Howdy Neighbors!

Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program Director Mike Mayberry spoke with Farm Director KC Sheperd about the history and vital role of the organization in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month. The Oklahoma Ag Mediation office is one of 44 similar programs nationwide, and it was established in 1988 in response to the farm crisis of the 1980s. According to Mayberry, this crisis led to a period where farmers and ranchers were “desperate and were committing suicide so they could collect on their life insurance policies and save the farm”. The organization’s founding was inspired by the work of Mona Lee Brock, a farm advocate who “would drive to them, take their calls 24 hours a day,” and helped save Oklahoma farmers.

Mayberry noted that the financial and emotional challenges for farmers today are very similar to those in the 1980s. He stated that farm suicide rates are “two to five times greater than the national average” for non-farmers. He said his board of directors, many of whom remember the crisis of the 80s, believe that farmers today are feeling “pretty lonely”. Farm Director KC Sheperd added that producers “battle this stuff day to day,” as their problems don’t stop just because they’re waiting on the government or better weather.

To help people identify when someone may be struggling, Mayberry provided a list of warning signs and urged people to look for signs of distress in themselves or others, including “changes in routine or not taking care of the place or the animals, more illnesses for the people that are working the farm, more accidents on the farm, and the farm starts to go down in appearance, loss of activities and interest outside the farm”. He noted that the mediation program has successfully helped hundreds of farmers and a few who were “considering harming themselves”.

Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays spoke with livestock market economist Dr Derrell Peel. Cattle markets remain exceptionally strong, fueled by supply shortages and shifting marketing decisions. As Dr. Derrell Peel explained, “this is all about tight cattle supplies.” He noted that the fall run is underway with “a lot of unweaned calves coming to town,” but demand is uneven as buyers remain focused on wheat planting. “Right now, everybody’s busy planting wheat instead of buying stocker calves,” Peel said.

Peel highlighted how producers moved calves earlier than normal to capture high prices. “Surprisingly, in Oklahoma, auction totals were up around 20% on a year-over-year basis,” he pointed out. While Missouri also saw increases, “Kansas, not so much. So it’s maybe more of a regional thing to some extent.” He added that fall runs are still expected but lighter than last year, which “is likely to keep our support for these markets pretty good, with less seasonal pressure on these markets in general.”

Preconditioning remains a crucial issue as more unweaned calves enter the market. Peel emphasized its value, saying, “we have data that shows that even in record high prices, preconditioning pays, still the premiums will be there.” From a buyer’s standpoint, “the health risks are tremendous, and the amount of dollars that you risk if that calf gets sick or dies is tremendous.” Still, Peel acknowledged the producer’s perspective, adding, “I can’t really fault producers the total dollars per head here is something we’ve not ever seen before.”

Kylie Johnson’s lawn is moving. Not literally. But at a glance, each blade of grass appears to be shaking, not because of the wind, but instead because of a fall armyworm infestation on her land. Along with her husband, Aaron, Kylie runs Lone Rock Longhorns, a cattle business on roughly 2,500 acres in Payne County. Recently, the family has dealt with a heavy armyworm infestation heading into the fall months, causing some concern.

“I’d say it’s defeating because now we’re feeding hay like it’s snowing outside,” Kylie Johnson said. The Johnson family isn’t alone. Fall armyworm activity has increased across the state of Oklahoma, with the potential to cause major economic damage.

The fall armyworm – earning its name for the way it “marches” from food source to food source – population fluctuates every year.

Cooler and wetter weather patterns early in the year factor into what activity will look like in the fall, explains Ashleigh Faris, Oklahoma State University Extension’s cropping systems entomologist. “The rainfall we have had in Oklahoma has allowed for a lot of lush, green vegetation,” Faris said. “Which is excellent and attractive habitats for the female moths to lay their eggs and fall armyworm larvae to feed.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., was sworn in as the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“There is no one more qualified than Dr. Carson to advise on policies that improve Americans’ everyday quality of life, from nutrition to healthcare quality to ensuring families have access to safe and stable housing,” said Secretary Rollins. “With six in ten Americans living with at least one chronic disease, and rural communities facing unique challenges with respect to adequate housing, Dr. Carson’s insight and experience is critical. Dr. Carson will be crucial to implementing the rural health investment provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill and advise on America First polices related to nutrition, health, and housing.

As the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the first Trump Administration, Dr. Carson worked to expand opportunity and strengthen communities, and we are honored to welcome him to the second Trump Administration to help lead our efforts here at USDA to Make America Healthy Again and ensure rural America continues to prosper.” “Too many Americans are suffering from the effects of poor nutrition. Through common-sense policymaking, we have an opportunity to give our most vulnerable families the tools they need to flourish,” said Dr. Ben Carson. “I am honored to work with Secretary Rollins on these important initiatives to help fulfill President Trump’s vision for a healthier, stronger America.”

