The Oklahoma National Stockyards (ONSY), a cornerstone of the region’s and nation’s agricultural industry and infrastructure, has been placed under contract for purchase by a group led by an Oklahoma cattleman and business owner. This strategic acquisition ensures the continued operation of one of the nation’s premier livestock markets.

“We are excited about this new chapter for the Oklahoma National Stockyards,” said Chris

Franklin, managing member of the group purchasing ONSY. “Our focus remains on

supporting our customers, preserving the stockyards’ vital role in Oklahoma’s and the

nation’s agricultural economy, and fostering a thriving marketplace for the livestock

industry.”

Following productive discussions, the nine commission companies operating at ONSY

have expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the new ownership. The buyer is

steadfast in their commitment to maintaining ONSY’s legacy of excellence, with plans to

serve customers and the agricultural community for decades to come.

Operations at ONSY will continue seamlessly, with no disruptions to services or schedules. The new ownership group is dedicated to upholding the stockyards’ tradition of integrity, reliability, and community partnership.

One "neighbor" that has it's home across the street from the ONSY building is the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association- Michael Kelsey with the cattlemen's group is pleased with the announcement- "OCA looks forward to continuing a great relationship with the Oklahoma National Stockyards for many more to come. OCA is excited to work with the new ownership to preserve the great legacy of the Stockyards as well to capitalize on many new opportunities in this historic area.

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.

At the Hemphill County Beef Conference in Canadian, Texas, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays had the chance to talk with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall, who was speaking at the conference. The two men discussed Secretary Rollins calling out the Mexican government for undermining American interests in the battle against the New World screwworm.

While at the meeting- word came that Mexican officials have agreed to allow planes carrying the Sterile Flies from Panama to land in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec- It represents the shortest distance between the Gulf of America and the Pacific Ocean. Click here for the release from Secretary Rollins on word from Mexico.

Woodall detailed the screwworm’s presence in Mexico and the bureaucratic red tape that previously hindered progress to prevent the insects’ continued Northward march.

“Fortunately, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has taken a significant leadership role here, and has reached out to the government of Mexico and told them what our expectations are, that they need to cooperate, that they need to coordinate,” Woodall detailed.

Currently, more than 1,000 cases of NWS infections have been reported in Mexico, but so far, the flies are being kept just outside of the Yucatan Peninsula. Through his conversations with Secretary Rollins and her team at USDA, Woodall says there are enough male screwworm flies in production – 100 million per week – that the line can be held. 

In the Face of La Nina- April Rainfall a Record in Oklahoma

April was the wettest on record for Oklahoma- Statewide, Oklahoma saw a record-breaking average rainfall of 8.52 inches, exceeding the previous record of 8.32 inches set in 1942. 

The Mesonet map above is clickable- you can go to the Mesonet site and check out location by location found over the last thirty days- Okemah and Walters both surpassed 17 inches of rain for the month while Beaver had the dubious honor of the smallest rainfall total- just .62 inches for April.

You can also go and search the historical data sheet that gives you the total rainfall by month for each Mesonet station back to 1994. Click here for that info.

This week, our coverage of the 2025 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists continues with Agricultural Production competitor Michial Poteet of the Ripley FFA chapter representing the Central Area.

For his FFA Star project, Poteet raises show cattle and pigs, as well as hay to feed the cattle. “I started out with show pigs through a family friend,” he explained. “I gave a speech about my show pigs, and the friend who advised me on my speeches gave me ten embryos to start my show cattle operation. Through that, I’ve been able to raise them, and being able to compete with the high-dollar cattle that you raise is really cool.”

His FFA career began with showing goats in the eighth grade, before he moved to showing pigs and cattle. He also participated in food science, livestock judging, milk quality judging, and more as he searched for the areas that fit him best.

On today’s Cow-Calf Corner, Kellie Curry Raper, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics makes the case for earlier castrations.

For cow-calf producers, your “current situation” likely includes lots of young calves running around the place with a few more expected in the near future. That also means there are additional management decisions coming your way – one of which is the castration decision. That involves a yes/no decision and – if yes – then it also involves decisions about method and timing. Today’s focus is on the yes/no decision and timing.

Research over time has consistently indicated price discounts for bulls sold in feeder calf markets. Oklahoma data indicates that bulls are consistently discounted relative to steers when comparing cattle of similar weight, quality, breed, and other physical and management attributes. Past OSU research has measured bull discounts in Oklahoma markets at $6/cwt to $12/cwt at different points in time. Discounts tend to increase when market price levels increase.

Preliminary research with recent Oklahoma data indicates that the bull discount per cwt is stable across weight classes at -$13.22/cwt. At first glance, that may seem counterintuitive, as we might expect the bull discount to be larger for heavier animals based on the implications of later castration on health, performance, management, and carcass quality as those animals move through the beef supply chain. And actually, it is…when you look at it on a per head basis.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that FSA offers farm ownership and farm operating loans to beginning farmers and ranchers. Beginning farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank can apply for FSA direct or guaranteed loans.

“Farming and ranching is a capital-intensive business and FSA is committed to helping producers start and maintain their agricultural operations,” said Jaramie Karcher, FSA Deputy State Executive Director in Oklahoma. “FSA loans are designed to make sure that everyone has access to credit. Last year, FSA in Oklahoma obligated more than $184 million in loans to beginning farmers and ranchers.”

In order to qualify as a beginning farmer, the individual or entity must meet the eligibility requirements outlined for direct or guaranteed loans. Additionally, individuals and all entity members must have operated a farm for less than 10 years. Applicants must materially or substantially participate in the operation. For farm ownership purposes, the applicant must not own a farm greater than 30% of the average size farm in the county at the time of application.

Secretary Rollins Hosts Maude Family in Washington 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins hosted on Wednesday Charles and Heather Maude at the U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters alongside U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and members of Congress to address the senseless politically motivated prosecution waged by the Biden Administration over 25 acres of federal land. This comes after the Trump Administration announced that the U.S. government has dropped criminal charges against the Maude family.

At Secretary Rollins’ direction, USDA is launching a new web portal for potential victims of ongoing lawfare originating under the Biden Administration to submit their concerns and experiences. This site is active at www.usda.gov/lawfare.

“President Trump is directing his cabinet to ensure no citizen of this country is unfairly targeted on politically motivated witch hunts. That is what happened to the Maudes and I am working to ensure no farmer, rancher or customer who works with USDA will ever endure baseless political persecution,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “I am calling on any individuals who are currently enduring lawfare conducted by USDA to visit  www.usda.gov/lawfare and submit a form. My team will promptly work to address the situation.”