Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- USDA Needs Tools to Help Farmers
- New Report: Pork Industry Makes Gains in Sustainability
- No FMD In United States Since 1929 But Iowa State's Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle Says We Must Be Prepared For An Outbreak
- Investment In Wheat Seed, Fertilizer Management Pays Off, Says John Fenderson, Bayer WestBred
- AFR/OFU Continues on Virtual Fly In
- Provisions of Peterson’s Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act Advance in the House of Representatives
- OCA--Tulsa Beef Tent Update & Sign Up Form
- TSCRA Virtual Convention into Day Two
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USDA Needs Tools to Help Farmers |
The American Farm Bureau Federation and 41 other agriculture organizations are asking Congress to ensure the USDA has the tools necessary to help farmers in times of crisis. The group sent a letter to House and Senate leadership requesting they immediately provide replenishment for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) through the continuing resolution.
Without immediate replenishment, funding for farm bill programs could run out while farmers struggle against low commodity prices, natural disasters and the coronavirus pandemic.
“For decades, CCC has been regularly replenished to fund programs integral to the farm safety net that Congress has worked tirelessly to craft,” the letter states. “Producers count on programs like Agriculture Risk Coverage, Price Loss Coverage, Dairy Margin Coverage, Marketing Assistance Loans, conservation programs, and many others as they provide food, fuel and fiber for our nation. Without immediate CCC reimbursement, payments and programs would be significantly delayed, jeopardizing operations across the country.”
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Oklahoma AgCredit is a cooperative, owned by the members we serve. This ensures our customers’ needs come first. Our profit can only be used in two ways – retained to build our financial strength or passed on to members through our Patronage Program. Patronage is like an interest rebate and it basically reduces our members cost of borrowing. We have returned more than $53 million to our members since 1997.
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New Report: Pork Industry Makes Gains in Sustainability |
America’s pig farmers continue to fight back from the negative impact of COVID-19 and the ups and downs of markets and bad weather, in a new study released by the National Pork Board, Production Analysis Summary for U.S. Pork Industry: 2017-2019, shows that America’s pig farmers continue to make strides in overall sustainability by being more efficient every day.
The 15-page report, prepared by Minnesota-based MetaFarms and its subsidiary SMS (Swine Management Services), looked at sow, nursery, finish and wean-to-finish data over a three-year period. The results reconfirmed long-term trends of increasing efficiency, which has the additional benefit of reducing production costs — an especially welcome conclusion in 2020.
“One of the greatest benefits of this Pork Checkoff-funded study is the benchmarking ability it offers producers who always want to improve their efficiencies,” said Chris Hostetler, animal science director for the Pork Board. “It’s also a great way to show today’s consumers that America’s pig farms are becoming more efficient all the time and that pork is a sustainable choice when it comes to choosing a protein.”
Brad Eckberg of MetaFarms and Ron Ketchem of SMS, helped analyze much of the data in the study.
“The ability to benchmark allows producers to compare their production numbers to other farms and systems, regardless of what record program they are using, what genetics they have or their farm size,” said Ketchem, a longtime industry number cruncher. He continues to be surprised by the increasing range of production numbers between farms year after year.
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No FMD In United States Since 1929 But Iowa State's Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle Says We Must Be Prepared For An Outbreak |
The United States has not had a case of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) since 1929, but Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, associate director for the Center for Food Security and Public Health at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, says we must be prepared for such an occurrence.
Dr. Bickett-Weddle was a featured speaker at the recent Ranchers series Webinars sponsored by OSU.
Foot and Mouth disease could devastate herds, she said.
Dr. Bickett-Weddle said at the beginning of the outbreak a “standstill” will be enforced.
She compared it to what happened with air traffic when 9-11 occurred.
They shut down all air traffic for three days, she said.
Stopping livestock movement is no small act.
What will happen is no movement of livestock will occur which means packers, plants, auction markets all will sit idle until we can figure out where the disease is and isn’t, she said.
The next step will be controlled movement requiring a permit to move animals.
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Each Weekday- Listen to Cotton Talk!
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 new daily report starting to be heard on several of our Radio Stations- It's Called Cotton Talk- and we appreciate the Oklahoma Cotton Council for their support in making this a reality.
Click on the Button below to listen to our most recent report
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Investment In Wheat Seed, Fertilizer Management Pays Off, Says John Fenderson, Bayer WestBred |
Winter wheat producers are encouraged to add extra investment in their seed and fertilizer management to boost early growth as it will pay off at harvest time.
John Fenderson, Bayer WestBred wheat technical product manager for the southern region, talked with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays about the need to get the wheat plant up and growing rapidly.
The one thing I consistently tell farmers is to utilize a pop-up fertilizer with the seed to get that early growth and vigor, Fenderson said.
University research has shown you can get twice the amount of early growth which is what you’re looking for in the southern plains for pasturing stocker calves, he said.
Fenderson recommends 20 to 30 pounds of phosphorous (P205) and 20 pounds of nitrogen on 10-inch rows.
That’s worth 3 to 5 bushels (per acre) at the end of the year, he said.
Seed treatment is another simple way to boost the early crop vigor.
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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
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. To learn more, visit www.oklabeef.org. Also, don't forget to like its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oklabeef for stories on Oklahoma's ranching families and great beef recipes.
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2020 NFU Fall Legislative Fly‐In – AFR/OFU Tuesday Briefing |
American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU)delegates had an effective second day of the 2020 National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative
Fly‐In Sept. 15. Participants lobbied virtually on behalf of the AFR/OFU membership.
