Category: Ag News

Drought is likely to affect the state’s pecan crop this year. Becky Carroll, Oklahoma State University Extension fruit and nut specialist, said some orchards appear to be on track while others are sparse with little to no pecans.

Dry conditions are causing a lot of issues for native pecan growers who don’t have the ability to irrigate their orchards.

“During July and early August when the nuts are sizing, we like to get about 2 inches of rain or irrigation a week, and some places haven’t had any rainfall since the beginning of June,” Carroll said. “The pecans may be very small this year, and it may reduce overall production for the state due to the size of the nuts because they won’t weigh as much.”

A typical pecan harvest in Oklahoma yields about 13 million pounds of nuts, but the current drought could reduce that number to 11 million pounds.

“If the pecans are small during this sizing stage when the shells start to harden, then we want to have enough water to fill those nuts properly to get good kernel development, and that takes about 2 inches (of water) a week as well,” Carroll said.

If small nuts receive a lot of rain or water during the next few weeks, they will fill properly, but large pecans that remain dry will harvest with lower quality.

On the other hand, Carroll said the current drought climate could prevent a major weevil infestation.

“If we don’t have rainfall, we may not have a weevil problem this year, because they’re in the ground and usually come out of the soil when we get a big rainfall,” she said.

Below, Carroll discusses when to watch for weevils in the nut development phase and previews a Native Pecan Harvest Field Day on SUNUPTV, OSU Agriculture’s television show.

Sign up now for the Oct. 13 field day in Claremore.

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.

Click here to listen to audio

During the Women in Agriculture Conference, Cheyenne Leach, Radio Oklahoma Network Intern, had the chance to visit with Lisa Mussett, the Coordinator for the ODVA (Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs) …

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for $100 million in grants to increase the sale and use of biofuels derived from U.S. agricultural products.

USDA is making the funding available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). This program seeks to market higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel by sharing the costs to build and retrofit biofuel-related infrastructure such as pumps, dispensers and storage tanks.

“The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes that rural America is the key to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and giving Americans cleaner, more affordable options at the pump,” Vilsack said. “Biofuels are homegrown fuels. Expanding the availability of higher-blend fuels is a win for American farmers, the rural economy and hardworking Americans who pay the price here at home when we depend on volatile fuel sources overseas.”

This additional funding follows an April investment of $5.6 million through HBIIP that is expected to increase the availability of biofuels by 59.5 million gallons per year in California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and South Dakota.

In June, USDA also announced that it had provided $700 million in relief funding to more than 100 biofuel producers in 25 states who experienced market losses due to the pandemic.

These investments reflect the goals of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which addresses immediate economic needs and includes the largest ever federal investment in clean energy for the future. The law includes another $500 million aimed at increasing the sale and use of agricultural commodity-based fuels. This funding will allow USDA to provide additional grants for infrastructure improvements related to blending, storing, supplying and distributing biofuels.

Gas prices continue to fall, at the fastest pace in over a decade. Biofuels are an important part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to lowering gas prices for the American people.

Background

Under HBIIP, USDA provides grants to transportation fueling and distribution facilities. These grants lower the out-of-pocket costs for businesses to install and upgrade infrastructure and related equipment.

The $100 million available now will support a variety of fueling operations, including filling stations, convenience stores and larger retail stores that also sell fuel. The funds will also support fleet facilities including rail and marine, and fuel distribution facilities, such as fuel terminal operations, midstream operations, distribution facilities as well as home heating oil distribution centers.

The grants will cover up to 50% of total eligible project costs – but not more than $5 million – to help owners of transportation fueling and fuel distribution facilities convert to higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel. These higher-blend fuels must be greater than 10% for ethanol and greater than 5% for biodiesel.

Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. ET Nov. 21, 2022. Visit the HBIIP webpage to learn more, sign up for webinars and apply.

Additional information also is available on Grants.gov or page 51641 of the Aug. 23, 2022, Federal Register.

USDA is offering priority points to projects that advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, advance equity and combat climate change. These extra points will increase the likelihood of funding for projects that will advance these key priorities for people living in rural America.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

Annual Scholarship Recognizes Graduate Students Committed to Beef Industry

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) is accepting applications for the annual W.D. Farr Scholarship program. Established in 2007, the scholarship rec…

Click here to listen to audio

Ron Hays, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, is back talking with Derrell Peel, OSU Livestock Market Economist on insights for cattle numbers going into 2023.

Because the latest cattle on feed re…

It’s Election Day for all seventy-seven (77) counties across the state! Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

While many voters will have a runoff primary election, some voters may also have non-partisan elections on the ballot. The election list is available on the State Election Board website.

