Howdy Neighbors!

Its time for the friday farm funny! Farming can be very stressful, so enjoy a little laugh!

Associate farm reporter Carli Davenport Spoke with Oklahoma State University president Jim Hess at the OKC Chamber gathering. As OSU prepares for the fall semester, President Jim Hess shared his optimistic outlook, highlighting another year of record-breaking enrollment. “We’re going to have a record enrollment of freshmen this fall, following up on a record enrollment from the fall of ’24,” Hess noted. He estimated that about 5,100 new freshmen would join the university. In addition to academic growth, Hess mentioned excitement around the upcoming football season, saying, “We have a lot of new players, and our coaches are enthused.”

A major highlight for OSU’s future is the construction of a new Veterinary Teaching Hospital, made possible through unprecedented state funding. “We acquired $250 million in appropriations to build a new animal teaching hospital for the College of Veterinary Medicine,” Hess explained. Combined with $78 million already set aside, the $328 million project will be “the envy of all the colleges of Veterinary medicine in the nation.” Hess emphasized its impact on rural veterinary care, saying the hospital will help “fulfill our mission of providing rural large animal and food animal veterinarians for our cattle producers and pork producers.”

In addition to veterinary advancements, OSU is pursuing improvements in agricultural research with plans for a new greenhouse and the Wheat Improvement Center. Hess highlighted the global importance of OSU wheat genetics, stating, “About 12% of all wheat production on the planet is done with OSU wheat genetics.” He noted the current limitations due to weather and facilities, and explained the need for a $25 million indoor facility that would allow multiple growing cycles annually. “When we achieve it, we’ll be able to impact wheat genetic production across the world,” he said.

According to the latest Oklahoma drought monitor report, exceptional drought remains at zero percent, unchanged from the start of the calendar year. Extreme drought or worse conditions remain at zero percent, unchanged since the week of October 29, 2024. Severe drought or worse conditions remain at zero percent, unchanged since the week of May 29, 2025. Moderate drought or worse conditions remain at zero percent, unchanged since last week. Abnormally dry or worse conditions have emerged now in the very northeastern corner of Oklahoma in Ottawa County.

According to the 6-to-10-day precipitation outlook map, most of Oklahoma is leaning above 33-40% chance of rain through August 16, with western Oklahoma at near normal conditions through the same date.

On this weeks map, rainfall was sufficient to end the fledgling area of abnormal dryness in southwestern Oklahoma, but more widespread and intense drought continued to cover large parts of western and southern Texas. Moderate to heavy rainfall was observed over parts of the drought-affected region, leading to some improvement in the Big Bend and along the northern fringe of the region. Substantial rainfall evaded areas farther to the south, however, allowing for some expansion of D0 and D1 conditions in the southernmost parts of the state. 

Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays talks with Jennifer Nealson, Senior Vice President for Global Marketing and Research with NCBA, who spoke about the cattle industry’s continued partnership with the Little League World Series. She highlighted the value of aligning beef promotion with such a widely recognized event. “Yes, the Little League World Series is coming up the first week in August, and we are going there with teams from all over the world,” she said. “We are the official sponsor of the perfect home plate and that’s exciting to us, because having the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner brand alongside something like Little League… it really promotes just how big we are.”

Nealson emphasized how this partnership with Little League helps strengthen beef’s place in the minds of young families. “Connecting with these young people, and of course, the young parents of these kids, is just another way that we can do that—keeping that brand front and center so that people recognize it and have a good association with beef and all of its value,” she explained. The event features a beef meal and activities that aim to engage and celebrate the spirit of youth sports and family togetherness through beef.

She also noted the international exposure the event provides, since teams from across the globe participate. “There are teams coming in from all over the world and having an afternoon full of beef games and beef meal—it’s just so fun,” Nealson said. “That’s what we’re all about—is fun and celebration and beef bringing people together.”

Oklahoma producers gathered valuable insight last week as Dr. Sonja Swiger, an entomologist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, highlighted strategies for fly control and shared historical lessons about the notorious New World Screwworm with Oklahoma Farm Report Intern, Karleigh Erramouspe.

Dr. Swiger began by addressing the impact of excessive fly populations on cattle health and behavior, emphasizing that the most significant concern is not the direct transmission of disease, but the disruption of normal animal behavior due to biting. She explained, “One of the biggest concerns is going to be the fly biting will cause the cattle to be, you know, angry and upset and disrupt their normal behavior… those over high pressures of those flies on the cows can make mama not want to feed regularly or as much as she should be, and then, you know, she’s not producing as much milk.”

She identified the horn fly as the predominant pest Oklahoma farmers should monitor. Horn flies, often found around the head, back, shoulder, and belly of cattle, can proliferate rapidly if untreated. When asked about management, Dr. Swiger stressed the importance of innovation and consistent effort,“Being innovative is one of the things, right? But really it’s just taking initiative, using the available products…and following the labels…But it is long-term. It’s not something you do on day one and walk away. It’s something you have to do for many months.”

