Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
From: Ron Hays <ronphays@cox.net>
Date: 4/27/2017 6:31 AM
To: ron@ronhays.com



 
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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 Ron Hays on RON.
 

  
  
Let's Check the Markets!  
 
   
Finished cattle prices 
had a higher undertone Wednesday on FedCattleExchange.com - 1,945 cattle were sold with prices rising as much as $5.06 from the last sale- weighted average price this week ranged from $125.42 to $131.68. 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 futuresclick or tap here for the report posted yesterday afternoon around 3:30 PM.
 
  
Okla Cash Grain:  
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture on Wednesday, April 26th.
  
  
Futures Wrap:  
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Network - analyzing the Futures Markets from the previous Day.
  
Feeder Cattle Recap:  
The National Daily Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
  
Slaughter Cattle Recap: 
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by the USDA.
  
TCFA Feedlot Recap:  
Finally, here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
  


  
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
 
Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News

Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
   Thursday, April 27, 2017

Howdy Neighbors! 

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 
 
Featured Story:
NAFTACommodity Groups Defend NAFTA as President Trump Now Saying US Won't Dump the 23 Year Old Deal   

Reports were circulating in DC yesterday that the White House is preparing an executive order for President Donald Trump to sign that would withdraw the US from the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. BUT- that is not happening- instead, President Trump called the heads of state in both Canada and Mexico yesterday- and they agreed to move forward with a renegotiation of the trade pact that has been in place since 1994.

The White House released a statement yesterday afternoon that the phone calls between the leaders "were pleasant and productive." 


The NAFTA trade treaty, signed by then President Bill Clinton, has been very beneficial for agricultural commodity industries. As you can imagine, these same groups were quick to react after reports of the administration's intentions were made known. Several commodity associations sounded off yesterday afternoon defending the trade agreement's value to the economy and appealing to President Trump to reconsider his stance on withdrawing.


"Without mincing words, initiating a process to withdraw from NAFTA is a terrible idea, and it will only mean a longer and more difficult struggle for farmers to recover in this economy," said American Soybean Association President Ron Moore. "With surplus production and domestic prices lagging, we need more opportunities and easier avenues to sell our products abroad, and signaling the U.S. intent to withdraw from NAFTA runs absolutely counter to that goal." Click here to read ASA's full statement regarding this matter.


"Withdrawing from NAFTA would be disastrous for American agriculture," said NCGA President Wesley Spurlock. "We cannot disrupt trade with two of our top trade partners and allies. This decision will cost America's farmers and ranchers markets that we will never recover." Read the complete release from the National Corn Growers Association by clicking here.


"Abandoning NAFTA and going back to pre-NAFTA tariffs would be financially devastating to U.S. pork producers," wrote the National Pork Producers Council in a statement. "Tens of thousands of U.S. jobs dependent on those exports would be lost." Click here to see the NPPC's full statement.



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.
 

DeathTaxTrump Tax Plan Includes the End of the Death Tax
 
On Wednesday- top officials in the Trump Administration released their proposal for comprehensive tax reform, calling it the "biggest tax cut in U.S. history." The plan is designed to serve as the starting point as Congress and the Administration work to pass a comprehensive tax reform package this year.

Danielle Beck, National Cattlemen's Beef Association director of government affairs, said the Administration included in the proposal immediate repeal of the Death Tax - a priority for NCBA.

"Permanent repeal of the death tax has been a priority for cattlemen and women for decades," said Beck. "Since the Death Tax was implemented nearly a century ago it has not only failed to meet the misguided goals set by Congress, but has threatened the existence of many multi-generational farms and ranches."

Click here to read the full statement from the NCBA.

One worry that Pat Wolfe of the American Farm Bureau has raised about the ending of the Death Tax is the stepped up basis issue. Wolfe tells us that the general farm organization has long called for the end of the Estate Tax- but warns lawmakers not to mess with the stepped up basis- if that language was stripped from a repeal of the Death tax- farmers, ranchers and landowners might get stuck with a huge capital gains tax bill.

That aspect of the Death Tax conversation is not addressed in the release from the Trump Administration- and would be a part of the conversation with lawmakers in the days ahead.


