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We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network weekdays- if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it- click here for this morning's Farm news from Carson Horn on RON.
Let's Check the Markets!
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.
Feeder steers traded steady to 3.00 lower on Wednesday at OKC West in El Reno, with feeder heifers 2.00- 4.00 lower. Click or tap here for the USDA report on all the yearling and calf trade for the week.
FedCattleExchange.com offered 475 head Wednesday with 133 cattle actually selling. Click here to see their complete market results.
Today's First Look:
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futures- click or tap here for the report posted yesterday afternoon around 3:30 PM.
Okla Cash Grain:
Futures Wrap:
Feeder Cattle Recap:
Slaughter Cattle Recap:
TCFA Feedlot Recap:
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor
Carson Horn, Associate Farm Director and Editor Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager Dave Lanning, Markets and Production Kane Kinion, Web and Email Editorial Assistant
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Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday August 1, 2019
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Howdy Neighbors!
Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. |
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Featured Story:
Checkoff's Impact Continues to Climb - Study Shows Industry Receives $11.91 for Every Dollar Spent
Dr. Harry Kaiser is a professor of economics at Cornell University and has been engaged over the years with the Beef Checkoff, conducting economic analyses of the program to determine the return on investment generated through its various marketing and promotional activities. Conducted every five years, the latest edition of this analysis was completed here in 2019. At the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Summer Business Meeting happening in Denver this week, Kaiser presented the findings of that analysis. He spoke with me about that research, and he firmly believes beef producers have a lot to be proud of.
Five years ago, Kaiser found that the Checkoff's ROI was that for every dollar spent, the industry received in return approximately $11.20. This year's analysis concluded that over the past five years, that amount climbed 71 cents to an approximate total of $11.91. Compared to other Checkoff programs and marketing orders, Kaiser says that is actually quite good - in fact, nearly double what other programs typically receive.
"So, it's doing pretty good and it's going up... it's going in the right direction. And, not only is it going up, they're doing it with less money," Kaiser explained, when factoring in inflation and the fact that there is less beef production happening now than in previous years when the analysis was conducted. "So, they are doing very well in the face of shrinking budgets. The beef industry has a lot to be proud of."
Listen to my full conversation with Kaiser about the latest ROI analysis of the Checkoff, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.
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Sponsor Spotlight
Dating back to 1891, Stillwater Milling Company has been supplying ranchers with the highest quality feeds made from the highest quality ingredients. Their full line of A & M Feeds can be delivered direct to your farm, found at their Agri-Center stores in Stillwater, Davis, Claremore and Perry or at more than 125 dealers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas. We appreciate Stillwater Milling Company's long time support of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and we encourage you to click here to learn more about their products and services.
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In 2014, the US government listed the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act, one step closer to being classified as an Endangered Species. In an effort to keep that from happening, the US Fish & Wildlife Service collaborated with stakeholders and private landowners including ranchers, to develop a range-wide plan to reestablish habitat for the bird. Despite the fact that the species' population has nearly doubled since those efforts were undertaken, the agency is again considering the possibility of listing the bird, due to a failure to reach the necessary habitat goals outlined in the aforementioned plan. Ethan Lane, executive director of the Public Lands Council for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, is now working with USFW and industry stakeholders to keep the Lesser Prairie Chicken off the Endangered Species List. During NCBA's Summer Business Meeting in Denver this week, Lane sat down with us to explain what measures he is taking to accomplish that and what it would mean for producers if the species is ever listed.
Given the situation, it has been decided that the best course of action to avoid or at least minimize any potential impacts on ranchers, is to focus on the regulatory side of this issue and work toward reforming the current regulations under the ESA. Oklahoma's Senior Senator Jim Inhofe has even stepped in with his own suggestions of changes that could be made to alleviate the regulatory burden on landowners that comes with an ESA listing. Lane says if the bird is eventually listed as an Endangered Species before the proposed ESA reforms are made, it could end up causing a tremendous hardship on producers who own land in which the Lesser Prairie Chicken inhabits. "We're talking about 95% of a species that exists on private ground. So, it can impact how you run your operation. Anything that requires a permit or evaluation... any NRCS programs... you have to factor in now that you have an Endangered Species on your property," Lane explained. "It's a tremendous burden on our producers and often what we find is it is inhibiting them from doing good conservation work. The bureaucracy is actually a hindrance that keeps them from doing what they know is best for the landscape. That's why we're focusing on that regulatory side to help make that less of a burden for producers." You can listen to our complete conversation to hear more of what Lane has to say about this matter by clicking or tapping here.
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U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), along with Governors Kevin Stitt (R-Okla.) and Asa Hutchinson (R-Ark.), announced Wednesday provisions in America's Transportation Infrastructure Act that outline the future for modernizing the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. These provisions will open up $250 million in non-highway formula funding for Oklahoma to use for MKARNS and will allow Oklahoma and Arkansas to jointly apply for federal freight grants that will total over $5 billion in the five years following the enactment of this legislation.
"The future of MKARNS is more than just deepening an existing waterway," Inhofe said. "Providing new funding opportunities to deepen and modernize MKARNS will empower future economic development and expand agriculture exports and oil and gas development in our state."
Inhofe argues that expanding states' ability to direct freight funding will substantially improve the movement of freight and relieve the congestion and wear and tear on our nation's highways, allowing federal dollars to get more mileage. For each barge on the river, 62 semi-trucks are off the roads.
