Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays talked to OSU Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel after the latest USDA Cattle-on-Feed Report was released on Friday afternoon, and Dr. Peel analyzed the latest numbers.

According to the May Cattle on Feed Report, April placements were up 97.4% of last year, and April marketings were up 97.5% of last year. The total on feed number as of May 1 was 1.5% down from a year ago, similar to last month.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau works to improve the lives of all Oklahomans by supporting our state’s agriculture community. As Oklahoma’s largest general farm organization led by Oklahoma farmers and ranchers, OKFB takes grassroots values and advocates for agriculture at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C., to ensure our way of life continues for generations to come. Farm Bureau hosts leadership events, supports our state’s agricultural youth and connects consumers with agriculture in order to build a brighter future for our state. Become an OKFB member today online at okfarmbureau.org/join. Together, we are rural Oklahoma.

Oklahoma’s cotton planting season is in full swing, with irrigated acres nearing completion and producers embracing a resilient outlook despite ongoing challenges. Jenny Dudak, OSU Extension Cotton Specialist, highlights the positive progress and offers key advice for growers navigating the current conditions.

While Kansas reports 48% planted and Texas at 35%, Oklahoma is ahead in irrigated cotton. The recent rains have provided a much-needed boost, creating favorable conditions for planting. Dudak emphasized the importance of soil moisture, particularly in areas prone to rapid drying due to wind. Looking ahead, producers need to be vigilant about early-season insect pests, especially if cooler temperatures cause cotton growth to slow. 

USMEF Spring Conference Concludes in Ft Worth

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Spring Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday with a panel discussion in which senior international staff gave examples of innovative efforts to overcome trade challenges.

Jihae Yang, USMEF vice president for the Asia Pacific, noted that with high tariffs and other barriers severely limiting pork and beef exports to China, the organization has intensified campaigns aimed at moving items traditionally popular in China to alternative markets. For example USMEF partnered with a major retailer in South Korea for a promotion of U.S. beef short plate, after uncertainty over plant eligibility and higher tariffs made the product more difficult to move in China. Yang added that if the trade impasse with China persists, she foresees more U.S. short plate being available to importers and distributors in Southeast Asia. Yang also updated members on how USMEF is working with a Korean meal kit manufacturer and a Japanese distributor to develop and promote items featuring U.S. pork bung. U.S. pork tongue trimmings are also being promoted in popular dishes in Japan’s casual dining sector.

Rabobank’s senior beef analyst, Lance Zimmerman, talked in depth with Oklahoma Farm Report’s Ron Hays about the slow progression of rebuilding the U.S.’s mama cow herd. On Wednesday, the two men discussed Rabobank’s recently released BBQ Index.

“The biggest message I have for producers as we sit here and admire breaking $3 in the feeder market, $4 in calves, and $2.25 plus or minus, depending on region in the fed market, that we are going to continue to build on these highs,” Zimmerman stated. “That almost seems unfathomable in terms of the price appreciation we have seen since the COVID lows. This has been an exceptionally long run rally, but we are going to be in a situation where if you can retain some heifers now, they have the potential with their first calf, maybe even their second calf still sell into a higher market than what they are seeing for those calves today.”

ARA Denounces Anti-Science Pesticide Claims in MAHA Report, Warns of Potential Threats to Food Security

The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) expresses deep concerns regarding comments on pesticide safety in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report. While the importance of evaluating agricultural practices is undeniable, the report’s conclusions contradict longstanding scientific research and fail to acknowledge the critical role pesticides play in ensuring food security and public health.



ARA maintains that the MAHA report’s recommendations would undermine—not enhance—America’s health and well-being. If implemented, these measures will lead to higher food costs, reduced availability, stifled innovation in agriculture, and disproportionate harm to families with limited financial resources. President Trump has repeatedly said that he has the farmers’ backs; now is his time to back that up by reining in the anti-science drivel in this report.

Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), shared a forward-looking vision for the agency, emphasizing a renewed commitment to core principles while embracing technological advancements and a “farmer-first” approach. In a recent discussion with NAFB Broadcasters in Washington, DC, Bettencourt highlighted the critical role of communication, local engagement, and voluntary conservation in securing the future of American agriculture.

Bettencourt affirmed the core principles of NRCS, discussed the quantifying benefits of voluntary conservation, and articulated the need to invest in the NRCS workforce, among other things.