According to OSU agricultural economist John Michael Riley, the agricultural markets are currently under pressure, with corn, soybeans, and cotton all experiencing downward price movement. This is primarily due to an expectation of a very large supply of both corn and soybeans. Private trading firms are projecting high yields for these crops across the U.S., which further contributes to the market’s bearish sentiment. The cotton market is also facing pressure, largely because of a stronger U.S. dollar, which makes American exports, including cotton, more expensive for international buyers.

While the national outlook for corn and soybeans is a big crop, there are some regional concerns, particularly in the western Corn Belt. Iowa, a major corn-growing state, has received a significant amount of rain during a critical growing stage. While the full impact on yields is yet to be seen, this is a potential red flag. Despite these localized issues, the overall message is that the national crop size is expected to be quite large, which is the driving force behind the low prices. The national scale of these markets means that growing conditions in states like Iowa have a direct impact on prices in other agricultural regions, including Oklahoma.

In Oklahoma specifically, the wheat harvest is complete, while the national harvest is still ongoing. The state’s corn crop is looking good and is catching up after being behind schedule due to early-season rains. However, the soybean crop in Oklahoma is still lagging. The late wheat harvest delayed the planting of double-crop soybeans, and the heavy early-season rains have negatively impacted crop ratings. This contrasts with the more positive national outlook for soybeans, highlighting a localized challenge for Oklahoma producers. The economist emphasizes the importance of good farm management in navigating these market challenges.

Festivals are known for uniting people with tasty food, good music and fun activities. The upcoming Oklahoma Recycling Festival takes it a step further by providing the opportunity to positively impact the environment while having fun.

This free event highlights sustainable living and recycling and combines it with music, food trucks and other fun activities. Attendees are encouraged to bring items for free recycling, including e-waste and old medications.

“This festival brings together recycling enthusiasts to explore recycling art, educational games and businesses,” said Keima Borsuah, Oklahoma State University Extension assistant state specialist with the Solid Waste Management Program. “Whether novice or experienced, this festival offers something for everyone. We all can make a difference, one recycled item at a time.”

Minnie Lou wasn’t just a rancher—she was a symbol of grit, innovation, and unwavering integrity. From winning her first blue ribbon as a child to helping reshape an entire industry, her legacy is one of “learning by doing” and empowering change. She will be greatly missed. ❤️

Minnie Lou Bradley, a trailblazing figure in the agricultural and livestock community, passed away on August 5, 2025, in Childress, Texas, at the age of 93. Born in Oklahoma on December 15, 1931, she was a pioneer from an early age. After graduating high school in Hydro, she became the first female in the Animal Husbandry program at Oklahoma A&M College (now Oklahoma State University). During her time there, she was the first female to join the Livestock Judging Team and achieved the prestigious title of High Individual at the International Livestock Judging Contest in 1952.

After graduating in 1953, Minnie Lou began her career with the Texas Angus Association. In 1955, she married Billy Jack Bradley and moved to Childress County, Texas, where they established the renowned Bradley 3 Ranch. Her influence in the cattle industry grew immensely; she became the first woman elected to the American Angus Association Board of Directors in 1998 and, in 2005, served as the only woman ever to be the organization's President and Chairman of the Board. Less than a year ago- Dr. Dave Lalman of OSU did an in depth YouTube interview with Minnie Lou about her life in the cattle business- click here to take a look.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home 307 Ave. C NW Childress TX August 17, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. Celebration of Life to be held at Mashburn Event Center 1100 7th street NW, Childress TX at 2:00pm on August 18 2025. (Details provided by the Bradley 3 Ranch) 

The U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act by a huge bipartisan vote of 81-15. U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) serves as Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee which oversees entities such as the Architect of the Capitol, Library of Congress, Capitol Police, Government Accountability Office, Government Publishing Office, and the Office of the Attending Physician, among others.

The bill provides $7.1 billion in discretionary funding for legislative branch agencies, when combined with funding for the U.S. House of Representatives ($2.2 billion), to support the physical and cyber security, technology infrastructure, and overall legislative work capacity of Congress. 

"The brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and Sergeant at Arms work tirelessly every day to protect us as well as the millions of visitors. This bill will bolster their efforts to maintain a secure environment for Members of Congress, our families, staff, and visitors. It also continues to build on strategic investments to strengthen the capacity of the Legislative Branch and our agencies to work on behalf of the American people," said Senator Markwayne Mullin, Chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee. 

Checking the Markets...

Boxed Beef prices strengthened on Thursday, with Choice cutout values climbing $4.08 to $378.94 and Select up $2.39 to $353.75, widening the spread to $25.19. This marks the fifth consecutive daily gain for Choice, up a total of $17.62 over that stretch. 

Woodward Livestock saw light receipts and higher prices on Thursday- Compared to last week: Feeder steers 7.00 to 15.00 higher. Feeder heifers steady to 10.00 higher. Steer and heifer calves very uneven depending on weaning status and condition. 

OKC West is our Market Links Sponsor- they sell cattle three days a week- Cows on Mondays, Stockers on Tuesday and Feeders on Wednesday- Call 405-262-8800 to learn more.

Click here for our Markets Page on OklahomaFarmReport.Com- there you will find many of the reports we have linked on the right hand column found on the previous format of our email.

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