Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
From: Ron Hays <ronphays@cox.net>
Date: 5/12/2017 6:07 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!  
 
   
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 Thursday, May 11th.
  
  
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
   Friday, May 12, 2017
 
Howdy Neighbors! 

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 
 







-- Lahoma Wheat Field Day is Today- and It WILL HAPPEN

Featured Story:
USDARedoSecretary Sonny Perdue Announces Structural Changes at USDA- Establishing Undersecretary of Trade Position 

US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue made big waves across the rural community yesterday, announcing that he plans to implement a reorganization within the structure of the USDA, a task that has not been undertaken since 1994.

According to Perdue, he will create a new undersecretary position to oversee trade and foreign agricultural services. The establishment of this position is Perdue's acknowledgement of the increasing importance international trade has for the American agriculture industry and is also a down payment on President Trump's request of his cabinet to deliver plans to improve the accountability and customer service provided by departments.

"Our plan to establish an undersecretary for trade fits right in line with my goal to be American agriculture's unapologetic advocate and chief salesman around the world. By working side by side with our U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the USDA undersecretary for trade will ensure that American producers are well equipped to sell their products and feed the world," Perdue said.

The Secretary's reorganization strategy also includes plans to create an additional undersecretary position, focused on farm production and conservation as well as shifting rural development teams to report directly to Perdue himself. He says this will ensure that rural America always has a seat at the table.


Get the full story behind Secretary Perdue's reshuffling of the USDA on our website, by clicking or tapping here.

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ReactsAg Industry Reacts to Proposed Restructuring at USDA 

Agricultural associations spanning the entire scope of the industry offered immediate reactions to news of Secretary Perdue's intentions to address international trade concerns in rural America by establishing a new undersecretary position specifically for handling trade and foreign ag interests, as part of a comprehensive restructuring strategy for the US Ag Department.


Most organizations that weighed in on the announcement believe the Secretary's agenda to be good news, many of them reminding the public of their attempts to have a similar position established under the 2014 Farm Bill.


"Clearly, the Trump administration recognizes the importance of exports to U.S. agriculture, which has a trade surplus. The new undersecretary can help convey our message to the administration that it should work to preserve and expand foreign market access for U.S. agricultural products," said President of the National Pork Producers Council Ken Maschhoff. Click or tap here to read his full remarks.


"Overseas markets represent 73 percent of the world's purchasing power, 87 percent of economic growth, and 95 percent of the world's customers. Now is the time for U.S. agriculture to fully capitalize on the long-term, increased global demand for our products around the world. Today's announcement is a big step toward that goal," said Wesley Spurlock, president of the National Corn Growers Association. Click here to view his complete commentary.


"Establishing this new Undersecretary for Trade position was one of our top priorities for 2017, so we are extremely pleased to see Secretary Perdue filling in the gaps left by the previous Administration. This position will play a vital role in leading USDA's efforts to capitalize on foreign demand for U.S. agriculture products," said NCBA President Craig Uden. Click here to read NCBA's statement.


"NAWG applauds the USDA for emphasizing the importance of trade by creating a specific mission area devoted to the Department's trade programs. This move highlights the significance that programs like the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program play in promoting wheat and other ag commodities all over the world," wrote NAWG President David Schemm, in a statement released yesterday.


However, Perdue did receive some backlash pursuant to his announcement. Some other organizations warn that by restructuring the current model, the Secretary could unintentionally be harming the effectiveness of certain services within the department.


The National Association of Conservation Districts reviewed the Secretary's plan to restructure USDA's mission areas saying that it would support the plan, provided there were no losses to USDA services or staff.


"As one of USDA's core partners, NACD's primary goal is to ensure that American landowners are given the tools and technical assistance they need to conserve and enhance our nation's natural resources," NACD President Brent Van Dyke said. "For this reason, we were glad to hear Secretary Perdue say that no reduction in the workforce will occur as a result of the reorganization." Click here to read the NACD's full statement.


Even with no loss of service though, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition still took issue with the Secretary's plan.


"The reorganization has been framed as a move toward more efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. However, NSAC is deeply troubled by the proposal to eliminate the Rural Development Mission Area and to demote Rural Development to "office" status.


