than when Greg's wife Ruth came up at the end of the session and asked if we might take a picture- she was excited to see her late husband honored and I cried as we talked for a few moments. Greg was a voice of reason for the beef industry- and over the years at various cattle industry meetings- talking to him was always a treasured moment.

So many great things have been said about the life of Greg Henderson- our friend and former President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Jan Lyons of Kansas wrote these words- "Greg was an amazingly dedicated journalist and friend to the agricultural community. His leadership and insight into complex issues always was right on. We will miss his friendship."

Greg's death last August is a reminder to all of us how uncertain life is- He went to sleep in this life and work up in Heaven. When we say that a decision about what you are going to do about following Jesus is urgent- this is why it is truly a life or death decision. Email me or call me if you need someone to talk to about that- I would be honored to visit with you- anytime.