Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Wednesday, April 13, 2022
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur Talks about the Challenges Producers are Facing
- K-State Researcher Sees Industrial Hemp as Stress Reducer for Cattle
- Berlin Fire Roars Across Taylor Ranch South of Cheyenne
- NCBA Renews Call for Suspension of Brazillian Imports
- Introducing Dax DeLozier of the Adair FFA Chapter, Your 2022 Northwest Area Star in Agricultural Placement
- Managing Pastures Before and During Drought
- President Biden to Allow E-15 to Be Sold This Summer
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Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur Talks about the Challenges Producers are Facing
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At the start of this week, Farm Director KC Sheperd visited with Ag Secretary, Blayne Arthur about the decisions ahead for farmers and ranchers across Oklahoma.
“Certainly, a really challenging time,” Arthur said. “I think drought is on top of mine for everyone really all across the state of Oklahoma, especially on the western side of the state and along with that, the fire danger that comes when we’ve got the low humidity, the high temperatures and the winds.”
Arthur said the state’s forestry staff is engaged with local emergency management in rural fire departments to be as prepared as possible to respond to any fire situations.
“We have got diesel that is over five dollars and fertilizer prices in some cases are 300 to 400 percent more than they were this time last year.” Arthur said. “It is really challenging for producers to make decisions to plan going forward.”
Arthur said with 77 counties in Oklahoma, there are different issues faced in different parts of the state.
“It is our job at the department to help where we can, then sometimes it is just connecting folks with someone else who can assist them,” Arthur said. “We want people to communicate with us. Most of us that work at the department either grew up with ag producers, or we are ag producers now, so we understand, and we want to help improve things for ag producers in Oklahoma.”
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K-State Researcher Sees Industrial Hemp as Stress Reducer for Cattle
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KSU’s beef production medicine veterinarian, Dr. Mike Kleinhenz talks about some of his latest research on feeding industrial hemp to cattle essentially as a stress reliever.
“For this study, we fed ingestional hemp to a group of Holstein steers,” Kleinhenz said. “I want to stress this was high cannabinoid industrial hemp, so we had a high amount of cannabinoids, specifically cannabidiolic acid, which the precursor to CBD you see in gummies and things like that outside pharmacies and all over the place. It is a similar compound to that we fed to these cattle.”
Our main goal, Kleinhenz said, was to see if we feed industrial hemp for multiple days if there were any impacts in terms of stress. Our big areas we worked on in our lab are stress and inflammation, he added.
“We monitored how much time they spent laying around, amounts of steps they took during their day and the amount of general motion index,” Kleinhenz said.
By watching the cattle’s activity throughout the day, Kleinhenz said the industrial hemp-fed calves spent more time laying down.
The hemp-fed calves, Kleinhenz said, spent less time laying down and were more active before they were fed the hemp. After being fed hemp, they started to lay down more, he added.
“This was also supported by our cortisol results,” Kleinhenz said. “Cortisol is a stress hormone, so if someone is standing in front of a crowd, that’s that hormone that is released and shows you that stress.”
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Berlin Fire Roars Across Taylor Ranch South of Cheyenne
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It was a scary afternoon and overnight in Roger Mills County where Jimmy and Tracy Taylor ranch south of Cheyenne.
The "Berlin" fire has been fought by both local fire departments and also the Oklahoma Department of Ag's Forestry Services. They reported around sunset last night "Berlin Road Fire (Roger Mills County): 8,000 acres estimated. OFS Suppression Groups have responded to a rapidly progressing fire alongside numerous fire departments west of Berlin, OK. National Guard helicopters are on scene and engaged in suppression efforts with ground resources. A total of six OFS engines, six dozers and miscellaneous overhead assigned to the fire."
Tracy Taylor has kept us all up to date with posts on Facebook- the picture above (from Facebook) shows neighbors helping the Taylors move cattle.
After several hours of- Tracy updated everyone around 10 PM- "We are ok. I hope we got all the cattle to safety. Fires are still burning everywhere - hot spots. Going to be a long few days. Fire trucks everywhere still. No electric power. Thank you Generac for generators."
But then- after midnight- more from Tracy "It’s after midnight and it’s not over. Bless the firefighters who stay and have to maneuver over non-roads to get to the next flare up.
I’m home but afraid to shower or sleep. The wind keeps a shifting…"
And around 2 am this morning- "It shot across the east side of our ranch. Now it’s roaring through the west side. Wind shift.
Tons of friends and ranchers and firemen here helping move cattle.
God bless our good neighbors."
We continue to pray for Tracy and Jimmy and the firefighters and the neighbors who are living thru the Berlin Fire.
For those of you who read this outside of Oklahoma- yes- this is the Jimmy Taylor who is a volunteer leader of the Cattlemen's Beef Board and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the CBB.