On Tuesday, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller made it clear that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is not waiting on the sidelines when it comes to protecting Texas livestock from the New World screwworm (NWS). The agency is taking immediate and aggressive action to use pesticide bait to prevent the pest from re-establishing itself in Texas. While TDA has already been proactive in guarding against NWS, Commissioner Miller is now intensifying those measures following confirmation by Mexico’s SENASICA of a new case in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo León—less than 70 miles from the U.S.–Mexico border.

“The screwworm is dangerously close,” warned Commissioner Miller. “It nearly wiped out our cattle industry before; we need to act forcefully now. That’s why I insist we start using pesticide bait immediately. It took 29 years to eradicate the screwworm with sterile flies alone, and we don’t have that kind of time this time around. Time is of the essence.”

Pesticide baits remain the most immediate line of defense. Historically, Dichlorvos was used to eradicate flies, killing up to 90% of flies on contact. When paired with monitoring systems such as TDA Swormlure, they buy ranchers and veterinarians valuable time to stop outbreaks before they spread.

Northeast Area Extension Specialist Scott Clawson says The excitement surrounding the cattle markets is undeniable. The cow-calf producer is set to benefit greatly under these conditions. Yet, being curious by nature, I can’t help but wonder how these record-breaking calves will work through the supply chain for the next 18 months from a business point of view. Cheap abundant feed could land calves in the feedyard this fall, but many will end up in the countryside until spring. These record level calf prices will impact two cost categories specifically as we budget wintering calves in 2025/26. Interest expense and the cost of death loss go hand in hand with the value of the cattle. 

First, interest expense will increase meaningfully. This is a function of the sizable rise in calf value and a rate environment that has changed in recent years. The value of a 450lb. steer has increased roughly 60% from last fall. This purchase price increase combined with a flat or slightly improved interest rate environment will hike our interest expense per head significantly. Even if these are your own ranch raised calves not purchased on a line of credit, the interest is important. This is the potential interest that could be earned by selling calves this fall and investing the proceeds elsewhere. 

No matter what side of the interest coin you fall on, the sheer dollar value of the cattle makes this significant. This example calculates interest expense at $89.30/head.

Death loss expense is also rising as a function of the increasing cattle value. While death loss percentages vary by year, having a solid understanding of the death loss percentage on your operation is important. In this example, 2% death loss is used. It is assumed to have occurred day one before feed and other inputs are invested in the calf for the sake of simplicity.  

CattleCon 2026, the largest cattle industry event of the year, is heading to the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Feb. 3-5. New for 2026: all registration options include access to Cattlemen’s College education sessions and demonstrations.

For more than 30 years Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Zoetis, has provided cattle producers with valuable information to help improve their herds and businesses. This premier educational experience will be open to all CattleCon 2026 attendees. 



“We are bringing together industry leaders from across the country to share the latest advancements and provide vital information,” said Buck Wehrbein, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “We are excited to make this educational experience available to all attendees and look forward to hearing how producers use valuable knowledge and insights to strengthen their businesses.”

Last week, Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg, announced an aggressive three-point plan that will support American agricultural producers and exporters. 

“President Trump is putting American agriculture first by negotiating fair, reciprocal deals that benefit U.S. producers, farmers, and ranchers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Secretary Rollins is focused on expanding market access, enforcing trade commitments, and boosting rural prosperity. Market promotion support, rapid response to reciprocal trade agreements, and better financing programs will translate to progress in chipping away at the $50 billion agricultural deficit.”

The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized an additional $285 million per year for trade promotion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027. USDA will kickstart that program one year early with $285 million in FY26 and launch the American First Trade Promotion Program.

Checking the Markets...

On Wednesday, Choice boxed beef fell to $377.39, down $3.41, while Select dropped to $356.42, down $3.48. The Choice/Select spread held nearly steady at $20.97, with 188 loads reported, the largest single-day load count of the year. This marks the 15th consecutive decline, with Choice now down a total of $38.62 over that stretch.

OKC West had 4,738 head on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week- Compared to last week: Feeder steers 10.00-15.00 higher. Feeder heifers 15.00-30.00 higher. Quality average. Steer calves 5.00-15.00 higher. Heifer calves over 450lbs steady to 5.00 lower, under 450lbs 15.00-20.00 higher. Manager Bill Barnhart says about the mood of the overall market- "After last week’s COF report the market made another big swing upward at the auction this week. Placement numbers came in at 90% of a year ago adding fuel to the fire of traders perception of a prolonged shortage of cattle. Total on feed numbers were just 1% below year ago numbers. Packers have done well managing inventories and throughput to keep finished prices in line. Nonetheless, after two weeks of uneasiness the market looks to challenge the all time highs made just a month ago."

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.

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