"Current law stipulates that USDA must not exceed seven undersecretaries. Under the new structure, USDA makes room for the new Trade Undersecretary by eliminating the Rural Development Mission Area and placing the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Services Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA) under a single Farm Production and Conservation Mission Area.


"While the Administration has attempted to spin the demotion of Rural Develop as an "elevation" - arguing that because the office would report directly to the Secretary, rural development needs will receive greater attention - it is in fact a trading away of rural, domestic priorities in favor of boosting international trade."
Click here to read more about the Coalition's criticism of Perdue's plan to restructure the USDA.


The American Soybean Association shared the Coalition's sentiments, but still found Perdue's intentions to be encouraging.


"Concerning a reorganization this comprehensive, ASA will need time to evaluate the impacts of the shift in mission areas, and any potential reallocation of resources to determine their effects on soybean farmers," ASA stated. "But, to have USDA recognize the importance of farm trade by creating this position is very encouraging." Click here to read more.
 BeefChinaUS Beef to China Tops the List of Ten Commitments Given to Trump Administration by Chinese Officials

There is now a date agreed to by the Chinese and the Trump Administration for getting US beef shipments headed for China- July 16, 2017

There are a total of 10 "deals" announced in a joint statement last night by Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross of the United States and Vice Premier Wang Yang of China- and US Beef to China is number one:.
"Following one more round of technical consultations between the United States and China, China is to allow imports of U.S. beef on conditions consistent with international food safety and animal health standards and consistent with the 1999 Agricultural Cooperation Agreement, beginning as soon as possible but no later than July 16, 2017."

Numbers two and three also deal with Ag Issues- Cooked Poultry and Biotech Approvals- also BIG DEALS for US Agriculture.

Click or tap here to read the full release from last night found on the US Commerce website.

MEANWHILE- both the USMEF and NCBA issued statements praising the Trump Administration for getting a date on the table to get US Beef into China- both groups are very pleased that we are one step closer to resuming trade with a country that has over 1.4 billion people inside its borders.


Farm income, loan repayment rates, and the value of most types of farmland all trended lower in each of the seven states making up the Tenth District during the first quarter of 2017, according to a recent farm economy survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.


The results of the survey show that while conditions varied across different regions, the economy of the western portion of the District weakened the most.


The Federal Bank issued a statement on the regarding the revelations of this survey and stated that, since 2014, following a drop in the prices of major row crops, farm income has fallen more sharply in the Mountain States and the western portion of Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma. According to the survey, the gap in the performance of the farm sector between the District's eastern and western portions widened in the first quarter. Alongside persistent weakness in cattle and wheat markets, more than 80 percent of bankers indicated farm income was lower than a year ago in the western part of the District versus about 60 percent in the eastern part.


The survey indicates that bankers in the western region have heightened concern regarding the overall health of the industry, citing a deterioration in the rate of loan renewals and repayments. Bankers report the pace of carry-over debt has also quickened in the western portion of the District but note it has declined in the east.
For more insights offered by the Federal Reserve's farm economy survey, or to review the full report for yourself, click here.
LighthizerRobert Lighthizer Receives Senate's Confirmation to be the Next US Trade Representative

Following USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue's big news about a shift in focus at the Department towards trade, the Senate came together to confirm former trade ambassador with the Reagan administration, Robert Lighthizer, as the next US Trade Representative.

News of this announcement echoed with praises from industry organizations excited to finally see the position filled but also, observing a bigger picture of strong advocates that understand the importance and value of both agriculture and trade, assembling within the Trump administration.

"International trade is vital to the success of America's cattle industry and in his new role, Ambassador Lighthizer will serve as our chief negotiator in all trade matters. As Ambassador Lighthizer begins his new job, we urge him to focus his efforts on opening and expanding our access to other markets and preventing any action that may hinder our export growth," said  NCBA President Craig Uden. Click here to read his full remarks stressing the importance of trade to the beef industry.