Voters are reminded that Oklahoma is a closed primary state. To vote in party’s primary or runoff primary, you must be a registered voter of that party. However, all recognized parties have the option to open their primaries and runoff primaries to Independent voters. The Democratic Party has chosen to open its primaries and runoff primaries for the 2022-2023 election years. Independent voters may request a Democratic Party ballot at the polls. All voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in non-partisan elections.

Due to statutory redistricting, some precincts and polling places have changed. Before heading to the polls, be sure to verify your polling place using the OK Voter Portal. You can also contact your County Election Board for assistance.

Voters should be prepared to show proof of identity at the polls. Information about accepted forms of identity can be found on the State Election Board website. Voters who do not have an accepted form of identity may request a provisional ballot.

Election results will be available shortly after 7 p.m. on election night on the State Election Board website.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391.

It’s Election Day for all seventy-seven (77) counties across the state! Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

While many voters will have a runoff primary election, some voters may also have non-partisan elections on the ballot. The election list is available on the State Election Board website.

Voters are reminded that Oklahoma is a closed primary state. To vote in party’s primary or runoff primary, you must be a registered voter of that party. However, all recognized parties have the option to open their primaries and runoff primaries to Independent voters. The Democratic Party has chosen to open its primaries and runoff primaries for the 2022-2023 election years. Independent voters may request a Democratic Party ballot at the polls. All voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote in non-partisan elections.

Due to statutory redistricting, some precincts and polling places have changed. Before heading to the polls, be sure to verify your polling place using the OK Voter Portal. You can also contact your County Election Board for assistance.

Voters should be prepared to show proof of identity at the polls. Information about accepted forms of identity can be found on the State Election Board website. Voters who do not have an accepted form of identity may request a provisional ballot.

Election results will be available shortly after 7 p.m. on election night on the State Election Board website.

Voters with questions should contact their County Election Board or the State Election Board at (405) 521-2391.

When the dust settled and the scores were tallied, the Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Company ranch team was named the Champion ranch team at the 2022 Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Ranch Rodeo.

The Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co. is located in Delaware, Okla. They joined forces to form a six-person team. The team members included: Kevin Lawson, TJ Davis, Kyle Rasberry, Keith Sumner, Heston Perkins, and Wilder Davis. These cowboys competed against 11 other Oklahoma ranch teams in two performances this past weekend at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla.

The Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co. team placed first in four of the five events and one team member, TJ Davis, was awarded for his skill and effort when he was recognized as the 2022 ‘Top Hand.’ TJ also rode the 2022 ‘Top Horse’ at this year’s event.

A tie for the runner up team was Trentman Ranch and Stierwalt Ranch & Cattle Co. of Pawhuska & Shidler, Okla and Stuart Ranch of Waurika, Okla. The 2022 ‘Top Horse’ was part of the Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co. team, ridden by TJ Davis.

The third individual award given was the ‘Tough Hand’ award and it was presented to Josh Sellers representing Drummond Land and Cattle Co. of Pawhuska, Okla.

The other participating ranches include 4V Cattle & Cross V, Bristow; Daube Cattle Co. & 3C Cattle Co., Ardmore; Gray G Bar Ranch, Shidler; Quarter Circle 99 & Rafter D Ranch, Loco; Spur Ranch & Ford Drummond Ranch, Vinita and Pawhuska; Buford Ranches, LLC, Hominy; Lazy Rafter Slash Ranch, Lenapah; McPhail Land & Cattle, Mountain Park.

The results from all five events are listed below.

Saddle Bronc Riding:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co.
2nd – Buford Ranches, LLC
3rd – Spur Ranch & Ford Drummond Ranch

Stray Gathering:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co
2nd – Lazy Rafter Slash Ranch
3rd – Stuart Ranch

Team Penning:
1st – Stuart Ranch
2nd – Trentman Ranch and Stierwalt Ranch & Cattle Co.
3rd – Gray G Bar Ranch

Team Branding:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co.
2nd – Quarter Circle 99 & Rafter D Ranch
3rd – McPhail Land and Cattle Co.

Wild Cow Milking:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co.
2nd – Daube Cattle Co. & 3C Cattle Co.
3rd – Trentman Ranch and Stierwalt Ranch & Cattle Co.

“While the competition keeps you on the edge of your seat, the real reason we have this event is to raise support for the Children’s Hospital Foundation,” said Weston Givens, Chairman of the OCA Ranch Rodeo Committee.

The Children’s Hospital Foundation has been the selected charity since 1997. In that time OCA has donated more than $585,00 to CHF to help fund children’s medical research and treatment for children right here at home in Oklahoma.

“Just by purchasing a ticket, fans are supporting our mission, but our fans take it one step further by reaching deep into their pockets and providing additional cash donations to the charity during the event,” Givens said.

Givens is referring to a time during the performance where cowboy boots are passed through the crowd so that fans can make additional contributions to the CHF.