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For our farmers who have either- always have had cotton on their farms- or those who have more recently have added the fiber crop to their operations- we have a daily report heard on several of our Radio Stations- It's Called Cotton Talk!
Click on the Button below to listen to our most recent report
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NCBA Renews Call for Suspension of Brazilian Beef Imports
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Following the USDA report highlighting an increase in Brazilian beef imports, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) renewed its call for the immediate suspension of fresh beef imports from Brazil. NCBA has repeatedly called for a thorough audit of Brazil’s animal health and food safety system, to ensure the safety of the U.S. cattle herd. In 2021, Brazilian exports to the United States increased by 131 percent. In the first three months of 2022, Brazil has already shipped more than 50,000 metric tons of fresh beef to the U.S.
This unprecedented surge of imports triggered a temporary tariff safeguard of 26.4 percent that will apply to Brazilian beef imports for the rest of 2022. While a temporary tariff increase may discourage further imports from Brazil, it does not address the underlying concern over Brazil’s repeated failure to adhere to international animal health and food safety standards.
“We are, once again, calling on Secretary Vilsack to suspend fresh beef imports from Brazil, because of that country’s long history of failing to report BSE cases in a timely manner. It’s incredibly disappointing to have our science-based recommendations met with no notable response by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “As beef imports from Brazil continue to rise, we urge USDA to reconsider their stance on Brazilian beef and take necessary action to safeguard the integrity of the entire U.S. food supply chain.”
NCBA believes that restricting Brazilian imports altogether is essential until Brazil proves it is a trustworthy and reliable trade partner, capable of adhering to our standards.
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We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network weekdays-
if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it- click below for this morning's Farm news from Ron Hays and KC Sheperd on RON.
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Sponsor Spotlight
Midwest Farm Shows is proud to produce the two best Farm Shows in the State of Oklahoma annually- the Tulsa Farm Show each December and the Oklahoma City Farm Show each April.
The Tulsa Farm Show is Oklahoma’s premier agricultural and ranching event- and returns to the SageNet Center (Expo Square) December, 8-9-10, 2022.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2022 Tulsa Farm Show. To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here.
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Introducing Dax DeLozier of the Adair FFA Chapter, Your 2022 Northwest Area Star in Agricultural Placement
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During the month of April, the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and Oklahoma Farm Report is spotlighting the 17 Area Stars of Oklahoma FFA that are among the highest achievers in the organization.
This week, we spotlight the four area stars in Agricultural Placement in 2022.
This week, our coverage of the 2022 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists continues with Agricultural Placement competitor Dax DeLozier of the Adair FFA chapter representing the Northwest Area.
DeLozier’s project involved working for several different ag entities in Oklahoma.
“My first SAE was working for the DeLozier ranch alongside my grandfather on his 300 head cow/calf operation,” DeLozier said.
DeLozier’s second SAE was working for Prior Veterinary Hospital in Prior, Okla. where he worked the large animal sector of the clinic each Saturday morning from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
The majority of his FFA career, DeLozier said has consisted of livestock judging, public speaking and horse judging.
“Athletes talk about before they go into a football game, getting pumped up- that’s me before a livestock judging contest,” DeLozier said.
Our coverage of the 2022 Oklahoma FFA Convention is sponsored by Hilliary Communications, serving more than 19,000 customers with telephone service in 22 counties throughout Oklahoma & Texas. The company also offers IP television service and internet speeds up to 1 Gig. Click here to learn more about Hilliary Communications.
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Noble's Hugh Aljoe on Managing Pastures Before and During Drought
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"Periods of favorable rainfall conditions make everyone a better manager. Periods of drought conditions distinguish the better managers from the rest."
Many philosophical statements come to mind when I’m considering pasture management during drought. One of my favorites of all time came from Mr. Wayne Hamilton, one of my range science professors at Texas A&M during my college years: "The time to start planning for a drought is when it is raining." He followed that statement up immediately with: "And the time to start planning for a rain is during a drought."
The bottom line is pasture management requires planning, and there is no substitute for planning ahead. Planning ahead has two aspects: a management plan for "typical" conditions and contingency plans, which should include a drought plan.
YOU MUST ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS:
What do I need to do to get to the next season of anticipated rainfall?
What do I need to do to get to the next spring growing season?
How can I accomplish this while limiting the long-term damage to the pastures caused by grazing livestock?
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President Biden to Allow E-15 to be Sold This Summer
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To make E15 available in the summer, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to issue a national, emergency waiver. Without this action, E15 cannot be used in most of the country from June 1st to September 15th, and the EPA plans to take final action to issue the emergency waiver closer to June 1st. E15 is currently offered at 2,300 gas stations in the country, where it can serve as an important—and more affordable—source of fuel.
The problem will be that only a relatively small number of gas stations actually sell E-15, so the help won't be available universally. Currently, E-15 is available in 31 states.
