Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Thursday, November 3, 2022 |
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Labor Shortage and Tight Cattle Numbers Impact Beef Plant Expansion Plans
- Researchers Studying Nitrogen for a Better Climate Future
- Higher-Priced Turkeys on the Holiday Menu
- USDA Announces United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board Appointments
- USDA Announces Funds to Expand Processing Capacity Following NCBA Advocacy
- State Election Board Releases Official Pre-Election Voter Registration Statistics
- Apply for Wetland Reserve Easement at Your Local NRCS Office
- CHS- Strong Fiscal Year 2022 Earnings- Pledge to Return $1 Billion Patronage to Owners
- Hay Report for October 28, Hay continues to Stay Steady while Volume Lowers
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Labor Shortage and Tight Cattle Numbers Impact Beef Plant Expansion Plans |
During the pandemic, beef packers had more cattle to source than capacity, giving the packers the upper hand in negotiations with feedlots and increased revenue and profits compared to other parts of the beef pipeline. In this episode of Beef Buzz, I am featuring comments with Iowa State University Livestock Economist, Lee Schulz, about beef packers having second thoughts on plant expansion.
Many federal dollars were moved toward plant expansion and many plans were announced during the pandemic to increase that capacity. Schulz says now that those plans have been announced, there may be some rethinking going on.
“There has been a lot of publicly announced plans for beef packing capacity additions- and I call them additions because they are really two-fold: new plants and expansion of existing plants,” Schulz said. “First, we have got to remember that projects of this size, take a lot of time. There is a lot of initial planning that goes on in the follow-through.”
While the target for many of these federal dollars is for smaller plants that harvest a couple of animals a day at the most, Schulz said the larger plants are the ones having second thoughts.
“Some of these planned additions have already been paused indefinitely,” Schulz said. “Others that are still in the works have changed some timelines. Some probably will not come to fruition, and probably some new projects that we are not even talking about now will materialize.”
Schulz said many factors are influencing the pause on expansion for some plants, such as increases in material prices, interest rates, and labor availability.
Schulz authored an article in mid October on this topic- you can read it from the Wallace's Farmer website by clicking here.
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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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Researchers Studying Nitrogen for a Better Climate Future |
Oklahoma State University researchers have joined Texas A&M University and Kansas State University in a $2 million collaborative research project to develop better nitrogen management practices for producers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities project could be allotted up to $65 million with $2 million of the funding going to the research side of the project while the rest will go toward the United Checkoff Program, which will help producers implement better nitrogen management practices and adopt smart technology into their operations.
“We’re all Extension specialists, so basically, that means we take the research straight into the field, and by the end of this five-year project, we will have tools and strategies to put out there that are aimed at increasing nitrogen use efficiency,” said Brian Arnall, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist for precision nutrient management. “All three universities are doing the same base set of treatments and analysis, then we may add some regionally specific ideas on nitrogen management.”
Nitrogen management research is usually conducted in a variety of regions and examines factors specific to the area. Examples include studying specific fertilizers commonly used in Oklahoma or GreenSeeker technology, which reads crop health and uses an N-Rich strip to make precision nitrogen rate recommendations.
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Higher-Priced Turkeys on the Holiday Menu |
The worst HPAI outbreak in U.S. history takes another bite out of turkey supplies
U.S. consumers can expect to pay more for their Thanksgiving turkeys this year as supplies have dwindled following the widespread outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Since the outbreak began this spring, more than 7.5 million turkeys have been removed from production in an effort to mitigate the disease. The losses were the latest blow to the national turkey flock which, was already shrinking due to a series of production challenges and industry contraction in recent years.
The combination of tight supplies and strong holiday demand will send retail turkey prices to record highs this year, according to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. Seasonal cold storage inventories of whole birds are at their lowest level since 2006 and wholesale prices for frozen turkeys are currently running about 30% higher than last year.
“The good news is that we do not anticipate a shortage of turkeys for the holidays this year,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “But they will definitely be more expensive and probably a bit smaller than what consumers are used to seeing in their grocers’ meat case.”
Over the last decade, the retail price for whole turkeys has historically hovered between $0.90 - $1.00/lb. ahead of Thanksgiving. In its Oct. 21 National Retail Report, USDA put the price of frozen turkeys at $1.58/lb. That’s up 47% compared to the same time last year and would drive the average price of a 20-lb bird $10 higher to $31.50.
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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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OKC West Livestock Market is a modern facility with improved ways of handling livestock. OKC West was designed with producers in mind, and truck drivers and buyers alike.
We are proud that 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- or click here for their website.
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USDA Announces United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board Appointments |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of four members to serve on the United Sorghum Checkoff Program’s Board of Directors. All four appointees will serve three-year terms starting December 2022 and ending December 2025.
According to the USDA press release, the sorghum farmers appointed to the board are:
• Jeffry D. Zortman, Fowler, Kansas, Kansas Member
• Kendall Hodgson, Little River, Kansas, Kansas Member
• Joshua Birdwell, Malone, Texas, Texas Member
• Zachary Rendel, Miami, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Member
The 13-member United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board is composed of nine sorghum farmers who represent the three states with the largest sorghum production – Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas – and four at-large national representatives. More information about the board is available on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) United Sorghum Checkoff Program webpage and on the board’s website, sorghumcheckoff.com.
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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 Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization working to improve the lives of all Oklahomans by supporting our state’s agriculture community. As Oklahoma’s largest general farm organization, OKFB advocates for farmers and ranchers at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C., to ensure our way of life continues for generations to come.