"This is a critical infrastructure priority that will continue to grow Oklahoma and expand opportunity for economic diversity," Governor Kevin Stitt said. "I appreciate the visionary leadership of Senator Inhofe and the collaborative efforts with our neighboring state as we make significant progress on expanding MKARNS."
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The National FFA Organization has selected 16 students from throughout the United States as finalists for its 2019 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience. Among those listed was Tecumseh FFA member Blake Kennedy, as a finalist for American Star in Agribusiness. Kennedy was previously named the 2016 Oklahoma Star in Agribusiness. You can read about Kennedy and his agribusiness and watch a brief video clip about him as well, by clicking here.
The American Star Awards represents the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. The award recognizes FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through the completion of a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program.
A panel of judges will interview finalists and select one winner for each award at the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 30 - Nov. 2 in Indianapolis. The four winners will be announced during an onstage ceremony on Friday, Nov. 1. For a complete list of the finalists announced this week, click over to the Blue-Green Gazette on our website.
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Sponsor Spotlight
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau - a grassroots organization that has for its Mission Statement- "Improving the Lives of Rural Oklahomans." Farm Bureau, as the state's largest general farm organization, is active at the State Capitol fighting for the best interests of its members and working with other groups to make certain that the interests of rural Oklahoma are protected. Click here for their website to learn more about the organization and how it can benefit you to be a part of Farm Bureau.
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Ethanol Supporters Want Action Against EPA
Farm groups Wednesday criticized the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal for the 2020 Renewable Fuel Standards and the 2021 Biomass-based Diesel Volumes. The proposal does not include exempted biofuels through small refiner waivers. The groups claim the targets are misleading because of the many waivers issued by the EPA during the Trump administration, with more expected.
During a field hearing in Michigan, National Corn Growers Association board member John Linder pressed the agency to move forward with a stronger RFS rule that "supports America's farmers, their rural communities, and consumers."
Growth Energy also testified, stating, "If EPA is going to waive billions of gallons, it must properly account for those gallons in the RVO calculation."
Under the EPA proposal, conventional ethanol would hold steady at 15 billion gallons. Biodiesel targets, which are set two years in advance, were proposed at 2.43 billion gallons for 2021.
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Yesterday, the Senate Committee on Agriculture held a hearing looking at perspectives around reauthorizing the Grain Standards Act. U.S. Wheat Associates board member Brian Linin, a wheat farmer from Goodland, Kansas, testified on behalf of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) on the importance of reauthorizing the Grain Standards Act.
"The Grain Standards Act serves a critical role in exporting grains and oilseeds, including U.S. wheat, of which about 50% is exported each year. With such a large volume of wheat being exported, our export markets are critical to wheat farmers' bottom lines," Linin said. "Given the current uncertainty in trade agreements and many of the bearish factors working against U.S. wheat exports, it is critical we maintain one of our key advantages."
According to Linin, the US grain inspection system is of great importance to overseas customers and adds value to American commodities by ensuring grain shipments meet contract specifications. Linin asserts that this certainty and reliability has helped to grow our export markets and serves as a significant advantage over foreign wheat.
For more highlights or to read Linin's testimony in its entirety, click here.
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House Ag Leader Michael Conaway Announces Retirement
Representative Mike Conaway of Texas announced Wednesday he would not seek reelection. The long-time House Agriculture Committee member and former Chairman calls his time in Congress "an honor and privilege that I cannot adequately describe."
Conaway made the announcement in Midland, Texas, during a news conference. Conaway told reporters he would be term-limited from continuing his leadership as the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, noting little opportunity for leadership positions elsewhere. Given the situation, he called this "the perfect time" to transition.
"I wish Mike and Suzanne well as they look forward to a new chapter in their lives in 2021," stated House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson. "He has been a steadfast champion for America's farmers and ranchers and a fighter for the interests of West Texas and the 11th District. And in the meantime we will continue to work on the interests of rural America through the 116th Congress."
During his chairmanship, Conaway led the House Ag Committee in crafting the 2018 farm bill. He previously chaired the House Ethics Committee, and currently serves on four committees. The 71-year-old was first elected to represent the 11th District of Texas when it was redrawn to include Midland in 2005. Conaway is a military veteran and CPA, who noted at the end of his current term, he will have spent 34 percent of his adult life in public service.
"The National Cotton Council congratulates Representative Conaway for his extraordinary dedication to American farmers, including cotton farmers," NCC Chairman Mike Tate stated. "Congressman Conaway exercised valuable leadership in bolstering cotton's safety net because U.S. cotton farmers were being hurt by weak global prices and many were being negatively affected by multiple bad weather events," Tate said. "The entire industry wishes Mr. Conaway and his family all the best in their future endeavors."
In Denver at the Summer Business Meeting of the Cattle Industry- we caught up with Colin Woodall- head of the Washington office of the NCBA- Woodall told us that Conaway had garnered a lot of respect from within the entire ag community inside the beltway- and that he will be sorely missed.
You can read Colin's comments and hear our conversation about Mike Conaway by clicking or tapping here.
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Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, AFR Insurance, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Stillwater Milling Company, National Livestock Credit Corporation, Oklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma AgCredit, 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.
God Bless! You can reach us at the following:
phone: 405-473-6144
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