Howdy Neighbors!

During the sorghum harvest, Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Craig Meeker, a past Chair for the National Sorghum Producers, who was working in his combine. Meeker shared a positive outlook on the current crop, while also detailing the significant market and political challenges facing producers.

Meeker reported being “very pleased with the results thus far” for his corn and early sorghum harvest. He attributed the high yields to an “incredible amount of moisture,” noting that his area in south central Kansas has received “about 45 inches of rain since the first of May this year,” far exceeding the typical 32 inches. This abundant moisture has also benefited producers in Oklahoma, as Meeker said a gentleman he spoke with near Enid was “very happy with the yields that they have had as well.”

While the harvest is going well, Meeker noted that the constant moisture has also presented challenges, requiring him to fight pests like sugarcane aphids and deal with “moisture conditions” to get the harvest in “before a frost.” He praised sorghum as an “incredibly diverse and incredibly tough crop,” explaining that it “does with what it’s given.” In wet conditions, it “pushes the envelope and it really pushes the yield.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced acceptance of 1.78 million acres into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) through 2025 General, Continuous, Grassland, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program enrollments.

According to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), about 25.8 million acres are currently enrolled in CRP, the agency’s flagship conservation program through which landowners, farmers and ranchers voluntarily convert marginal or unproductive cropland into vegetative cover that improves water quality, prevents erosion, restores wildlife habitat and in the case of Grassland CRP, enables participants to conserve grasslands while also continuing most grazing and haying practices.

“What better way to celebrate CRP’s 40th anniversary and mark four decades of voluntary private lands stewardship than to announce an extremely successful 2025 enrollment for CRP’s many program options,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “I think the numbers speak for themselves; America’s agricultural producers recognize the value of preserving and protecting our most sensitive lands and are very committed to conserving our natural resources.”  

Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Ben Weinheimer, CEO of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, who discusses the New World screw worm situation and the cattle industry’s response. He emphasized his confidence in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ leadership, saying, “Once again, here we are today with Secretary Rollins and, just could not continue to be any more impressed. She has a really dedicated focus on ensuring that she has a methodical, logical plan towards addressing this New World screw worm issue.” Read our Monday beef buzz for more information from Brooke Rollins on screwworm.

Weinheimer described the challenge as “a multifaceted approach” but one that Rollins is handling effectively with “tremendous human resources and physical resources to it to really help us ensure that we have the right plans, procedures in place.” He stressed the importance of having strong response plans in case the pest enters U.S. cattle operations, adding that Rollins has put those foundations in motion.

A key part of Rollins’ strategy, Weinheimer noted, is her relationship with Mexican officials, which he sees as essential for progress. “She was very positive in her remarks today, they’ve really forged a strong relationship and trust and confidence that both of their teams have in working towards the various elements of this response effort, from fly trapping to surveillance programs, to reporting, just all things related to the transparency.”

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg visited the United Kingdom in September 2025 to promote American ethanol exports, building on a recent U.S.-U.K. trade deal. The visit was part of a broader “T.R.U.M.P. Mission” to connect American agricultural producers with international buyers. 



United States Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg visited the United Kingdom in September 2025 to promote U.S. ethanol exports. The visit was a key part of the administration’s “T.R.U.M.P. Mission” to connect American agricultural producers with international markets.

During the trip, Secretary Rollins met with UK leaders, including her new counterpart Emma Reynolds, and shared her message on the social media platform X. She emphasized the U.S. and UK’s status as “trusted partners” and highlighted the mutual benefits of the trade relationship. Rollins stated their goals were to increase the supply of “US ethanol to UK consumers,” support the UK’s move from E10 to E15 fuel, and unlock “new opportunities for sustainable fuels.” She concluded by affirming the administration’s “Farmers FIRST” agenda.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau hosted nearly 2,000 4-H and FFA students comprising 230 chapters and clubs for the 2025 Oklahoma State Fair Livestock Judging Contest on Monday, Sept. 15, at the state fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.

Students in third grade through 12th grade evaluated eight classes of cattle, sheep, goats and hogs. They also answered a set of questions about a class of cattle and a class of goats. The top three individuals in the junior 4-H division were Wade Richey, Altus; Hake Herrel, Minco; and Garrett Griswold, Ripley. The top three teams were Lomega, Hartshorne, and Chickasha.

