U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), along with SenatorsTommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), introduced the Black Vulture Relief Act of 2025 which would allow farmers and ranchers the ability to protect their livestock when threatened by predatory animals without big government interference. The Black Vultures Relief Act of 2025 removes the requirement for a depredation permit, allowing farmers and ranchers to take black vultures anytime the birds threaten their livestock. This bill also preserves the requirement for annual take reporting to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), allowing FWS to continue monitoring black vulture population numbers, in addition to prohibiting the use of poison as a method of take.

“Oklahoma ranchers deserve the right to protect their livestock from threatening predators,” said Senator Mullin. “Attacks from black vultures are all too common and our ranchers are suffering the consequences. As a rancher myself, I know firsthand the implications of the rapidly growing black vulture population and the negative effect this has on livestock production. Removing the requirement for a depredation permit will allow Oklahomans the ability to do what is necessary to protect their livestock and reduce economic hardship. It’s vital to the livelihood of ranchers across the country that we get this fixed.”

One of the co-sponsors of the Vulture bill is Oklahoma Senator James Lankford.

Midwest Farm Shows is proud to produce the two best Farm Shows in the State of Oklahoma annually- the Tulsa Farm Show each December and the Oklahoma City Farm Show each April.

The Tulsa Farm Show is Oklahoma’s premier agricultural and ranching event- and returns to the SageNet Center (Expo Square) December 11,12 & 13, 2025. 



Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2025 Tulsa Farm Show.  To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here. 

 

Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays, is featuring comments from a recent conversation between NCBA Senior Director of Governmental Affairs, Sigrid Johannes, and Farm Reporter Maci Carter.

Regarding dietary guidelines, NCBA’s message to the USDA and FDA is threefold:

1.) To eliminate the recommended reduction of meat, poultry, and eggs currently in the Biden Administration’s proposed dietary guidelines.

2.) Reform the process of creating dietary guidelines.

3.) Reinforce that the dietary guidelines should be practical and flexible for American families to follow.

Farm Bureau Urges Careful Review of White House Report

American Farm Bureau Federation President and Georgia farmer Zippy Duvall today urged President Trump and his advisors to carefully review a White House report scheduled to be released this week to ensure it is based on sound science and not ideological theories.

“America’s farmers and ranchers are committed to doing the right thing, including producing a safe, affordable and nutritious food supply. Agriculture has been on a journey of continuous improvement since our country’s founding. We welcome recommendations based on facts and hope the president will insist that’s the case with the upcoming report from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission..."

Farm Reporter Maci Carter recently spoke with Duane Stateler, President of the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), at Washington Watch in Washington, D.C. The conversation centered on the pork industry’s priorities as Congress works towards finalizing the farm bill, as well as ongoing concerns regarding Prop 12, international trade, EPA regulations, and labor.

Stateler emphasized the NPPC’s consistent farm bill priorities, centering upon animal health and well-being, protection from foreign disease, and Prop. 12. International trade and tariffs also remain a significant concern for pork producers. The NPPC is closely monitoring EPA guidelines, particularly the re-evaluation of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and labor needs within the pork industry are another critical issue. Stateler noted some improvement with the TN visa situation but emphasized the need for broader immigration reform.

Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist, offers herd health advice as part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Derrell Peel, Johnson, and Paul Beck. Today, Johnson discusses new Angus Maternal EPDs.

The American Angus Association is regularly updating its genetic evaluations. Later this month, three new maternal EPDs will become available for breeders to use in selection programs. These include Functional Longevity (FL), Teat Size EPD (Teat), and Udder Suspension EPD (UDDR).

Over the past few years, CoBank has written about the growing appeal of bundling smartphone and home broadband services. It’s a simple idea that’s proving to be a powerful competitive force: People want fewer bills, more savings, and seamless connectivity.

This CoBank report discusses the quickly changing competitive landscape, why wireless operators love the bundle, how new technologies will accelerate the shift and more.

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey Provides Outlook Amidst Weather Extremes

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey recently addressed farm broadcasters, offering a comprehensive outlook for U.S. weather in 2025 and reflecting on the numerous significant weather disasters already experienced this year.

While there’s a possibility of a La Niña returning later in the year, neutral conditions are expected to dominate the growing season. Rippey also noted that despite some regional drought, particularly in the northern Plains and Southwest, the overall outlook for major crops like corn and soybeans appears relatively optimistic heading into the growing season. Looking ahead, Rippey cautioned about potential drought expansion or intensification in the western and central U.S., and possibly a “cool drought” in the upper Midwest. However, the Southern Plains are expected to see drought eradication.