“I am so happy to announce that more than $10,000.00 was collected from fans during ‘Pass The Boot’ campaign and will be added to donation from the proceeds of the rodeo once the financials are finalized from both Friday and Saturday night performances year,” Givens said.

Givens, a former OCA Ranch Rodeo participant says, that the camaraderie among the ranch teams, paired with the mission . . . ‘Cowboys Helping Kids’ makes participating worthwhile and enjoyable.

“Ranchers have a built-in instinct to care for others. We care for our land and animals and produce safe and nutritious food that nourishes people around the world. So, raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation is not only natural for the cowboys, but it’s heartfelt,” Givens explained.

According to Givens, the Oklahoma Ford Dealers have supported the OCA Ranch Rodeo since the beginning as the presenting sponsor.

“Without the generous support of the Oklahoma Ford Dealers our donations to our charity of choice would not be near as sizable,” Givens concluded.

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. OCA is the only voice that speaks solely for the cattlemen of Oklahoma and represents beef producers in all 77 counties across the state. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership, the theft reward program or activities call 405-235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.

When the dust settled and the scores were tallied, the Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Company ranch team was named the Champion ranch team at the 2022 Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Ranch Rodeo.

The Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co. is located in Delaware, Okla. They joined forces to form a six-person team. The team members included: Kevin Lawson, TJ Davis, Kyle Rasberry, Keith Sumner, Heston Perkins, and Wilder Davis. These cowboys competed against 11 other Oklahoma ranch teams in two performances this past weekend at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla.

The Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co. team placed first in four of the five events and one team member, TJ Davis, was awarded for his skill and effort when he was recognized as the 2022 ‘Top Hand.’ TJ also rode the 2022 ‘Top Horse’ at this year’s event.

A tie for the runner up team was Trentman Ranch and Stierwalt Ranch & Cattle Co. of Pawhuska & Shidler, Okla and Stuart Ranch of Waurika, Okla. The 2022 ‘Top Horse’ was part of the Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co. team, ridden by TJ Davis.

The third individual award given was the ‘Tough Hand’ award and it was presented to Josh Sellers representing Drummond Land and Cattle Co. of Pawhuska, Okla.

The other participating ranches include 4V Cattle & Cross V, Bristow; Daube Cattle Co. & 3C Cattle Co., Ardmore; Gray G Bar Ranch, Shidler; Quarter Circle 99 & Rafter D Ranch, Loco; Spur Ranch & Ford Drummond Ranch, Vinita and Pawhuska; Buford Ranches, LLC, Hominy; Lazy Rafter Slash Ranch, Lenapah; McPhail Land & Cattle, Mountain Park.

The results from all five events are listed below.

Saddle Bronc Riding:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co.
2nd – Buford Ranches, LLC
3rd – Spur Ranch & Ford Drummond Ranch

Stray Gathering:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co
2nd – Lazy Rafter Slash Ranch
3rd – Stuart Ranch

Team Penning:
1st – Stuart Ranch
2nd – Trentman Ranch and Stierwalt Ranch & Cattle Co.
3rd – Gray G Bar Ranch

Team Branding:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co.
2nd – Quarter Circle 99 & Rafter D Ranch
3rd – McPhail Land and Cattle Co.

Wild Cow Milking:
1st – Whitmire Ranch & Sumner Cattle Co.
2nd – Daube Cattle Co. & 3C Cattle Co.
3rd – Trentman Ranch and Stierwalt Ranch & Cattle Co.

“While the competition keeps you on the edge of your seat, the real reason we have this event is to raise support for the Children’s Hospital Foundation,” said Weston Givens, Chairman of the OCA Ranch Rodeo Committee.

The Children’s Hospital Foundation has been the selected charity since 1997. In that time OCA has donated more than $585,00 to CHF to help fund children’s medical research and treatment for children right here at home in Oklahoma.

“Just by purchasing a ticket, fans are supporting our mission, but our fans take it one step further by reaching deep into their pockets and providing additional cash donations to the charity during the event,” Givens said.

Givens is referring to a time during the performance where cowboy boots are passed through the crowd so that fans can make additional contributions to the CHF.

“I am so happy to announce that more than $10,000.00 was collected from fans during ‘Pass The Boot’ campaign and will be added to donation from the proceeds of the rodeo once the financials are finalized from both Friday and Saturday night performances year,” Givens said.

Givens, a former OCA Ranch Rodeo participant says, that the camaraderie among the ranch teams, paired with the mission . . . ‘Cowboys Helping Kids’ makes participating worthwhile and enjoyable.

“Ranchers have a built-in instinct to care for others. We care for our land and animals and produce safe and nutritious food that nourishes people around the world. So, raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation is not only natural for the cowboys, but it’s heartfelt,” Givens explained.

According to Givens, the Oklahoma Ford Dealers have supported the OCA Ranch Rodeo since the beginning as the presenting sponsor.