The top three individuals in the junior FFA division were Sage Baird, Waynoka; Reid Dorman, Lindsay; and Katie Dismukes, Checotah. The top three teams were Elgin, Lomega, and Lindsay. The top three individuals in the senior 4-H division were Zoey Powell, Wilburton; Kayla Venable, Grady County; and Baler Lott, Hydro-Eakly. The top three teams were Hydro-Eakly, Fort Gibson, and Hartshorne. The top three individuals in the senior FFA division were Aiden Rexwinkle, Wagoner; Kobi Scroggins, Tuttle; and Baylee Rogers, Vanoss. The top three FFA Senior teams were Wagoner, Checotah, and Hartshorne.

Representatives from the Taiwan Flour Millers Association (TFMA) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) signed a Letter of Intent for the purchase of 3.6 MMT (132.3 million bushels) of U.S. wheat between 2026 and 2029. During a signing ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on September 17, 2025, the Taiwanese delegation signed the purchase commitment, which has an estimated value of $1.296 billion.

“Taiwan and the United States enjoy a close and long-standing partnership built on a shared dedication to wheat quality and reliability,” said Jim Pellman, USW Chairman and wheat farmer from North Dakota. “U.S. ag exports, particularly U.S. wheat, enjoy an excellent reputation in Taiwan. In turn, we as American farmers place great value on the relationship with our customers in Taiwan.” 

The United States is one of Taiwan’s largest sources of agricultural products, supplying more than one-fifth of the country’s ag imports. For wheat, Taiwan ranked as the fifth largest market in the 2024/2025 marketing year, importing nearly 949,000 MT (34.9 million bushels) of U.S. hard red winter (HRW), hard red spring (HRS) and soft white (SW) wheat. Since 1998, 14 Taiwan Agricultural Goodwill Missions have traveled to the United States, resulting in the import of 27.4 MMT (1.0 billion bushels) from the United States, worth an estimated $8.0 billion. 

A new report commissioned by the Corn Refiners Association shows changes in state food labeling laws could cost consumers billions of dollars and hit budget-conscious consumers the hardest. According to the analysis, out-of-pocket expenses faced by consumers could increase by $2,200 per household in Texas and $900 per household in Louisiana.

Following the release of the report, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode encouraged the Department of Justice to extend a comment period on a Request for Information concerning state laws with significant adverse effects on the national economy.“Everyone feels the impact of higher food prices, and any policy changes that will lead to higher grocery costs should be closely examined to avoid any unintended consequences,” said Bode.

“Consumers face the prospect of a sharp increase in food prices due to policy changes authorized by state legislators. It is critical that the costs and benefits of food supply policy changes are purposefully assessed before increased costs are imposed on consumers.  “The Trump Administration has made addressing onerous policy provisions a major priority, and these bills are a prime example of why such work is necessary,” Bode added. 

The Dazzling Diamond Hats will be hosting their Annual Gala coming up on September 18th at the Cowboy Hall of Fame. The Diamond proudly promotes the youth of Oklahoma as they pursue their agricultural endeavors. Women from all parts of the state are united in an effort to elevate young people in agriculture. Fundraising efforts result in scholarship opportunities, mentoring programs, and contributions to their projects.

The primary fundraising focus is to support the Oklahoma Youth Expo, known as “The World’s Largest Junior Livestock Show.” Each year, the Diamond Hats purchase exhibitors’ premiums in the annual OYE Sale of Champions!

The Diamond Hats were formed in 2005 with 28 members and, through fundraising efforts, were able to raise $15,000. Since the inaugural year, the ladies have continued to grow in membership and make contributions to Oklahoma’s agricultural youth. 

There will be live auction items, silent auction items, amazing entertainment with Country Star Tracy Byrd, and more! OKFR’s own, KC Sheperd, along with Ron Hays, will be hosting the event!

Checking the Markets...

Superior Livestock will be offering 22,383 for their regular every other week Thursday sale- starting at 8 AM this morning. Superior Sunrise will air at 7:30 AM- check out the sale on the Superior YouTube Channel- available here.

On Wednesday, September 17th, Choice boxed beef slipped to $388.18, down $4.44 from Tuesday, while Select dropped to $366.37, off $6.80. The Choice/Select spread widened to $21.81 compared to $19.45 the previous day. Total loads moved were 142, down from 166 on Tuesday.

OKC West Manager Bill Barnhart writes about this week's market- "market had a softer tone compared to last week. Feeder steers traded steady to about $6 lower, while feeder heifers were generally $10–15 lower on a lighter test. The best demand on heifers was for those weighing 700–750 lbs, which held steady, but overall steer quality was stronger than heifer quality. Steer calves were $5–10 cheaper, heifer calves $10–15 cheaper, with calf quality described as mostly plain."

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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