Howdy Neighbors!

USDA has released red meat export data for September, which was delayed due to the recent government shutdown. As compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), September data showed a fairly steady performance for U.S. pork exports, matching the year-ago value while down slightly in volume.But September beef exports were the lowest in more than five years, with shipments to China effectively halted and exports to other Asian markets also trending lower year-over-year.

September beef exports were just 80,835 mt, down 22% from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value was $660.9 million, also down 22% and the lowest since February 2021. Even when excluding China, beef export volume fell 11% year-over-year, due in part to lower production.

January-September beef exports totaled 856,023 mt, down 11% from a year ago (and down 4% when excluding China). Export value was down 10% to $7.03 billion. Exports trended higher to leading value market Korea and to Central and South America, Hong Kong, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Africa. But these gains were more than offset by the steep decline to China and lower shipments to Japan, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins published an opinion piece in USA TODAY highlighting this week’s actions the Trump Administration is taking to protect American farmers. 

“Under President Joe Biden, the cost of doing business increased drastically, and commodity prices slumped after the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war. Between 2020 and this year, seed costs increased 18%, fuel was up 32%, fertilizer went up 37%, labor went up 47%, and interest expenses shot up by a whopping 73%,” said Secretary Rollins. “While American farmers face historic pressures, this week, President Donald Trump reminded them he is their greatest champion. 

That’s why President Trump directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a bridge to support American agricultural producers while new trade deals take effect and give input costs time to come down. This new aid program is a limited but critical bridge to the improvements President Trump and Republicans in Congress have made through the One Big Beautiful Bill. The bridge funding will assist farmers until input costs and inflation go down.”

Senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Casey Jentz, Chief Operating Officer of the American Angus Association, who reflects on a standout year for the breed and the programs driving producer profitability. Jentz stepped into the COO role earlier in 2025 after years as a regional manager, and he says the Angus breed closed its fiscal year on an exceptionally strong note.

“We had a tremendous year with registrations, our business was good. Our members are doing good,” he told us, adding that sales across the country “have been record sales here for the last year.” Jentz highlighted not only the Association but the four key entities under the broader Angus umbrella—Certified Angus Beef, Angus Genetics Inc., the Angus Foundation, and Angus Media.

He said all four ended the year in the black. “All the entities were in the positive… we’ve done a lot of business throughout the industry,” he noted, pointing to strong performance in advertising, genetic services, and the continued momentum of Certified Angus Beef.

In a discussion with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Steve Morgan, Area Sales Manager for the South Central Region at Farmers National Company, shared insights on the current agricultural land market, the strength of specific commodities, and the enduring role of the producer. Farmers National Company, founded in 1929, specializes in managing farms and selling real estate for landowners across 28 states.

Morgan notes that the market is particularly strong for a few specific land types: Grass/Cattle Ground: Grass is “extremely high” right now, fueled by recent rainfall after a three-year dry spell. This, combined with strong cattle prices, is creating significant cash receipts and excitement for cattle-related land. Recreational Property: Land for hunting and other recreational activities is currently bringing a “high dollar”.

Despite rising interest rates, Morgan was surprised that they did not curb land values as much as anticipated. Profitability as the Driver: The profitability in the agricultural sector was strong enough to drive land prices up, overriding the typical pressure from interest rates. Future Outlook: As interest rates begin to come down, Morgan suggests this might encourage investors to return to the market quicker than expected.

Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center reported a highly active third quarter of 2025, continuing its mission to support Oklahoma’s food and agriculture industry through technical assistance, applied research and educational outreach.

Throughout the quarter, FAPC worked with producers, processors and entrepreneurs across the state, offering guidance on product development, food safety, engineering, labeling, regulatory pathways and facility workflow. The center supported businesses at every stage of growth – helping new ventures to navigate early decisions while assisting established companies with process improvements and technical challenges.

“Activity across the center remained strong this quarter, and it reflects our commitment to being accessible and responsive to Oklahoma’s food and agricultural community,” said Rodney Holcomb, FAPC assistant director. “Whether someone is developing a new idea or improving an existing operation, we are ready to help.”

After a visit to eastern Oklahoma Thursday to meet with individuals involved in the poultry industry and other local stakeholders, Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, is calling on those involved in the State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods case to return to the negotiating table and work toward a resolution.

The lawsuit accused several poultry companies of polluting the Illinois River Watershed in eastern Oklahoma with phosphorus from chicken waste spread on fields as fertilizer, causing environmental harm. In 2023, a federal judge ruled in the state’s favor but ordered both sides to negotiate damages.

Negotiations have now stalled, prompting reports that several major companies, key economic drivers for the region, are evaluating potential changes to their operations in Oklahoma.

National Sorghum Producers is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Sorghum Yield Contest, including Bin Buster awardee Chris Santini from Warren County, New Jersey, securing the contest’s highest 2025 yield at 239.93 bushels per acre.

“On behalf of the National Sorghum Producers, it is a privilege to recognize our 2025 yield contest winners,” NSP Board of Directors Chair Amy France said. “The performance we’re seeing this year reflects the resilience, ingenuity and determination of sorghum farmers nationwide.

Their achievements not only elevate our industry but also inspire the next generation of growers. We are excited to honor this year’s winners at 2026 Commodity Classic.”

Noteworthy yields are spotlighted across three distinct divisions spanning from the eastern to western U.S. regions. Among the winners is RK Farms from Cimarron County, Oklahoma, in the Irrigated Western division, achieving a yield of 237.15 bushels per acre.

Today, the Oklahoma National Stockyards will commemorate a significant philanthropic milestone during its final livestock sale of the year. In partnership with National Livestock Companies, the Stockyards will host its 15th annual charity calf auction, with all proceeds exclusively benefiting the All American Beef Battalion (AABB).

This event is made possible through the continued generosity of the Clyde Runyan family of Mill Creek, Oklahoma, representing 3C Cattle Feeders. For the 12th consecutive year, Penny Runyan and her sons, Casey and Bear, have donated the calf for auction. This contribution honors the legacy of the late Clyde Runyan, a Vietnam veteran who served with the 101st Airborne Division. Mr. Runyan viewed supporting the troops as a privilege, and his family has steadfastly maintained this tradition since his passing in 2019.

Event Details In conjunction with the auction, the AABB team will be on-site at the sale barn to host a ribeye luncheon beginning at 11:00 a.m. The organization invites the community to join them for a meal and to participate in this day of recognition.

Donation Information Those wishing to support the All American Beef Battalion may contact Debbie Wedel at 800-310-0220 or visit www.steaksfortroops.com.

Checking the Markets...

The livestock complex ended the day mixed, with cattle contracts dipping lower, while lean hog contracts continued to rally through the week's end. December live cattle closed $0.57 lower at $229.80, February live cattle closed $1.40 lower at $229.55, and April live cattle closed $1.27 lower at $229.40. 

Boxed beef prices closed mixed: choice down $0.67 ($357.44) and select up $0.76 ($344.22) with a movement of 120 loads

January feeders closed $4.30 lower at $339.10, March feeders closed $3.60 lower at $334.07, and April feeders closed $3.35 lower at $333.22. The Oklahoma Weekly Cattle Auction summary stated that, compared to last week, feeder steers over 900 pounds traded steady, steers under 900 pounds sold $10.00 to $15.00 higher.

Click here for our Markets Page on OklahomaFarmReport.com- there you will find our latest reports on cattle auctions, boxed beef, cash grains, and market analysis.

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