Farmer sentiment in May climbed to its highest level since May 2021 as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer index reached 158, 10 points higher than in April. Farmers were more optimistic about both current conditions and their expectations for the future as the Current Conditions Index improved by 5 points to 146 and the Future Expectations Index jumped 12 points to 164.

Key reasons behind the sentiment improvement were a much more optimistic view of U.S. agricultural export prospects, combined with a less negative view of tariffs’ impact on 2025 farm income than respondents provided in either March or April. The May barometer survey took place from May 12-16, 2025.

Stewart Martin Kubota is passionately committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products, most innovative solutions, and services delivered with integrity and professionalism. Stewart Martin Kubota has four locations to serve you in Bixby, Broken Arrow, Okmulgee and Muskogee. Stewart Martin offers a full line of tough Kubota tractors, mowers, utility vehicles, construction equipment and farm / hay implements.



Remember, If it’s not orange, it’s a lemon! Visit us at stewartmartinkubota.com

Soon after the United States Meat Export Federation Spring Conference in Fort Worth, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays, caught up with the organization’s president and CEO, Dan Halstrom, to talk about the conference, which was attended by many world leaders in meat exports, and discuss the highlights.

When considering the uncertainty around tariffs and trade in general, Halstrom said that meat exports have done considerably well. Last year was the third-largest export year for beef, and this year, so far, is steady with a year ago. Pork is slightly above the record pace that it was on at this time last year, which was a record year for pork exports.

While those are positive takeaways from the conference, Halstrom explained that the concerns are what the April Meat Export Report, due later this week, will hold because it will show the impact of the conflict with China.

After a Night of Severe Storms- Rain Remains in Forecast

Tuesday was a wild weather day- with tornadoes, high straight winds, hail, flooding and heavy rain that moved from west to east during the afternoon and evening. KOCO in OKC confirms at least two tornadoes touched down in Newcastle and Lucien.

The map above shows the rain that has hit the state since Monday morning- with more chances of rain later in the week coming. It's clickable so you can jump to the Mesonet and see who has gotten what amounts in that timeframe. Stormy weather will return Thursday/Friday so for those who are trying to harvest wheat in the western half of the state- once you have a field dry enough to roll- there's no time to waste.

Brian Arnall is a professor in the Oklahoma State University Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and the Sitlington Endowed Chair in Agriculture, Precision Nutrient Management Extension Specialist. He is one of the few Three-Way appointments in the Division, being 55-30-15 in Extension-Teaching-Research.

Arnall's work focuses on improved N management and continued development of sensor-based N recommendations. This approach opens the N application window, meaning farmers have more time to collect data, make better decisions, and apply when the weather best benefits the system.  When approaching teaching, his interest comes from bringing his experience from the field into the classroom and providing the opportunity to experience new things.  In Extension, his approach is all about showing and telling to reach diverse audiences. 

This June, Dairy MAX celebrates National Dairy Month, recognizing the hardworking dairy farm families who nourish communities, drive economic growth and advance sustainable food production.

What began as “National Milk Month” has evolved into a month-long tribute to dairy farmers and their essential role in providing nutritious, responsibly produced foods. Today, over 94% of U.S. dairy farms remain family owned and continue a rich legacy of agricultural excellence, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

On yesterday’s Cow-Calf Corner, Dana Zook, NW Area Livestock Specialist, talks about smarter gain with ionophores.

Ionophores are feed additives that were developed to improve efficiency and prevent coccidiosis. The two most common ionophores utilized are monensin (Rumensin® and Monovet®) and lasalocid (Bovatec®). In addition to the improvement of efficiency (more gain/less feed), ionophores have a derived benefit of preventing and controlling digestive disorders such as acidosis and bloat. They improve feed efficiency simply by increasing the amount of energy available to the animal through selection of more efficient microorganisms in the gut. Ionophores are labeled for both grazing and feedlot cattle. 

Whole Milk for Kids Act Approved by Senate Ag Committe- AFBF Offers Thumbs Up

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. “Farm Bureau appreciates the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup and passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This bipartisan legislation will allow schools to offer additional nutritious milk varieties to students. Whole and 2% milk, as well as flavored options, are wholesome choices for children and an important building block for a healthy, balanced diet.

“By offering milk options that align with both modern nutritional research and student preferences, schools can increase milk intake at a critical time, knowing nearly 90% of Americans don’t consume enough dairy. We’re grateful to Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) for their leadership in introducing this bill in the Senate, as well as Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-Pa.) and Kim Schrier (D-Wash.) for introducing the House version.”

Milk Producers Federation Also Happy with Senate Ag Committee on Bill

The National Milk Producers Federation applauded the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for supporting by voice vote the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a vital piece of legislation for increasing student milk consumption and nutrition access.  The bill’s markup today is a critical step in passing this bipartisan legislation, which has already been approved at the House committee level. 

“The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is about making informed, science-backed decisions that prioritize the health and future of our children,” NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud said. “We’re grateful that this common-sense legislation has received such strong support from both sides of the aisle. We commend Senators Marshall and Welch for authoring this bill in the Senate and advocating passionately for its passage, as well as Chairman Boozman and Ranking Member Klobuchar for their bipartisan leadership in moving the bill through committee. Passing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act will allow more schoolkids to access essential nutrients in their diets, and that’s something everyone can get behind.”