Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Monday, January 18, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Martin Luther King Holiday- Ag Futures and More Closed
- Farm Bureau Establishes 2021 Policies
- Gene Editing Technology Could Soon Be Common Practice For Beef Cattle Industry
- Free Webinar on Assessing Soil Health, January 19 at Noon
- NCBA Calls For Continued Vigilance In Response To Another Namibian FMD Outbreak
- NCBA Calls For Continued Vigilance In Response To Another Namibian FMD Outbreak
- Angus Genetics Showcased at 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress Pen Show
- Mark Poeschl resigns as CEO of National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation
- Texas Steer Grabs Top Honors in Junior Market Steer Show at Cattlemen's Congress
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Martin Luther King Holiday- Ag Futures and More Closed for Holiday
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In honor of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., the US pauses on this January 18th- Federal, State and most local Government offices are closed today as are banks. The Stock Market and the Ag Futures are both on a three day holiday as well- overnight electronic trade for Ag Futures resume early this evening at 7 PM central.
Most businesses are open today- but you might make a phone call to confirm that if you are making a special trip to town.
Most of our auction markets are operating on a regular schedule today- Western Livestock Commission reports that over 14,000 head of cattle were at the Oklahoma National Stockyards last night for today's sale- so it will be a BIG one starting at 8 AM this morning.
Other markets in our region that have regular Monday sales include the Tulsa Stockyards and the Joplin regional Stockyards.
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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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Farm Bureau Establishes 2021 Policies
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Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention today adopted policies to guide the organization’s work in 2021. Key topics ranged from farm diversity to farm labor and dairy policy to livestock marketing. For the first time in AFBF history, delegates met and voted virtually due to COVID-19.
“Our Farm Bureau delegates showed that no challenge, not even a pandemic, will keep them from working to improve the lives of America’s farmers and ranchers,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Their work not only sets policy for 2021, it will also serve as a guide for AFBF as we prepare to work with a new president and a new Congress to ensure we continue to lead the world in producing healthy and safe food, fiber and fuel.”
Recognizing the importance of broadening access to agriculture, delegates voted to encourage increased racial diversity in farming. This new policy calls for increased funding for USDA programs that make inheriting farms easier and increases funding to promote diverse farmland ownership.
Delegates updated labor policy, emphasizing the importance of reforming the H-2A program by expanding the program to provide visa workers for both seasonal and year-round employment. An expanded program would address workforce shortages and extend the program to operations that do not currently qualify to employ guest workers, like dairy farms.
The Holcomb plant fire and the COVID-19 pandemic caused meat prices to skyrocket while the price paid to farmers dropped. AFBF delegates voted to provide stability in markets by supporting efforts to increase negotiated sales in fed cattle markets. Delegates also called for increased transparency in livestock pricing.
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Gene Editing Technology Could Soon Be Common Practice For Beef Cattle Industry
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Cutting edge technology, including gene editing, could soon be a common practice for the beef cattle seedstock industry, said Jack Ward, executive vice president of the American Hereford Association.
Ward recently spoke with me at the Cattlemen’s Congress underway at the Oklahoma City fairgrounds.
Our board has had that (gene editing) as an agenda item for about three years, Ward said
Ward said part of the delay in getting it on the farm is the technology is regulated by the FDA and is considered more of a drug than a technology.
That is changing as we continue to have discussions on why we need to have access to this technology, he said.
Over the last four months our staff has been working with others and our board to adopt a set of rules to be prepared when this technology opens, Ward said.
The Hereford Association leader said the technology will be good for animal agriculture.
When you talk about pressures to improve animal welfare and animal health issues, this technology will help, Ward said.
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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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Free Webinar on Assessing Soil Health, January 19 at Noon
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Tuesday, January 19, The Soil Health Institute is offering a webinar on assessing soil health.
Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Time: 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM Eastern/11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Central/10:00 - 11:00 AM Mountain/9:00 - 10:00 AM Pacific
Measuring and assessing soil health are critical for understanding how changes in agronomic management practices affect the capability of soil to support cropping systems. In this presentation, the Soil Health Institute will present an evaluation of the economics of adopting Soil Health Management Systems developed from 125 interviews with farmers and accounting for changes in management. This presentation will focus on how the financial outcomes of adopting Soil Health Management Systems compare to more conventional production practices.
Register below.
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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 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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NCBA Calls For Continued Vigilance In Response To Another Namibian FMD Outbreak
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) Senior Director of International Trade and Market Access, Kent Bacus issued the following statement in response to reports of another reported occurrence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Namibia:
“The unfortunate and continued presence of FMD outbreaks in Namibia is a serious concern for U.S. cattle producers. While the latest outbreak occurred in the buffer zone and north of the cordon fence, this is the second occurrence of FMD in a matter of months. As we stated in October 2020, FMD is a grave and persistent threat to the U.S cattle industry and warrants every available caution and protection to ensure that the problems plaguing cattle production in other parts of the world do not reach our shores. While NCBA supports regionalization as a tool to protect against the spread of disease while facilitating science-based trade, NCBA encourages USDA to remain vigilant in ensuring all preventative measures are in place to protect the U.S. cattle industry from exposure.”
"In regard to FMD, Namibia is divided into two zones. The northern zone, where FMD continues to occur and is not approved for export to the United States, and the southern zone-an area that is free of FMD and is designated as safe for export. Namibia has extensive measures in place, including a cordon fence and a buffer zone to prevent the spread of FMD from the northern zone to the southern zone. NCBA supports research to develop protocols and determine the economic impact of regionalization of states or an area to establish risk avoidance for animal diseases. With that said, FMD is a highly contagious disease that would devastate the U.S. cattle industry and NCBA will continue to support USDA’s efforts to prevent our herd from exposure."