Biofuel supporters are delighted. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor, who attended the event in Iowa, released the following statement:
“This welcome news for all American drivers seeking lower cost options at the pump. Lifting outdated and unnecessary summertime restrictions on E15 will ensure continued access to a fuel that has been saving drivers as much as 50 to 60 cents a gallon in recent weeks, offering working families relief at the pump at a time when they need it most."
National Corn Growers President President Chris Edgington also weighed in:
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“Corn growers thank President Biden for ensuring drivers continue to have access to a lower-cost fuel choice and for acknowledging how renewable ethanol helps reduce prices, lower emissions and improve our nation’s energy security. Farmers are proud to contribute to cleaner, less expensive fuel choices.”
“AFBF appreciates President Biden’s decision to expand the availability of ethanol through year-round E15 sales. America’s families are enduring record-high gas prices, and taking advantage of domestically produced fuels will not only drive down costs at the pump, it will also reduce dependence on foreign crude oil."
And National Sorghum Producers Chairman Kody Carson, a sorghum farmer from Olton, Texas, applauded President Joe Biden’s announcement today at the POET Bioprocessing plant in Menlo, Iowa, approving the year-round sale of E15.
“The year-round sale of E15 is good for not only American sorghum farmers and ethanol producers but also the American consumer. Sorghum made into climate-friendly ethanol gives consumers access to home-grown, cleaner fuel that will help lower the price at the pump for everyone, and eliminating unnecessary summertime restrictions on E15 clears a major hurdle in greater energy independence and security for our nation. We applaud President Joe Biden’s action on E15 and appreciate Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for his support of American biofuels, as well.”
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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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Today's First Look:
Ron on RON Markets as heard on K101
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
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Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices continue to go higher- Choice Beef was up $1.36 and Select Beef was up 42 cents on Tuesday, April 12.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had a final count of 7,153 on Monday for their regular sale.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers 2.00 - 5.00 lower. Feeder heifers 1.00 - 3.00 lower. Steer and heifer calves 4.00 - 7.00 lower. Quality mostly average. Demand moderate to good.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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OKC West in El Reno had 1,500 head for their calf run on Tuesday, April 12th.
Compared to last week: Steer and heifer calves that were long weaned and ready to turn out to graze sold steady, new crop or un-weaned calves sold 2.00-4.00 lower. Demand moderate. Quality average to attractive. Storms are in the forecast for middle of the week bringing chances of hail and tornadoes
Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.
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Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futures - click below for the latest update on the Livestock and Grain Futures Trade..
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Okla Cash Grain:
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture- The report available after the close of the Futures Trade for that day.
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Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
Ron Hays, Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster and Editor
KC Sheperd, Farm Director and Editor
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
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Rural Oklahoma is full of some of the greatest success stories throughout the entire state and is a big reason why Oklahoma is on track to become a top 10 state.
The Road to Rural Prosperity dives into these stories, bringing you stories covering rural life, agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism, and politics affecting rural America.
The Road to Rural Prosperity is here to tell stories about rural America, for rural America.
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Our Latest RRP features Don Schieber, the 2022 winner of the Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award, which is the highest award given by the Governor of Oklahoma to honor distinguished Oklahoma agriculture producers. This prestigious award honors leaders in the agriculture industry who exemplify personal values, performance, and achievement.
Governor Kevin Stitt presented Schieber his award during the Oklahoma celebration of Ag Day on March 24th- after riding with the honoree in a mule drawn wagon up Lincoln Blvd to the front steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Schieber is the 25th award winner and becomes the newest inductee into the Oklahoma Ag Hall of Fame. Ron and Don talk about his career in production agriculture- his work on behalf of wheat farmers with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission and US Wheat Associates that included traveling to 26 countries taking the Oklahoma wheat production story to buyers of wheat around the world. Don is a major supporter of the wheat breeding work of Dr. Brett Carver- having provided ground on his farm in Kay County for an OSU wheat Variety Field Plot for 17 years.
Search for Road to Rural Prosperity and subscribe on your favorite Podcast platform.
To hear this podcast, you can click here or tap below:
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Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Great Plains Kubota, Stillwater Milling Company, National Livestock Credit Corporation, Oklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma AgCredit, Union Mutual Insurance, the Oklahoma Cattlemens Association, and KIS Futures for their support of our daily Farm News Update.
For your convenience, we have our sponsors' websites linked here- just click on their name to jump to their website- check their sites out and let these folks know you appreciate the support of this daily email, as their sponsorship helps us keep this arriving in your inbox on a regular basis- at NO Charge!
We invite you to check out our website at the link below too that includes an archive of these daily emails, audio reports and top farm news story links from around the globe.
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God Bless!
Reach Out To Us:
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Tim West
President/General Manager
Rural Oklahoma Networks
405-317-6361
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Mike Henderson
Director of Sales
405-615-4922
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KC Sheperd
Farm Director
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405-443-5717
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Ron Hays
Senior Farm/Ranch Broadcaster
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
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