Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday, October 15, 2020
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- OSU's Derrell Peel Explains Why Feeder and Stocker Cattle Prices Have Been Under Pressure in Recent Days
- Kingfisher Native, Madelyn Gerken vies for National FFA Office
- NCBA Commends USDA For Increased Research On Brucella Species In Large Animal Outdoor Containment
- Enrollment Begins for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs for 2021
- Oklahoma Wheat and Canola Producers should check for Fall Armyworms
- Soy Innovation Challenge Selects Seven Finalists That Enhance Sustainability and Disrupt the Soy Value Chain
- Sen. Casey Murdock Supports new Health lab, Creation of Pandemic Research Center at OSU
- Pilgrim's Pride Reaches Settlement on Price-Fixing Charges
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OSU's Derrell Peel Explains Why Feeder and Stocker Cattle Prices Have Been Under Pressure in Recent Days |
Prices for cattle, especially feeders and stockers, have declined significantly in recent days. Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Extension livestock market economist, visited with yours truly about some of the reasons.
It’s that time of year where we are typically looking for a seasonal low, Peel said.
Wheat pasture possibilities, particularly in the central and southern Plains, are a big factor as we look for demand to help offset some of the big runs of calves that hit the market this time of year, Peel said.
Dry weather has limited the prospects of wheat pasture as the early planted wheat needs moisture to keep going, Peel said.
The OSU economist said an increase in feed grain prices has also hurt the feeder cattle market.
Feeder cattle futures have been under pressure from higher grain prices the last 10 days to two weeks, he said.
The USDA lowered grain yield estimates slightly and we’ve been exporting a lot of corn and soybeans, so those prices have been increasing significantly, Peel said.
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Midwest Farm Shows is proud to produce the two best Farm Shows in the State of Oklahoma annually- the Tulsa Farm Show each December and the Oklahoma City Farm Show each April. (rescheduled for June in 2020)
They would like to thank all of you who participated in their 2020 Oklahoma City Farm Show.
Up next will be the Tulsa Farm Show in December 2020- the dates are December 10th, 11th, and 12th.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2020 Tulsa Farm Show. To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here.
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Kingfisher Native, Madelyn Gerken vies for National FFA Office |
FFA has always been in Madelyn Gerken's blood. Her dad served as an Ag teacher for four years, and her mom served as a state FFA officer for the State of Kansas, so growing up in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, Madelyn knew at an early age that FFA would be something she loved. The 2018 Kingfisher High School graduate was recently nominated by the Oklahoma FFA Association to represent the State in the national competition, and I had the chance to sit down with her on the OSU campus where she is a student and talk about the upcoming process- the link below features that conversation.
At age seven, she attended her first FFA convention, "That's where my first goal to be a state FFA officer came from. I knew when it was my time to get involved in FFA, that was something that I wanted to do."
Growing up, Madelyn had the opportunity to watch her older sister put on the blue and gold jacket, and she knew that her time would come eventually. Gerken has taken part in speech contests, livestock judging, public speaking, and many other leadership opportunities throughout her FFA career. For her Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE), Gerken said she chose Diversified agriculture, "For my SAE, I included my pure-bred Angus herd. I've got about 30 cows and calves, marketing and selling, but also working on embryo transfer and having a herd of my own."
Gerken started her quest for state office her Senior year in high school as she felt like the FFA organization had poured into her, and she wanted the opportunity to do that for others, "Getting to serve as a state officer, and being face to face with 27,000 Oklahoma FFA members was absolutely incredible."
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NCBA Commends USDA For Increased Research On Brucella Species In Large Animal Outdoor Containment |
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Kathy Simmons today issued the following statement in response to the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) announcing draft policy to allow animal health researchers to conduct brucellosis studies on cattle and other large animals that cannot be easily housed indoors.
“This announcement is welcome news for cattle producers that face uncertainty from wildlife, infected with brucellosis threatening the well-being of their animals and operations. Thank you to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, Undersecretary Greg Ibach, and their teams, for developing this framework to advance our ability to control and eradicate brucellosis through improved opportunities to study disease transmission between cattle and wildlife. This expanded research is a good first step and NCBA will continue to work with the Trump administration to further protect producers from threats due to brucellosis.”
USDA’s Cooperative State Federal Brucellosis Eradication Program has made significant progress in eliminating the disease from most of the United States. Brucellosis results in production losses of less than $1 million today, down from a high of $400 million in the 1950's. Yet, continued advances are still needed — endemic Brucella abortus is expanding its range in the Greater Yellowstone area and Brucella suis is being found in feral swine populations throughout various areas of the United States.
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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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Enrollment Begins for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs for 2021 |
Agricultural producers can now make elections and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2021 crop year. The signup period opened Tuesday, Oct. 13. These key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety-net programs help producers weather fluctuations in either revenue or price for certain crops, and more than $5 billion in payments are in the process of going out to producers who signed up for the 2019 crop year.
“Although commodity prices are starting to show a glimmer of improvement, recent depressed prices and drops in revenue compounded by the effects of the pandemic have seriously impacted the bottom line for most agricultural operations,” said Richard Fordyce, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Through safety-net programs like ARC and PLC, we can help producers mitigate these financial stressors and keep the ag industry moving forward. Make time over the next few months to evaluate your program elections and enroll for the 2021 crop year.”
Enrollment for the 2021 crop year closes March 15, 2021.
ARC provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guaranteed level. PLC provides income support payments on historical base acres when the effective price for a covered commodity falls below its reference price.
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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
Established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union, AFR/OFU has been a champion for rural Oklahoma for more than 100 years. Today, the AFR/OFU Cooperative provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and AFR Insurance provides auto, home, farm and life insurance to both rural and urban Oklahomans.
