Oklahoma cotton producers are experiencing one of their best seasons in recent memory, according to Maxwell Smith, cotton extension specialist at Oklahoma State University, who spoke with associate farm reporter Carli Davenport. Smith said, “This year has been a really good change from the last few that we’ve experienced in Oklahoma cotton production.” Early rains and full irrigation capacity at Lake Altus gave farmers the strong start they needed. Smith noted that, “We got some timely rains, and as we got here to harvest time and got those leaves knocked off those plants, we really saw what we were able to achieve this year.” Many producers are reporting record yields, which he credits to both improved weather and better genetics in cotton varieties.

The recent freeze event in late October turned out to be beneficial rather than harmful. Smith explained, “Our freeze timing was actually pretty ideal for most of our cotton area in the state.” Because most fields had already matured and been sprayed, the freeze helped dry down plants and remove remaining leaves, making harvest easier. He emphasized that Oklahoma growers avoided the kind of early freeze that can seriously reduce yields, saying, “We avoided any freezes early in the fall that would have been detrimental to our yields.”

Smith also highlighted the value of OSU’s ongoing research and field trials. He described several key sites, including “the Southwest Research and Extension Center at Altus, the Caddo Research Center near Fort Cobb, and the Goodwell Research Center up in the panhandle.” His program is focusing on weed and insect control, with new technologies on the horizon.

John Pfeiffer Jr., a past President of the American Angus Association and former chair of the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) committee, joined Ron Hays in our latest Beef Buzz to talk about how quality beef continues to drive value across the industry. Pfeiffer noted that Certified Angus Beef had “another record year,” producing “1.232 billion pounds, which makes it the largest single year ever.” He credited consumers for that growth, saying, “They just don’t want a protein product—they want a high-quality protein product,” and added that demand for CAB Prime has become so strong that “we actually are probably not making enough of it.”

Pfeiffer highlighted the extraordinary improvement in quality genetics over the past several decades. He explained, “You go back and look at 1978 —the acceptance rate would have been about 3%, meaning that out of every 100 you did, there would have been three that make it. We had acceptance rates this year at times over 40%, which is remarkable.” The acceptance rate Pfeiffer refers to is the number cattle that met all the requirements to be accepted into the CAB program. He credited both genetic progress and herd rebuilding after past droughts for that success, noting that “about 80% of the cow herd is black now,” a key factor in CAB eligibility.

When Hays asked about the program’s strict standards, Pfeiffer confirmed the team has never lowered them. “Yes, we have [held firm],” he said, emphasizing the value of consistency: “It’s the consistency of our quality that people expect. They know that when they buy it, they’re going to get a good eating experience.”

A recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping has resulted in an agreement for China to resume its purchases of U.S. soybeans, sparking a reversal in market prices. However, one agricultural economist is urging caution, calling the announcement “relatively vague” and noting it lacks the concrete details needed for long-term market stability.

The agreement outlines an expectation for China to purchase approximately 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans between now and the end of January. A broader expectation was also announced for China to purchase 25 million metric tons from 2026 through 2028, a figure noted as a “typical purchase level” from several years ago.

Joe Janzen, an agricultural economist at the University of Illinois, said the market is still trying to understand the news. “We’re still processing. This is sort of very new and a relatively vague announcement,” Janzen stated. He explained the optimism is based on “a few numbers in comments from the Treasury Secretary”.

KC Sheperd, Farm Director, sits down with LeAnn Jenkins of Cottage Goods, an Oklahoma company that grew from a personal quest for a healthier home environment into a successful business known for its all-natural, farm-friendly products.

Jenkins’ journey began in 2000, shortly after building a new house. “I had a new house built, and found that paraffin candles were putting off soot in my new house, which was concerning,” Jenkins shared. This discovery spurred her research, leading her to soy candles. “I started on my journey to educate myself, and found soy candles, which are much cleaner. They burn cleaner. They don’t put off the soot. They last longer. And I’m all about value, so lasting longer was a great thing for me.”

The initial focus on soy led to the realization that the 100% food-grade soy wax could be used on the skin. This sparked the development of a lotion line, with Jenkins committed to keeping the ingredients natural and eliminating toxins. This dedication to natural ingredients quickly branched out.

Dana Zook, livestock specialist from Oklahoma State University, says Processing and weaning plans are underway for spring calving herds. I don’t have to tell you that the value of these calves are very high. Producers would benefit from some plans to minimize stress and maintain health. Research has proven that low stress cattle handling and proper vaccination helps calves perform as stockers and in the feedyard. Read on for some insight on best management during weaning.

Vaccinations & Management:The Oklahoma Quality Beef Network (OQBN) provides a research proven guide for management and vaccination of newly weaned calves. The OQBN program requires that cattle are raised from the ranch of origin, weaned a minimum of 45 days, and are bunk trained. Bull calves must be castrated, and all calves must be dehorned. All calves should be healed from these procedures and appear in good health on sale day.

Calf Nutrition should not be an after-thought. Weaning nutrition is one of the most important times to pay attention to detail. Producers should be prepared to provide calves with familiar feeds that are palatable and provide a greater concentration of nutrition to compensate for low intake. 

Last week’s federally inspected cattle harvest was 14,000 head smaller than the prior week at 559,000 head. However, the last three weeks have averaged 11,000 head more than the prior four-week period.  Prices ranged from $230/cwt. to $235/cwt. with the average steer price at $231.18/cwt. This week, early indications hold promise for a steady to slightly stronger trend.

Early November cash fed cattle have trended either direction in the past few years. The complexity of current market conditions suggests that historical trends are of little importance.  As basis has turned positive, fundamental supply and demand rule the day. Political rhetoric has, so far, proven to be just that, with no actionable changes to the demand-driven market. Downward pressure on futures this Wednesday is firm, however, and will challenge the cash market mentality. 

Since headlines fell upon the beef complex October 16, fed and feeder cattle values have taken it on the chin. Feedyards watching the board for their opportunity to hedge their recent “unhedgable” feeder cattle purchases will be forced to wait it out as upper $240’s futures values vanished amidst a stout uptrend.