With leadership events, supporting our state’s agricultural youth and connecting consumers with agriculture, Farm Bureau promotes and sustains Oklahoma agriculture in numerous ways. Join with OKFB today by becoming a member at okfarmbureau.org/join. Together, we are rural Oklahoma.
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USDA Announces Funds to Expand Processing Capacity Following NCBA Advocacy |
“NCBA has long advocated for expanded processing capacity to provide cattle producers with additional options for turning their cattle into high-quality beef. Today, the cattle industry needs more targeted capacity in high-need areas, and we look forward to these facilities launching and expanding operations,” said NCBA Senior Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “We appreciate USDA working with NCBA to strengthen the marketplace and support America’s cattle producers.”
Today’s announcement is the first round of investments in additional meat processing capacity totaling $73 million across 21 grant projects. NCBA has advocated for funds in the form of grants and low-interest loans to help small and mid-sized processing facilities open their doors and expand existing capabilities, all to increase competition and strengthen the beef supply chain. In total, the federal government has announced a combined investment of $1 billion allocated to the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program, workforce development, and technical assistance.
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State Election Board Releases Official Pre-Election Voter Registration Statistics |
Nearly 2.3 million Oklahomans are registered to vote ahead of the November 8 General Election, with a net increase of more than 77,000 registered voters since January 15 and a net increase of more than 175,000 registered voters since November 1, 2018.
Oklahoma’s voter registration statistics show that registered Republicans now make up 51.19% of Oklahoma’s registered voters, while Democrats make up 29.95% of registered voters. Independents make up the third largest group of registered voters with 18%, while Libertarians continue to increase voter registration numbers with 0.86%. It is the first time that official voter registration statistics show Democrats at less than 30% of registered voters. As recently as 2014, Democrats were Oklahoma’s largest political party.
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Apply for Wetland Reserve Easement at Your Local NRCS Office |
Oklahoma’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting State Conservationist, Amanda Mathis, has announced the agency is accepting applications for Wetland Reserve Easement, a component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Those submitted by December 2, 2022 will be considered for FY2023 funding. NRCS will prioritize applications that protect, restore and enhance habitat for wildlife on their lands and reduce damage from flooding and recharge groundwater.
“USDA is committed to restoring and protecting vital sensitive wetlands that provide important wildlife habitat and improve water quality,” said Mathis.
Land eligible for easements includes cropland, rangeland, grassland and pastureland owned by private individuals or Native American Tribes. Wetland Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.
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CHS Reports Strong Fiscal Year 2022 Earnings- Pledge to Return $1 Billion Patronage to Owners |
CHS Inc., the nation's leading agribusiness cooperative, today reported net income of $1.7 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2022, compared to $554.0 million for fiscal year 2021.
Consolidated revenues of $47.8 billion for fiscal year 2022 compared to $38.4 billion for fiscal year 2021, a year-over-year increase of 24%.
"We appreciate the support of our member cooperatives and farmer-owners, which enabled us to deliver a substantial increase in earnings for the fiscal year, while also helping feed people around the world," said Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS Inc. "Additionally, our employees demonstrated their dedication to helping our owners and customers succeed in a turbulent year for agriculture. As a result of these collective efforts, CHS intends to return $1 billion in cash patronage and equity redemptions to our member cooperatives and farmer-owners in fiscal year 2023, reflecting the company's financial strength and demonstrating the value of cooperative ownership.
(Pictured above- Kingfisher Grain Elevators- owned by CHS Texoma)
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Hay Report for October 28, Hay continues to Stay Steady while Volume Lowers |
Compared to the last report: Hay continues to stay steady while volume lowers. Due to the drought, we are beginning to see more hay coming into Oklahoma and being traded compared to trading our own Oklahoma crop hay.
As we look at the Oklahoma Mesonet Drought Monitor we are at 21 percent in exceptional drought, 70.2 percent in an extreme drought, 99.8 percent in severe drought, we are 100 percent in moderate and abnormally dry conditions.
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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 higher- Choice Beef was up 84 cents and Select Beef was up 43 cents on Wednesday 11/02/2022.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 8,239 head this week on Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to USDA Market News- "Compared to last week: Feeder steers sold 3.00-5.00 higher. Feeder heifers traded 1.00-2.00 higher. Demand good for feeder cattle. Steer and heifer calves sold 2.00-6.00 higher. Demand was moderate to good. Next week 11/08/22 will be OKC West Annual Integrity Beef Alliance and the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network calf sales in conjunction with their weekly auction. Much needed moisture fell across the trade area over the weekend with more in the forecast later in the week."
Meanwhile- Bill Barnhart, Manager of OKC West, adds these comments in their Facebook page- "Weaned calves and quality feeder cattle traded higher again this week. Volatile trading in the grain futures is making cattle feeders check their hole card. But Wednesday corn was cheaper and feeders were higher helping the auction, up 2.00-4.00. As has been the case for the last 90 days lots of cows are coming to market along with the calves. 4,400 calves sold Tuesday. Weaned calves with shots were stronger. Unweaned and not worked were cheaper. Big run of calves expected next week including Integrity Beef and OQBN. All will be weaned with multiple shots."
Click below for the complete closing report.
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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
Reagan Calk, Farm News and Email Editor
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.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau and Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association hosted a Governor's Forum on October 26, 2022- inviting both the Republican and Democratic Candidates for Governor- Only Governor Kevin Stitt chose to attend- and he answered the questions posed by Moderator Ron Hays- questions that offered insights into key issues of interest to Rural Oklahomans.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, Oklahoma Pork Council, 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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