Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Crop Progress Shows Winter Wheat Conditions in Oklahoma and Kansas Declined Significantly from a Week Ago
- OSU's Dr. Biggs says Dry, Windy and Warm Weather Calls for Having an Emergency Wildfire Plan
- Dr. Bart Fischer Says Government-Mandated Cash Cattle Trade Could Reduce Prices to Cow-Calf Producers
- OSU's Derrell Peel says Significant Herd Liquidation Seems Inevitable This Year
- Introducing Larahmy Blakley of the Oologah FFA Chapter, Your 2022 Northeast Area Star in Agricultural Production
- Yet Another Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing on Cattle Market Issues Happens Today
- Get a Leg up on Gardening with Oklahoma Proven Selections
- Starting Today- The Hemphill County Beef Conference
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Latest Crop Progress Report Shows Winter Wheat Conditions in Oklahoma and Kansas Declined Significantly from a Week Ago
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Cold and snow over much of the Northern Plains, wet conditions in the Eastern Corn Belt, and drought in parts of the Midwest, West and Southern Plains continued to keep planters parked and hampered the development of winter wheat last week, USDA NASS reported in its weekly Crop Progress report on Monday.
Winter wheat: Crop development progress: 11% of the winter wheat crop was headed nationwide as of Sunday. That is a 4% increase from last week, but a 5% decrease from last year’s 16%. The five-year average is 19%. Other major winter-wheat-producing states reported no wheat headed, including Kansas and Nebraska.
Winter wheat conditions in Kansas and Oklahoma 26%, 16%, declined from last week, with Oklahoma falling 5 points from a week ago at 21%. Texas wheat conditions improved to 8% good-to-excellent, from last week's 6%.
For Oklahoma:
Rainfall totals in Oklahoma averaged 1.23 inches. According to the April 19th US Drought Monitor Report, drought conditions were rated 81 percent abnormally dry to exceptional drought, down 4 points from the previous week.
Additionally, 73 percent of the state was in the moderate drought to exceptional drought category, down 1 point from the previous week. Statewide, temperatures averaged in the lower 60’s. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated mostly adequate to short, while subsoil moisture conditions were rated short to very short. There were 6 days suitable for fieldwork.
Wheat conditions for Oklahoma include 16% good to excellent, 36% fair, and 48% poor to very poor.
In Oklahoma, Sorghum is 1% planted compared to the 5-year average of 7%.
There is currently no cotton planted in Oklahoma compared to the 5-year- average of 3%.
To see the Oklahoma Crop Progress Report, Click Here.
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The vision of the Oklahoma Beef Council is to be a positive difference for Oklahoma's farming and ranching families and the greater beef community, and its mission is to enhance beef demand by strengthening consumer trust and exceeding consumer expectations.
And Check out this video below that helps you learn more about the Beef Checkoff- .
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OSU's Dr. Rosslyn Biggs says Dry, Windy and Warm Weather Calls for Having an Emergency Wildfire Plan
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With dry conditions and windy, warm weather, the fire danger has been extreme lately. Farm Director, KC Sheperd visits with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Director of Continuing Education for the College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU about fire danger preparation.
Biggs said in the springtime, there is always talk about emergency preparedness. Unfortunately, this year, Biggs said, wildfire is one of the emergency possibilities.
Preparing for a wildfire or a tornado, Biggs said, is not as easy as preparing for winter weather emergencies. There are many different factors to plan for in these situations, she added.
“We want to have a plan,” Biggs said. “We talk a lot about that for our personal family, but we want to be thinking about how we are going to deal with that emergency.”
Biggs said in these circumstances people need to plan out how they would transport animals and have extra feed and hay available if needed. Electricity is another factor to plan for, she added, in case you have to go without.
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Dr. Bart Fischer Says Government-Mandated Cash Cattle Trade Could Reduce Prices to Cow-Calf Producers
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Texas A&M’s Dr. Bart Fischer, former Chief Economist of the House Ag Committee talked with me on the work going on at Texas A&M on the cattle markets, and a hot topic for those in the cattle business right now- market transparency and mandatory cash cattle trade.
The agriculture and food policy center at Texas A&M University has been working with economists from across the country on the U.S. Beef Supply Chain. In fact, they put out a book after doing a workshop last summer on cattle markets.
“Two years ago, when all of these issues started heating up, and our congress was in the process of needing to reauthorize mandatory price reporting for livestock, the house, on a bipartisan basis asked us to start looking into these issues,” Fischer said. “So, we coordinated with economists from all over the country- about 17 different co-authors- and ended up publishing a book last fall that digs into all of these issues.”
The concern we see in, virtually, every economist we have worked with around the country, Fischer said, is that the solution designed to help at the farm level ultimately could end up reducing prices the cow-calf producers see at the farm gate.
“That is really the message we have been conveying is to be very careful about some of these proposals that are being offered because it may very well have the exact opposite effect,” Fischer said.
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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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OSU's Derrell Peel says Significant Herd Liquidation Seems Inevitable This Year
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Mondays, Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist, offers his economic analysis of the beef cattle industry. This analysis is a part of the weekly series known as the "Cow Calf Corner" published electronically by Dr. Peel and Mark Johnson. Today, Dr. Peel talks about how the drought is impacting cattle markets.
"The latest Cattle on Feed report showed a record April feedlot inventory of 12.1 million head, up 1.7 percent year over year. The quarterly inventory of steers on feed was up 1.8 percent year over year while the inventory of heifers on feed was up 1.7 percent over one year ago. The total inventory included 62.3 percent steers and 37.7 percent heifers. The current level of heifers on feed does not suggest heifer retention for herd expansion. For example, from 2014-2016 in the last herd expansion, the average level of heifers on feed was 33.6 percent.
