House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson recently addressed the National Association of Farm Broadcasters at their Washington Watch event, covering critical issues like the Farm Bill, border security, taxes, and trade. Thompson emphasized the importance of these matters to American agriculture, stating, “It’s exciting times. Obviously, with the new administration, there are a lot of moving parts right now. I think it’s all for the greater good when it comes to America’s number one industry, which is agriculture.”

Many of Thompson’s discussions focused on border security and its impact on the agricultural workforce. He argued that an open border does not benefit agriculture, countering the common perception. “I think there are some folks that think an open border helps with workforce, and it absolutely does not,” he asserted.

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.

According to the latest Oklahoma drought monitor report, Severe drought or worse conditions are unchanged at 6.91 percent from last week.

Moderate drought or worse conditions  have decreased to 13.95 percent, down from 14.14 percent last week.

Abnormally dry or worse conditions have have decreased to 24.91 percent, down from 33.14 percent last week

Kansas Drought Monitor shows Moderate Drought are unchanged from 36.84 percent last week. Texas Drought ratings decreased from 52.72 percent a week ago to 46.31 percent.



Click here for the Kansas Drought Monitor Page and Click here for the Texas Drought Monitor Page.

Click here for the US Drought Monitor details for this week.

Mary-Thomas Hart Talks WOTUS Revisions and Agricultural Concerns

During the issues forum of the National Farm Broadcasters Washington Watch, Oklahoma Farm Report’s Maci Carter had the opportunity to visit with Mary-Thomas Hart, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Chief Counsel, about the progress EPA is making to clarify the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) definition. In today’s BeefBuzz, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays, is featuring comments from that conversation.

The WOTUS definition has long been a source of ongoing contention, with shifting interpretations based on presidential administrations and congressional control. EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have asked for input on the geographic scope of the relatively permanent waters, the meaning of continuous surface, and how to determine the jurisdictional status of ditches.

President Donald J. Trump announced on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, a new trade agreement in principle that will lower tariffs, remove trade barriers, increase market access, and strengthen cooperation on economic security. The President secured major wins for American agriculture. This deal provides significant expansion in U.S. market access in the UK, creating a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. stakeholders, including U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers. After the announcement, several ag groups issued responses.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “Farm Bureau appreciates the work between the administration and the United Kingdom to secure a new trade agreement. We have long advocated for new trade deals, and this is an important first step in expanding markets in the four countries. More work is needed, however, to remove the arbitrary barriers that have excluded American-grown food from grocery stores in the U.K.

“With this trade deal, President Trump has delivered a tremendous win for American family farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA President Buck Wehrbein, a Nebraska cattleman. “For years, American cattle producers have seen the United Kingdom as an ideal partner for trade. Between our countries’ shared history, culture, and their desire for high-quality American beef, securing a trade agreement is a natural step forward. Thank you President Trump for fighting for American cattle producers.”

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans this week to expedite $21 billion in disaster assistance to aid farmers and ranchers across the country following several natural disasters.

ASA President Caleb Ragland, a soybean grower from Kentucky, said, “ASA appreciates USDA’s continuous work to coordinate the distribution of disaster assistance that will help restore some stability to rural communities that have endured devastating hurricanes, floods, fires and other natural disasters.”

“NAWG appreciates Secretary Rollins and her USDA team’s hard work in rolling out ECAP earlier this spring and for working hard to get the disaster assistance pieces rolled out. We understand the long hours that go into standing up any disaster program, and this one is no different. Farmers from across the country have endured a host of natural disasters–in addition to economic challenges–and we appreciate the clear timeline for implementation,” said Pat Clements, NAWG President.

This week on SUNUP, OSU Agriculture Economist Dr. John Michael Riley discusses the highs and lows of current grain and cotton markets.

The recent Crop Progress Report showed that 60 percent of the wheat crop had heads, causing producers to hope for a pause in the recent precipitation event that has dumped record amounts of rainfall on certain areas of Oklahoma. “You hate to say those types of things in Oklahoma at this time of year, but certainly, for wheat growers, it would be nice to slow it down so that wheat crop can finish up and we can finish the season strong,” Riley admitted somewhat regretfully.