Agricultural News
OSU Market Watcher Derrell Peel Shares His Observations from the Countryside on the Cattle Industry
Tue, 16 Jul 2019 09:58:11 CDT
Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel has been travelling the countryside during the summer of 2019. Having just returned to Oklahoma from his recent travels, he shared some of the takeaways he observed about the cattle industry along the way with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays. According to Peel, the challenges that currently exist are fairly evident, particularly when it comes to the production of both forage hay and grain crops that will be harvested this fall.
"We continue to see some challenges in the country. Obviously, things are pretty green, so from a forage standpoint that looks pretty good. However, hay production has been a challenge this year. It's been late because of the wet conditions," Peel explained, remarking on how difficult is has been to put up quality hay this year due to the lingering dampness.
In addition, Peel also observed a wide-range of corn crop conditions. Although mostly in good condition, the crops' development varies anywhere from knee to shoulder height. "I think there will be a lot of variation in terms of figuring out where we're going to come out when this thing all comes together," he said, touching again on the concerns surrounding the availability of forages as we approach fall. "I think there will be hay available in terms of quantity. But I do think there will be some quality issues."
Peel also had the opportunity to attend a cattle conference during his travels, during which he took notice of an emerging trend in the cattle industry. Peel explains that more and more producers are considering or have already taken action to switch from traditional cow-calf production to either a combined or full stocker operation model. According to Peel, this trend is part of a response to regional shifts in the industry and the availability of resources.
You can listen to Peel talk more about this new trend and other observations he made during his recent trip, on today's Beef Buzz.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...