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Oklahoma Wheat and Canola Producers should check for Fall Armyworms |
Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is recommending state wheat and canola growers scout their crop regularly for the presence of fall armyworms.
“It’s become part of the typical management we recommend this time of year,” said Tom Royer, OSU Extension entomologist and integrated pest management coordinator. “Fortunately, the armyworms still do not overwinter in Oklahoma, but until first frost occurs, get out in the fields and keep a close eye on the status of your crop.”
A mature fall armyworm is a large, striped caterpillar about 1.5 inches in length, with an inverted “Y” on the front of its head. OSU recommends producers scout for fall armyworms in five or more locations per field. The pests are most active in the morning or late afternoon.
“Look for window-paned leaves, paying particular attention to plants along the field or pasture margin as well as those in the interior parts since armyworms often move in from road ditches and nearby weedy areas,” said Josh Bushong, OSU Extension area agronomist for northwestern Oklahoma
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Soy Innovation Challenge Selects Seven Finalists That Enhance Sustainability and Disrupt the Soy Value Chain |
After a careful review of over 89 worldwide applicants, The Yield Lab Institute — in partnership with the United Soybean Board, Syngenta and Amazon Web Services — is pleased to announce the cohort finalists for the Soy Innovation Challenge. This group represents a diverse and compelling array of trailblazing innovations and technologies that have remarkable potential to capture value for farmers and disrupt the soy value chain.
“All of these innovations are game-changers and will enable farmers to stay ahead of end-user demands, delivering sustainable outcomes while still keeping farmer profitability at the forefront,” said Andy Fabin, USB’s Sustainability Target Area Coordinator and farmer from Indiana, Pennsylvania. “Access to new technology at our fingertips to make more strategic decisions will allow us to farm smarter in lockstep with the soybean supply chain as a whole.”
Launched in March, the Soy Innovation Challenge has a purpose to find disruptors across the supply chain to bring value to farmers. The finalists are developing solutions, from land stewardship and greenhouse gas monitoring to blockchain and traceability advancements, as well as detailed nutritional information, to ultimately accelerate sustainability enhancements and maximize profit opportunities through technology that’s seamless for soybean farmers to use.
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Sen. Casey Murdock Supports new Health lab, Creation of Pandemic Research Center at OSU |
Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, voiced his support for the new public health laboratory and the Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence (OPCIE) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater. He said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of such a facility to prepare Oklahoma for future pandemic or bioterrorism responses.
“I think my district is a perfect example of how a pandemic can not only impact public health, but agriculture, including livestock production, particularly in terms of food availability. OSU has advanced degrees and cutting-edge research in the areas of public health, animal health and agriculture, so I believe investing in a new public lab and OPCIE at OSU makes perfect sense,” Murdock said. “This investment is vital for not only my district, but our entire state. Unified preparedness and response for animal and public health is crucial for farmers and ranchers producing livestock and for all Oklahoma families. We need tools in place to help keep our meat and food processors operating.”
Murdock represents Senate District 27, which includes the panhandle and is home to Seaboard Foods in Guymon, representing six percent of the nation’s pork processing capacity.
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Pilgrim's Pride Reaches Settlement on Price-Fixing Charges |
Pilgrim's Pride will pay more than $110 million in a plea agreement related to a chicken price-fixing investigation. The company entered a plea agreement with the Department of Justice Antitrust Division with respect to its investigation into the sales of broiler chicken products in the United States.
In the plea agreement, which is subject to the approval of the United States District Court of Colorado, Pilgrim's and the Antitrust Division agreed to the fine for restraint of competition that affected three contracts for the sale of chicken products to one customer in the United States. The agreement does not recommend a monitor, any restitution or probationary period, and provides that the Antitrust Division will bring no further charges against Pilgrim’s in this matter, provided the company complies with the terms and provisions of the agreement.
“Pilgrim’s is committed to fair and honest competition in compliance with U.S. antitrust laws,” said Fabio Sandri, Pilgrim’s CEO. “We are encouraged that today’s agreement concludes the Antitrust Division’s investigation into Pilgrim’s, providing certainty regarding this matter to our team members, suppliers, customers and shareholders.”
Previously, the DOJ has announced indictments against 10 chicken company executives alleging price-fixing and bid-rigging for broiler chicken products. Included in those indictments were Pilgrim’s Pride CEO Jayson Penn, former CEO William Lovette, and former Pilgrim’s Pride vice president Roger Austin.
On September 23, 2020, Pilgrim's Pride announced the appointment of Fabio Sandri as CEO, replacing Jayson Penn.
Pilgrim’s Pride, which produces 20% of U.S. chicken, is headquartered in Greeley, Colo., has 37,000 employees and reported $10.7 billion in 2017 revenue. JBS USA Holdings owns 78% of Pilgrim’s Pride.
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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 $1.30 on Wednesday while Select Beef was also lower by 81 cents.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had a total of 5,728 head of cattle this week- Compared to last week: Feeder steers sold mostly steady, feeder heifers traded6.00-8.00 lower. Demand light to moderate. Long weaned and light weight steers calves sold mostly steady to 2.00 higher where comparable sales were noted. Un-weaned, fresh off the cow cattle were sharply lower instances to as much as 10.00 lower.
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.
Today's Road to Rural Prosperity trek brings us to the State Chamber of Oklahoma- and a chance to talk with their President and CEO, Chad Warmington. Chad is not a native Okie- but has been "all in" on Oklahoma since he took a job on the staff of then US Senator Don Nickles. He married a Guthrie girl and rejoined the State Chamber of Oklahoma in February 2020- just ahead of the Pandemic that has changed everything. He cares deeply about Oklahoma- and is committed to improving the business climate of all of the state- including Rural Oklahoma. Our conversation with Chad is being powered today by the Oklahoma Rural Water Association.
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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