AFR/OFU delegates met one‐on‐one virtually with Sen. Jim Inhofe (R‐Okla.) and former Chairman
of the House Ag Committee Frank Lucas (R‐Okla.). In both meetings, AFR/OFU delegates talked
of challenges rural citizens have faced during Covid‐19, as well as issues farmers and ranchers
have dealt with in recent years that are now exacerbated by the pandemic.
Congressman Lucas also offered comments to the entire NFU virtual delegation- the only Republican from Congress that spoke to the full group. Check out his comments in the video below.
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The Oklahoma delegation also had a virtual meeting with Senator Jim Inhofe. During the congressional meeting with Inhofe, cattle market issues were top of mind as AFR/OFU delegates discussed the funding discrepancy between pre- and post-April 15 Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments. As one AFR/OFU delegate remarked, “CFAP payments have made a difference in Oklahoma, but it could make a really big difference if we could get some of that equity back.”
The complete report from Day Two of the Virtual Fly In can be read by clicking on the button below.
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Provisions of Peterson’s Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act Advance in the House of Representatives |
Today the House Committee on Energy and Commerce released the text of legislation containing the provisions of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson’s Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act. The House is expected to consider H.R. 4447 the week of September 21st.
“In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency has granted dozens of small refinery exemptions, waiving billions of gallons of biofuel from RFS blending requirements. The Agency granted these harmful waivers with little transparency, concealing details from the public about which refiners are being granted waivers and why. The provisions of my bill will require EPA to pull back the curtain and show the American people how they justify granting these waivers that have greatly impacted profitability for biofuels producers and farmers across the country.”
The provisions included in H.R. 4447, Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act would set an annual deadline for refiners to request exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard and require EPA to publicly release the name of refiners requesting a waiver, the number of gallons requested to be waived and the number of gallons of biofuel that will not be blended as a result of the waiver. These provisions mirror the provisions of H.R. 3006, the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act, with adjustments to address business confidentiality concerns that were raised by members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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OCA--Tulsa Beef Tent Update & Sign Up Form |
For more nearly 3 decades, the OCA has had a presence at the Tulsa State Fair selling and promoting Beef.
Ribeye Steak Sandwiches have been our specialty for many years now. The OCA feels privileged to be invited to be one of ten food vendors invited to participate in this year’s Tulsa State Fair which will only be focused on junior livestock shows with the option for the public to attend and get their “fair food fix.” We commend and appreciate the Tulsa State Fair staff for making the appropriate changes to be able to carry on with the 2020 Tulsa State Fair.
This year, the OCA seeking the help of members, friends and supporters to provide the man power to grill and serve the best ribeye steak sandwich you can find. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Oklahoma CattleWomen who will be running the Beef Tent on Thursday, Oct. 1 and Friday, Oct. 2, but due to the modified schedule and decreased attendance, our county groups we have worked with in the past will not be having specific days. We look forward to welcoming them back in 2021 with a full Tulsa State Fair schedule.
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TSCRA Virtual Convention into Day Two |
It's Day Two for the Cattle Raisers Virtual Convention- which has taken the place of the cancelled March Convention of earlier this year of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention.
A highlight of Day two is their morning general session, where they will hear from TSCRA President Robert McKnight and also from Randy Blach of Cattlefax.
They will also vote on their slate of Board of Directors. I am convinced they have the largest Board of Directors of any group in US agriculture- if you don't believe me- click here to see the list they will be considering with a text ballot today.
Two of the ranchers nominated to serve are from Oklahoma- Ford Drummond of Pawhuska and Ian Chapman of Ardmore.
Oklahoma also has two Honorary Board Members- Bob Drake of Davis and Russell Noble of Ardmore.
We will be featuring some of the presentations they have had during their virtual convention in the days ahead- including on issues like Price Discovery and more.
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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 continue to show weakness- Choice Beef was down $1.12 on Tuesday while Select Beef was lower by $1.48.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 9,100 head on Monday-
Compared to the last sale 2 weeks ago: Feeder steers and heifers 4.00-8.00 higher. Demand good but many conditions are in the buyers favor. Weaned calves selling mostly steady to firm, however most of the un-weaned calves selling at a sharp discount. Supply did include some reputation brand un-weaned calves and these sold to very good demand.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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OKC West in El Reno had 1,200 head for the calf run on Tuesday.
Steer and heifer calves not well tested on limited comparable offerings for an accurate trend. Demand moderate. Un-weaned calves sold with very limited demand.
Click below to check the full 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 Director and Editor
KC Sheperd, Associate Farm Director and Editor
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production
Sam Knipp, Farm News 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 are a main reason Oklahoma is on track to become a top 10 state.
The Road to Rural Prosperity will dive into these stories each week bringing you insight into the great things happening in and to rural Oklahoma. We will bring you stories covering rural life, agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism and politics all affecting rural America.
The Road to Rural Prosperity is here to tell stories about rural America, for rural America.
It's fall and there is no better time than right now to check out the many venues in Oklahoma that offer great Agritourism adventures. KC Sheperd talks with Micaela Danker- who coordinates the AgriTourism efforts of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture- and they discuss the chances to enjoy Pumpkin Patches, horseback riding, and Corn Mazes and more across Oklahoma in the fall season of 2020.
Today's Road to Rural Prosperity is powered by PSO- the Public Service Company of Oklahoma.
To find out more about our full series of Podcasts on The Road to Rural Prosperity- click or tap here.
To hear this Podcast you can click here or tap below:
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Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, AFR/OFU, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Great Plains Kubota, Stillwater Milling Company, Oklahoma Cotton Council, 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.
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God Bless!
Reach Out To Us:
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Tim West
President/General Manager
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
2401 Exchange Avenue,
Suite F
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405.317.6361
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Ron Hays
Director of Farm Programming
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
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