The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association announced this week that its Foundation has hit and surpassed the $1 million mark for the money raised through donations to their Fire Relief Fund to help ranchers affected by the recent wildfires.
These contributions have come in from all across the country since the fires broke out in March, and continue rolling in still.
The Foundation's coordinator, Jeff Jaronek, says that 100 percent of these funds will be distributed to ranchers who suffered losses from the fires, once a committee has reviewed all submitted applications. To be eligible to receive any of this relief funding for any losses caused by these fires, you must complete and submit an application to the OCF by the deadline, which is May 1, 2017.
Jaronek is strongly encouraging affected ranchers to take advantage of this opportunity before it's too late. For a copy of the application, visit the OCF website by clicking here.
The OCF has stated their goal is to have money in the hands of these ranchers within 90 days of the destruction that occurred around March 6th of this year. Click here to read the announcement by OCA.

In 2015, Governor Mary Fallin appointed a 17-member task force to study ways in which water used in oil and gas mining could be recycled into Oklahoma's water use strategies. Yesterday, this task force, the Oklahoma's Water for 2060 Produced Water Working Group, released its report on the study.

"Many of the oil and gas producers in Oklahoma continue to work diligently on the issue of water reuse and recycling innovation, and they remain committed to responsible development of our state's resources," Fallin said. "At the same time, our agencies are working diligently on responsible and cost-effective ways to harness Oklahoma's marginal quality waters for use as a way to better manage Oklahoma's fresh water supplies."


A technical study team conducted a preliminary investigation of the feasibility and cost effectiveness of several scenarios, recommended in the group's report. The report identified several options that warrant further study, including treatment and reuse of produced water by local oil and gas operations, transfer to areas of high demand, and use of evaporation technologies.


"This report is an important first step into the investigation of produced water use," said Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Michael Teague. "It will serve as an important guide as we continue further detailed research of these alternatives that will undoubtedly be the next critical steps in this on-going effort."

Continue reading the full story and take a look at the report for yourself, by clicking here.

It sure took long enough, but the agricultural community is thankful nonetheless to finally have a Secretary of Agriculture in place. Former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue was confirmed Monday evening and sworn into office Tuesday morning. Members of each agricultural industry are eager for Secretary Perdue to get started on the work that has been piling up on his desk since former Secretary Vilsack left office, and none more so than the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Colin Woodall, vice president of government affairs, told me that he is excited about what Perdue brings to the table.


"I think it says a lot that he received 87 votes. That means he not only got the Republicans but a tremendous number of Democrats to join on board," Woodall said. "I think that's reflective of his skills as a statesman and what he brings to the table as the new secretary. I also think its reflective of the way agriculture policy is handled in this town."


Traditionally, Woodall says agriculture policy has always been handled largely with bipartisanship. He says the overwhelming vote to confirm Perdue perhaps signals that this attitude will continue during this administration. Woodall hopes this will be the case as he and his team prepare to work with Secretary Perdue on withdrawing the controversial GIPSA rules left by Vilsack's USDA.


"We have several things we're going to talk to him on," Woodall said. "Top of the list, of course, is asking him to withdraw the GIPSA rules. Given the fact he is a farmer himself, I think he will understand this is bad policy and will ultimately withdraw it."


Listen to Woodall and I discuss his thoughts on the new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.

Sponsor Spotlight

 
The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry.  With headquarters in Oklahoma City, the OCA has a regular presence at the State Capitol to protect and defend the interests of cattlemen and cattlewomen.
 
Their Vision Statement explains the highest priority of the organization- "Leadership that serves, strengthens and advocates for the Oklahoma cattle industry."
 
To learn more about the OCA and how you can be a part of this forward-looking group of cattle producers, click here for their website. For more information- call 405-235-4391. 


We continue our coverage of the FFA District Star Farmers with the Southeast District Star in Production Agriculture, Cole Eschete of the Rock Creek FFA Chapter from Bokchito, Oklahoma. Over the years, Eschete has built up a successful show pig business, selling his hogs to fellow FFA and 4-H members to help them start their own Supervised Agricultural Experiences.


He says he began his involvement in production agriculture growing up around the business of raising livestock and watching his family participate in the FFA activities he takes part in today.