“Without the generous support of the Oklahoma Ford Dealers our donations to our charity of choice would not be near as sizable,” Givens concluded.

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. OCA is the only voice that speaks solely for the cattlemen of Oklahoma and represents beef producers in all 77 counties across the state. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership, the theft reward program or activities call 405-235-4391 or visit www.okcattlemen.org.

Global soy consumption at 1.087 MMT has exceeded global soy production at 1.061 MMT for the past three years (2019-22) following a doubling in consumption and production over the past 20 years. Soybeans continue to be the United States’ number one food and agricultural export, and U.S. Soy’s customers are as diverse as the countless uses of a soybean itself.

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) will host 600+ industry representatives at SOY CONNEXT – the global U.S. Soy Summit, including 400+ international customers of U.S. Soy from 50+ countries with 200+ U.S. Soy farmers and members of industry, from August 22-24 in San Diego.

“Soy Connext, the industry’s premier global summit, will catalyze connections between international customers of U.S. Soy from the animal protein, aquaculture, animal nutrition, edible oil, soy foods, and commodity trading sectors, with U.S. Soy farmers and industry,” said Jim Sutter, CEO, USSEC. “With the level of volatility in the world today, it takes vision, resilience, and partnerships to succeed in food and agriculture today. At Soy Connext, we will explore insights, trends, and strengthen our collaborations to advance global nutrition, climate-forward solutions, and progress for people and communities.”

USSEC will launch the new ‘Soybean Value Calculator’ – an innovative tool for soybean crushers to calculate and compare the economic value of soybeans from various countries. Customers can enter company specific data along with soybean composition and physical factor data to analyze the potential economic benefit of choosing U.S. Soy relative to soy of other origins. It’s that simple.

Sustainability and transparency are differentiators and a competitive advantage for U.S. Soy customers. As part of Soy Connext, customers from 38 countries will visit U.S. Soy farms across 14 soy-producing states to transparently engage with farmers, inspect the crop, and discuss challenges, needs and opportunities. Further, USSEC, on behalf of U.S. Soy, is the international sponsor of the Pro Farmer Crop Tour providing its customers with credible, third-party, and real-time analysis of U.S. Soy crop quality directly from soy production sites across the United States. Customers and exporter companies will also participate in USSEC’s Trade Team Invitational.

“Climatic, economic, and geopolitical events are testing the resilience of the global food system. Uncertainty is the word of the day. We are honored that international companies are rewarding sustainable U.S. Soy’s lowest carbon footprint, optimal nutritional bundle, high refining rate, low refining cost, and reliable production and exports by importing record volumes to advance food and nutrition security in the 82 countries we serve,” said Doug Winter, USSEC Chairperson, Board Member of the United Soybean Board, and U.S. Soy farmer, Illinois.

Six facts related to U.S. Soy
• Global poultry, pork, and aquaculture consumption are forecast to grow 17.8%, 13.1%, and 23% respectively by 20301
• Global soy foods per capita consumption grew 24% to 2.67 kg in 2020 from 2.16 kg in 20102
• U.S. Soy’s top 15 export markets: China, Mexico, EU, Egypt, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Colombia, Taiwan, Canada, Bangladesh, Thailand, S. Korea, Pakistan, Ecuador3
• U.S. Soy’s top growth markets (21/22 v. 16/17): Egypt, Turkey, Ecuador, Venezuela, Canada, Guatemala, Colombia, Mexico, EU. Bangladesh growing. India potential evolving4
• Sustainable U.S. Soy has the lowest carbon footprint when compared with soy of other origins5
• U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) verified exports are up 33% vs. year ago, and 58% (approx. 38 MMT) of U.S. Soy’s total exports (approx. 64 MMT) in MY 21/22 (as of 7/28/22)

Soy Connext will cover the following topics among others:
• Macro dynamics – inflation, or commodity super-cycle
• Shifting vegetable oil market
• Sustainability in the global feed industry
• Plant-Based Proteins: Consumer Trends & Opportunities
• Sourcing specialty food grade & IP beans
• Live reports on 2022 #USSoy crop ahead of #Harvest22

Noteworthy global speakers at Soy Connext include:
• Matt Ammerman, Commodity Risk Manager and VP, E. Europe & Black Sea region, StoneX
• Erik Noland, Executive Director and Senior Economist, CME Group
• Emily French, Chief Executive Officer, Global Ag Protein
• Anja Manuel, co-founder, Rice, Hadley, Gates and Manuel, LLC
• Marty Ruikka, President, The Pro Exporter Network
• Tom Vierhile, Vice President – Strategic Insights (North America), Innova Market Insights

Other event participants include U.S. Soy farmers representing the American Soybean Association, United Soybean Board, State soy boards, related food and agriculture industry, commodity exporters, among others.

This press release was funded by U.S. Soy farmers, their checkoff and the soy value chain.