"Beef cow slaughter for the year to date is up 17.5 percent year over year. This combined with the large number of heifers in feedlots and the fact that heifer slaughter is up 2.0 percent year over year thus far in 2022 suggests that female numbers are being pulled down even before the worst drought impacts are felt. Perhaps the ongoing drought, carried over from 2021 for many producers, combined with strong feeder cattle and cull cow prices is prompting early adjustments in herds. At the current pace of cow slaughter, the beef cow herd could decrease up to four percent year over year in 2022. This would be the largest yearly decrease in the beef cow inventory since the 1980s. The pace of cow slaughter may slow in the second half of the year but is expected to remain strong in the second quarter and significant herd liquidation seems inevitable this year.
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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
Oklahoma AgCredit supports rural Oklahoma with reliable and consistent credit, today and tomorrow. We offer loans for land, livestock, equipment, operating costs and country homes (NMLSR #809962) to farmers, ranchers and rural businesses across 60 counties. As a cooperative, we are owned by the members we serve. Through our Patronage Program, we have returned more than $74 million to our members since 1997.
For more information on our services or to find a location near you, visit our website here.
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Introducing Larahmy Blakley of the Oologah FFA Chapter, Your 2022 Northeast Area Star in Agricultural Production
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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 five area stars in Agricultural Production in 2022.
This week, our coverage of the 2022 Oklahoma FFA Star Award Finalists continues with Agricultural Production competitor Larahmy Blakley of the Oologah FFA chapter representing the Northeast Area.
Blakley’s project involved his farming operation in Northeast Oklahoma.
“I run 175 head of purebred cattle I also run 6 sows,” Blakley said. “I have a custom cattle feeding operation that consists of about 40 head of mama cows and I also run winter stockers on wheat.”
Blakley also has a vegetable production SAE, which consists of growing tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, onions, and squash, he said.
“I sell retail cuts of beef and pork, vegetables, and eggs at local farmers’ markets and my surrounding area,” Blakley said.
Born into an agricultural-based program, Blakley said he has been involved in agriculture since the day he was born.
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. Hilliary Communications continuously researches the marketplace for innovations and strives to improve underdeveloped areas, offering services that exceed customer expectations. Click here to learn more about Hilliary Communications.
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Yet Another Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing on Cattle Market Issues Happens Today
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On Tuesday, April 26 at 9 AM Central Time, the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry will hold a hearing to review the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022 and the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2022.
Two USDA officials will sit before the Committee as the first panel- then the second panel will include three cattle producers and the leading Land Grant economist when it comes to the captive supply conversation- Dr. Stephen Koontz of Colorado State.
Among the producers will be the President Elect of the Kansas Livestock Association, Shawn Tiffany of Tiffany Ranch based in Herrington, Kansas.
According to a release from the US Cattlemen's Association, Mississippi cattle producer Ricky Ruffin will testify at the hearing on their behalf. Mr. Ruffin's involvement in the commercial cattle business began in the 1960s, working alongside his father, who was one of the first to build a small feed yard in Stringer, Mississippi. Today, he manages a herd of commercial brood cows and runs stocker cattle on wheat and rye grass.
In addition to the cattle business, Mr. Ruffin has practiced general law for over 40 years as a sole practitioner in Bay Springs, Mississippi.
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Get a Leg up on Gardening with Oklahoma Proven Selections
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Gardeners know the challenges of selecting plants that will thrive in Oklahoma’s extreme growing conditions. Fortunately, the Oklahoma Proven plant program can assist with selection.
“Oklahoma Proven is a plant promotion program to help guide gardeners toward appropriate garden selections that have been proven to grow well in Oklahoma’s diverse climate and soil types,” said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “Each year, a tree, shrub, perennial and annual are selected. This year, we also included what we call ‘Collector’s Choice,’ which is geared toward the adventurous gardener and will require more care.”
The program began in 1999 with recommendations for a tree, shrub, perennial and annual worthy of Oklahoma landscapes. Selections for 2022 have been announced and include: tree – Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair tree); shrub – Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush); perennial – Heuchera cultivars (Coral Bells or Alum Root); annual – Plectranthus scuteleroides (Coleus); and Collector’s Choice – Ungnadia speciosa (Mexican buckeye).
“We all know gardening in Oklahoma is a mixture of knowledge and good luck,” Hillock said. “Choosing plants from the Oklahoma Proven selections is a great first step toward a successful growing season.”
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
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Starting Today- the Hemphill County Beef Conference
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It's a two day jam packed conference that kicks off this morning out in Canadian, Texas.
The 2022 Hemphill County Beef Conference features former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo but also has a really good lineup of beef industry experts in a variety of areas.
And check out the video below about the value of the conference from one young cattle producer.
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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 were mixed- Choice Beef was down $1.31 and Select Beef was up $1.75 on Monday 04/25/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 7,000 head on Monday, April 25, 2022.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers unevenly steady. Steer calves 10.00 - 12.00 higher. Heifer calves 2.00 - 5.00 higher. Demand moderate to good. Quality average to attractive. Demand for calves improved as moisture fell in some parts of the region while western Oklahoma remains extremely dry.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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The Joplin Regional Stockyards had a total run of 4,849 head sold on Monday, April 25, 2022.
Compared to last week feeder steers traded 2.00- 6.00 higher. Feeder heifers traded steady to 3.00 higher. Supply was moderate with good demand.
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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