"It was something I wanted to do. Just through trial and error over the years, it's been something I grew a passion about and I really love it."


He says the key to his success has really been founded in his operation's breeding program.


"You have to get the right genetics, the right maternal and father traits to get everything right in the end," he said. "Once you get the pigs on the ground, you have to do the whole feeding process, make sure they are getting the right things to grow, especially for the show industry."


Upon graduation, he plans to attend Oklahoma State University and earn a doctorate in swine genetics and nutrition.


Click or tap here to read more- and to have a chance to listen to our visit with Cole during the judging of the State Stars a couple of weeks ago.

Our salute of the 2017 District Stars of the Oklahoma FFA is brought to you by American Farmers & Ranchers, proud to support Oklahoma's youth. Visit the AFR website by clicking or tapping here to learn more on how AFR supports the young people of Oklahoma, and how AFR can provide you with quality insurance for your home, auto, farm, and life.

Want to Have the Latest Energy News Delivered to Your Inbox Daily?
 

Award winning broadcast journalist Jerry Bohnen has spent years learning and understanding how to cover the energy business here in the southern plains- Click here to subscribe to his daily update of top Energy News.

 


Yesterday, The National Association of Wheat Growers praised Senators Rob Portman of Ohio and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota for introducing The Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 to the Senate.


This legislation would amend existing language in the Administrative Procedure Act to increase accountability and transparency in the federal regulatory process by ensuring federal agencies balance regulatory costs and benefits when developing new rules or changing existing regulations. It would also provide stakeholders more opportunity to get involved earlier in the regulatory process.


"NAWG welcomes The RAA which creates a better regulatory framework and process from the get go, so we won't have to keep facing increased regulatory burdens that don't show substantial benefits," said NAWG President David Schemm in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. "We thank Congress for continuing to address regulatory issues impacting agriculture and Senators Portman and Heitkamp for introducing this bi-partisan bill."

To learn more about this bill, or to read Schemm's full reaction in the statement released by NAWG, click here to jump to the complete story on our website.

The next Central Oklahoma Soil Health Seminar will be hosted today in El Reno at Redlands Community College's Darlington Chapel. This event, will provide farmers an opportunity to learn about some of the options they have for the application of soil health practices following winter wheat harvest this summer.

The program kicks off at 9 AM.

For more information, or for instructions on how to get to the Chapel to attend the seminar, check out this event on the calendar page of our website, by clicking here.

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OSU Wheat Plot Tours continue- with stops in Altus this morning- Apache this afternoon- and Chickasha tomorrow.

Click here for our calendar page and check out the locations for the balance of this week and into May as well.

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The 2017 State Convention of the Oklahoma FFA is set for May second and third at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Over 10,000 FFA members, Chapter Advisors, Parents and Supporters of the organization will gather for the 91st Annual Convention. The theme of the 2017 gathering is Transform Purpose to Action. Click here for the Oklahoma FFA website's page of all things FFA Convention.

Six general sessions will be featured over the two days of the event- and in those sessions, hundreds of Oklahoma FFA members will be honored for outstanding achievement over the past year. A total of $136,250 in scholarships will be awarded to FFA members at the 2017 convention. Besides the general sessions, FFA members will be able to visit the two day Career Show, improve their leadership skills in eight Leadership Workshops and seven Career Success Workshops and participate in the Days of Service with the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank on the Monday before the Convention and the Thursday after the convention.

Speaking of the Regional Food Bank- you will be amazed/thrilled/excited at the announcement coming next week at the Convention about the support given by FFA members to the Food Banks of Oklahoma over the last year- it is nothing short of AWESOME

Stay tuned- we will keep you advised!


Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K EquipmentAmerican Farmers & Ranchers, Livestock Exchange at the Oklahoma National StockyardsOERBOklahoma Farm BureauStillwater Milling Company, Oklahoma AgCreditthe 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 also invite you to check out our website at the link below to check out an archive of these daily emails, audio reports and top farm news story links from around the globe.   

 Click here to check out WWW.OklahomaFarmReport.Com  

 


 

God Bless! You can reach us at the following:  

 

phone: 405-473-6144
 


 




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