The 2025 Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Convention and Trade Show is just around the corner, and cattle producers across the state are preparing for what promises to be an informative and innovative event. Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey shared that the event will be held July 25–26 at the Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma.

One major highlight of the event will be a session with Dr. Rod Hall, who will discuss the potential threat of screw worm infestations. Kelsey expressed concern, stating, “We know that it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when regarding screw worm.” He commended Dr. Hall and Secretary Arthur for their proactive efforts in preparing Oklahoma for such challenges and stressed the importance of staying informed and responsive. “We want to give Dr. Hall an opportunity to update us on that,” he said, suggesting the topic may warrant further input from the cattle community.



Weather will also be a key topic, with meteorologist Matt Makens returning to provide insight into current and future climate conditions. Kelsey noted the unusual greenness of the landscape this year, saying, “I’ve never seen it this deep green, like this. This is phenomenal.” Makens’ session will explore whether the favorable conditions will persist or give way to drought, particularly in light of possible La Niña patterns. His talks are “always extremely popular, extremely beneficial,” according to Kelsey.

Dating back to 1891, Stillwater Milling Company has been supplying ranchers with the highest quality feeds made from the highest quality ingredients. Their full line of A & M Feeds can be delivered direct to your farm, found at their Agri-Center stores in Stillwater, Davis, Claremore and Perry or at more than 125 dealers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas. 

We appreciate Stillwater Milling Company’s long time support of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and we encourage you to click here to learn more about their products and services.

Governor Stitt and Secretary Kennedy Unveil “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” Initiative

Governor Kevin Stitt hosted Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. today in Oklahoma City, announcing a collaborative effort to improve health outcomes across the state under the banner of the “Make Oklahoma Healthy Again” (MaHA) campaign. The initiative, echoing the broader national movement, aims to tackle the pervasive issue of chronic disease without resorting to government mandates.



Governor Stitt began by expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership. “I love the spirit behind the MaHA movement, a desire to improve health outcomes across America without government mandates,” he stated, adding, “I could not be happier to have the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary Kennedy, in Oklahoma with us today.”



Secretary Kennedy, in turn, highlighted the urgency of the mission. “Oklahoma is 47th in health in the United States, and that’s not a good thing,” he asserted. He underscored a national health crisis, particularly among children, contrasting current statistics with his own childhood. “When I was a kid, we had the healthiest children in the world, and today we have the sickest children.”

Drought-Free Oklahoma: A Welcome Trend Continues in this Weeks Drought Monitor

The last time we reported any level of drought in Oklahoma was the last Drought Monitor in May- the four reports in June have had zero drought- no Exceptional, Extreme, Severe or Moderate drought.

The last time Abnormally dry was reported was the June 5th Drought Monitor

Both the Kansas Drought Monitor and the Texas Drought Monitor also show reduced amounts of drought in recent weeks- click on the respective state names to see their latest stats.

According to the 6-to-10-day precipitation outlook map, most of the state of Oklahoma is leaning above 40-50% chance of precipitation through July 5. The Far Northeast tip has a 33-40% chance of rain through that same date.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins Thursday provided an update on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s comprehensive, five-pronged strategy announced in February to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). After reaching a record high due to the Biden Administration’s lack of action, wholesale egg prices have now dropped 64%, with retail prices falling 27% from their peak earlier this year. We must remain diligent, and egg farmers and producers can continue to utilize USDA resources to conduct biosecurity assessments before the Fall.

“When President Trump entered office, the cost of eggs was at a record high, seriously denting consumers’ wallets after years of awful inflation. On my first day as Secretary, we got to work to implement a five-pronged strategy to improve biosecurity on the farm and lower egg prices on grocery store shelves. The plan has worked, and families are seeing relief with egg prices driving food deflation in the April Consumer Price Index,” said Secretary Rollins. “While we are proud that over 900 biosecurity assessments have been conducted to date, resources remain available, and we are urging poultry farmers of all sizes to get your assessments done today before a potentially challenging fall.”



A map and list of how the states are stacking up on biosecurity assessments is below. States are strongly encouraged to take action and assist producers in scheduling their assessments.

Support Builds for “One Big Beautiful Bill"

The Family Business Estate Tax Coalition and the Tax Aggies Coalition have both sent letters to Senate leaders calling for passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a proud member of both coalitions and is continuing to urge Congress to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill.



“Across the nation, farming and ranching families are thinking about how their cattle operation stays in business for future generations. Legislation that reduces the Death Tax, cuts taxes across the board, and helps farmers and ranchers keep more of their hard-earned money is how we keep America’s agricultural legacy going strong for future generations,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “Cattle producers’ message to Congress is simple: pass the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill.’”

Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast: Brady Sidwell has a Strategy For Supply Chains In Rural Oklahoma

In this episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, Brady Sidwell, President and founder of Sidwell Strategies and Enterprise Grain in the Enid, Oklahoma area. The company provides risk management and marketing solutions for food and agriculture enterprises. It also handles futures and options trading in the commodities markets. In this episode, Sidwell is discussing the increased interest in developing a clear path for consumers from farm to fork, mainly in Northern Oklahoma.

Sidwell is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics with a focus on international marketing. He holds a master’s degree in economics from the University of Hong Kong, where he was a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar to China. Early in his career, Sidwell worked on U.S. Department of Agriculture projects in South Korea and Thailand. In China, he worked in the banking and food industries. Before founding Sidwell Strategies, he spearheaded global business development, investment, and strategy as a vice president with OSI Group. 



“Fresh milled flour is just blowing up,” Sidwell explained. “People are more concerned about additives in their foods. We are trying to be an avenue for consumers to be able to get ingredients directly from farms.”