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USDA Publishes Final Rule for the Domestic Production of Hemp
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the final rule regulating the production of hemp in the United States. The final rule incorporates modifications to regulations established under the interim final rule (IFR) published in October 2019. The modifications are based on public comments following the publication of the IFR and lessons learned during the 2020 growing season. The final rule is available for viewing in the Federal Register and will be effective on March 22, 2021.
“With the publication of this final rule, USDA brings to a close a full and transparent rule-making process that started with a hemp listening session in March 2019,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Greg Ibach. “USDA staff have taken the information you have provided through three comment periods and from your experiences over a growing season to develop regulations that meet Congressional intent while providing a fair, consistent, science-based process for states, tribes and individual producers. USDA staff will continue to conduct education and outreach to help industry achieve compliance with the requirements.”
Key provisions of the final rule include licensing requirements; recordkeeping requirements for maintaining information about the land where hemp is produced; procedures for testing the THC concentration levels for hemp; procedures for disposing of non-compliant plants; compliance provisions; and procedures for handling violations.
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Angus Genetics Showcased at 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress Pen Show
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Angus producers competed for top honors during the 2021 Cattlemen’s Congress Angus Pen Show, Jan. 10 in Oklahoma City, Okla. A total of 24 pens were showcased.
Kevin Gallagher, Buda, Texas; John Pfeiffer, Orlando, Okla.; and Chris Styles, Brentford, S.D., evaluated the bulls and heifers before selecting champions.
Chestnut Angus Farm, Pipestone, Minn., showcased the grand champion pen of three bulls with January and February 2020 sons of Chestnut Redemption 38 and Stevenson Turning Point. The trio posted an average weight of 1,355 pounds and an average scrotal circumference of 38.5 centimeters. The bulls first won early calf champion.
Express Angus Ranches, Yukon, Okla., captured the reserve grand champion pen of three bulls after first claiming champion yearlings. The September and October 2019 sons of Bar R Jet Black 5063 and Deer Valley Growth Fund posted an average weight of 1,657 pounds and an average scrotal circumference of 43.3 centimeters.
Frey Angus Ranch, Granville, N.D., showcased the grand champion pen of five bulls with January and February 2020 sons of Freys Cowboy Logic; KR Outfit; and KR Quality Outfit 8525. The trio posted an average weight of 1,466 pounds and an average scrotal circumference of 38.9 centimeters.
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Mark Poeschl resigns as CEO of National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation
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On Friday, the National FFA Board of Directors and National FFA Board of Trustees announced the resignation of Mark Poeschl as CEO of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation, effective January 15.
In a statement, Poeschl said, “I know there have been challenges we have faced during my tenure, but my intentions have been for the best interests of FFA and our student members.” He adds, “I'm proud of what we have accomplished together, but now it's time for the next CEO of FFA to step in and make their mark.”
Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor and Board Chair, says, “Mark informed us Thursday that he has decided to end his role as National FFA CEO. The board wishes Mark well, and we acknowledge the impact he has made in the last four and a half years as National FFA leader.” Poeschl began his tenure leading FFA in 2016, coming from an executive role from Cargill Animal Nutrition.
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Texas Steer Grabs Top Honors in Junior Market Steer Show at Cattlemen's Congress
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One of the events from the final weekend of the 2021 Cattlemen's Congress was the Junior Market Steer show. This was a Crossbred show broken into three divisions - All Brahman Crosses, British Breeds and All Other Steers.
This was not a terminal show and there was no Premium Sale involved- but the prize money for the top five placing steers was big.
The Grand Champion Steer was awarded $20,000 and an additional $5,000 for the Breed Championship. Reserve Gran Steer received $10,000, Third Place $5,0000, Fourth Place $4,000 and Fifth Place $3,000.
Stewart Skiles from Hereford, Texas exhibited the 2021 Grand Champion Steer at the Cattlemen's Congress! (Pictured above- and yes- holding the Banner is Oklahoma Congresswoman Stephanie Bice)
Reserve Grand Champion: Tristan Himes of Sterling City, Texas
3rd Overall: Keegan Murphy of Seneca, Illinois
4th Overall: Ruby Bell of Bristow, Oklahoma
5th Overall: Mikala Grady of Grandview, Texas
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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 go higher- Choice Beef was up 65 cents and Select Beef was up $1.09 on Friday 11/20/2020.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards will have a huge sale today- last night, Western Commission posted on Facebook that already 14,300 were on hand- and more expected for today's sale.
On January 11th- Compared to the previous week: Feeder steers and heifers steady to 2.00 higher, except 600-700 lb steers 4.00-6.00 higher. Steer calves steady to 4.00 higher, most advance on 5 weights. Heifer calves closing steady to 2.00 lower. Demand moderate to good.
Click below for the complete closing report from January 11th as you get ready for their sale that starts at 8 AM..
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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 is the 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 affecting rural America.
The Road to Rural Prosperity is here to tell stories about rural America, for rural America.
Ron Hays reports from the first ever Cattlemen's Congress in Oklahoma City- and talks with Shane Bedwell, Chief Operating Officer of the American Hereford Association and Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association. These beef industry leaders talk about the show at the OKC Fairgrounds as well as the latest on their respective beef breeds. They also offer their perspectives on balancing the value of phenotype evaluation versus EPD genomics.
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.
We also welcome Entz Auction as our Presenting Sponsor- check out their current listings by clicking here for their website.
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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