Oklahoma Senator James Lankford recently shared insights from Washington D.C., addressing topics ranging from government spending to the upcoming farm bill and the current mood in the nation’s capital. Farm Director KC Sheperd caught up with him to get the details.

Lankford emphasized his long-standing commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating, “This is something I’ve actually worked on for years. People know about my federal fumble book that I put out every single year that really focuses on what can we do more efficiently in government.”

He highlighted the importance of transparency in exposing wasteful spending, adding, “What Elon Musk has brought is the ability to be able to put his big microphone on a lot of these – put some spotlight on it – and to say, this looks crazy.” He cited examples like “a transgender comic book for Peru” and funds sent to “Hamas.”

While acknowledging that some USAID programs are beneficial, he stressed the need for greater oversight, saying, “When it restarts, it’s not gonna be USAID making their own decisions. It’s gonna be under the State Department and it’s gonna have more oversight.”

President's Day Reminder

Our February national holiday will be this coming Monday as we celebrate Presidents Day in the US. Most Government offices are closed on Monday- no mail delivery- the stock market and Ag Futures are closed- BUT the regional cash cattle auction markets will be operating and pretty well every retail store across the country will be open for business as well.

There's a lot going on in the world of agriculture- and we will keep our lights open as well- on our radio network, our website and in our daily email. We will be sending you an email as normal on Monday, February 17th- but hope if you do take Presidents Day off- you will catch up on the latest farm and ranch news when you have a moment!

The Oklahoma Wheat Commission promotes greater use of wheat in domestic and international markets through research, market development and public education.

Our Commissioners develop policy and programs, direct the funding, represent producer interests and, of course, promote Oklahoma wheat!

Learn more about the Oklahoma Wheat Commission by clicking here for their website.

Oklahoma Genetics, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c) (5) corporation that promotes stewardship and publicizes and markets the use of improved genetics, traits, and benefits of quality Pedigreed seed and vegetatively propagated materials, while also promoting educational programs and scientific research. While attending its annual meeting today, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays had the chance to talk with the Vice President and Dean of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, Dr. Jayson Lusk. OGI is a staunch advocate of OSU’s wheat genetics.

Student enrollment in OSU’s Ferguson College of Agriculture, and OSU itself, is at a record high. Classes moved into the new Ag Hall, and Dr. Lusk hopes that it will garner continued growth in enrollments.

The new building includes ample study and collaborative space, and student reviews have been very positive across the board. “When I walk outside the doors of my office, it is almost always full of students hanging out, collaborating with each other, studying, and sometimes goofing off,” Dr. Lusk shared. “That is just amazing to see. That is the kind of environment that we hope to have on a college campus, and the building has really helped to facilitate that.”

He noted that the College already attracts a large number of out-of-state students reiterating how more than fifty percent of the students who began in the fall were from other states.

From Select to Prime: The Changing Dynamics of Beef Production with Randy Blach

At CattleCon 2025, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays had the chance to catch up with the CEO of CattleFax, Randy Blach, and talk about the rises and falls of select and prime grades of beef. Yesterday, they discussed the strengths and challenges of the beef industry.

Coverage of CattleCon 2025 is powered by Farm Data Services of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Over the last fifteen years or so, beef production has taken a turn towards consistent quality, and recently, has gone a step further. Prime-grade beef is being produced as much as or more often than select.

“The select number will continue to shrink; we just don’t need as many select carcasses,” Blach said. “There are still some brands that use that lower grading product; some of the pre-cooked items still use some of the lower grading product, but that is not where our industry needs to focus.”

Brooke Rollins Sworn in as 33rd Secretary of Ag

Brooke Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Clarence Thomas in a private ceremony today at the Supreme Court building. The U.S. Senate confirmed Rollins by a vote of 72-to-28.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve as the nation’s thirty-third Secretary of Agriculture — and a privilege beyond description to have the trust of President Donald J. Trump, and the opportunity to advance his agenda. I am thrilled to lead the United States Department of Agriculture and to serve the people of this country,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “Every day, I will fight for American farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Together, we have an historic opportunity to revitalize rural America and to ensure that U.S. Agriculture remains the best in the world for generations to come.”

Upon nominating Brooke Rollins in November, President Donald J. Trump said, “Brooke’s commitment to support the American Farmer, defense of American Food Self-Sufficiency, and the restoration of Agriculture-dependent American Small Towns is second to none.”

Earlier this month the Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously voted to advance Brooke Rollins to head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). After being considered by the full U.S. Senate, she was confirmed today as the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture. Brooke is a proven leader who understands the challenges facing farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. She is taking the helm of USDA at a critical juncture for our producers, and her experience and commitment to agriculture will be invaluable as we work together to strengthen the farm economy. I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to deliver results for rural America and the hardworking men and women of agriculture.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented:

“Farm Bureau congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation to be Secretary of Agriculture. We look forward to her leadership as she takes over USDA at a critical time for America’s farmers and ranchers.

“Farm and ranch families are looking for a champion and a voice as they continue to face economic headwinds, labor challenges and uncertainty over the rural impacts of Washington’s current policy debates. Ms. Rollins will need to hit the ground running to ensure the administration understands the challenges farmers and ranchers are facing."

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew adds:

“I offer my congratulations to Secretary Rollins on her confirmation on behalf of Farmers Union’s family farmer and rancher members across the country. The Secretary of Agriculture is an incredibly influential public servant role, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) work impacts every farmer, rancher, and rural American across the country.

“I look forward to working with Secretary Rollins to ensure the continued growth of our nation’s agriculture economy and build a strong future for family farmers and ranchers. With a deep background in rural Texas and agricultural education paired with a career in policy at the state and federal levels, Secretary Rollins will provide a unique perspective as Agriculture Secretary."

Lots of other groups offered their congratulations- you can read their comments by clicking on the Blue Button below.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is accepting nominations for the 2025 Gov. Stitt’s Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award.

The winner will be inducted into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame, which is the state’s most prestigious award honoring distinguished Oklahoma agriculture producers. The Governor’s Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture award honors leaders in the agriculture industry who exemplify personal values, performance and achievement.

Last year, Terry Stuart Forst, a fifth-generation Oklahoman who manages the state’s oldest and most continuous family-operated ranch became the 27th inductee into the Oklahoma Agriculture Hall of Fame, and the first female to earn the state’s most prestigious agricultural honor.

The nomination application is available HERE.

Nominations will be accepted through Saturday, March 8.

The inductee will be honored with a recognition ceremony during Oklahoma Ag Day at the State Capitol on April 22, 2025.