The US Wheat Associates Chairman Jason Scott said he "whole-heartedly agreed" with David Schemm, president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, when he said, "We look forward to working with Amb. Lighthizer to help build new export opportunities for the farmers we represent. To that end, we also encourage him to quickly name a new U.S. Agricultural Trade Ambassador to represent agricultural interests in the upcoming re-negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and trade negotiations with Asia-Pacific nations." You can read both of these gentlemen's comments about Lighthizer in a joint statement released yesterday.

 

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BUZZCattlemen Afraid of Losing Major Markets Spooked by Trump Administration's Itch to Abandon NAFTA

The Director of International Trade and Market Access for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Kent Bacus, says he was concerned when the Trump administration flirted with totally withdrawing from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He told me that he was relieved when Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue convinced President Donald Trump to stay with NAFTA, and perhaps instead just retool it. While Bacus agrees pieces of the trade treaty could possibly warrant some modification, he says any talk disturbing the agreement makes him nervous.

"When you look at Canada and Mexico, they are two very important markets for us when it comes to beef exports," Bacus said. "Obviously, there are probably some parts of the agreement that should be renegotiated, but for the beef industry, it's really hard to improve upon unlimited, unrestricted, duty-free access to Canada and Mexico."

Bacus says that with as much volatility seen in cattle markets right now, the industry simply cannot afford to jeopardize access to these important markets.

"We are going to continue working with the Trump administration and let them know where some of these good opportunities are, but also where some of these dangerous lines are, especially when it comes to making changes to NAFTA," he emphasized. "We would rather the administration put their resources and dedicate their time toward expanding trade, rather than walking away from important export markets."

Listen to Bacus speak with me about the importance of maintaining our trade relationships through NAFTA for the beef industry, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.
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KimThis Week on SUNUP! Kim Anderson Analyzes the Latest Supply and Demand Report Numbers

This week on SUNUP - OSU's Dr. Kim Anderson joins Dave Deken again, taking a look this episode at the numbers in this year's first World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report out this week from the USDA.


"I think this report has good news, there was lower production in the US, Russia, Canada, Australia," Anderson said. "All are HRW competitors - looking good on the production side."


Anderson says good news, too, on ending stocks which USDA reports the US at 914 million bushels down from 1.16 billion. World ending stocks though are up 9.5 billion bushels from 9.4.


"We should have some positive price increase but it's going to be limited by those world stock," Anderson said.


Although this report show we are at least headed in the right direction, Anderson says it will probably not be until the 2018-19 marketing year before we start to see a significant change in wheat prices here in Oklahoma.


You can watch their visit tomorrow or Sunday on SUNUP- but you can hear Kim's comments right now by clicking here.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, yesterday held a hearing to review issues related to pesticide registrations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as well as the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act.


The hearing, titled "Pesticide Registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act: Providing Stakeholders with Certainty through the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act," featured two panels of witnesses consisting of federal government officials and stakeholders.


"Today's hearing is a reminder of this Committee's responsibility and my personal commitment to conduct business through regular order and in a transparent manner," Roberts said. "U.S. farmers and ranchers will need to feed a growing population - 9 billion people. In order to meet that demand, it will be extremely important to provide certainty and eliminate any regulatory barriers that might challenge farmers from meeting this goal."
Click here to read Sen. Pat Roberts complete opening remarks at yesterday's hearing.
LahomaLahoma Wheat Field Day is Today- and It WILL HAPPEN
 

Here's the word we got from OSU Extension Small Grains Specialist David Marburger at 9 PM Last Night-

Lahoma's Wheat Field Day is On!

From his email - "Although the station received more rain today, we will still have the field day tomorrow at Lahoma, and it will still be outside. Since the ground is soft, we will now be using the building for the trailer switching area throughout the morning.

"Parking will be like it was two years ago. Please use the north-south roads closest to the building to park, and stay on the gravel. Please do not park on the county road on the east side of the station. Also, please do not block the intersections, and do not park on the east-west roads. We will need these to remain clear for the trucks and trailers.

"Some of our county educators will be around to help direct you where to park."

See you later this morning! 


Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K EquipmentAmerican Farmers & Ranchers, Livestock Exchange at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Oklahoma Farm BureauStillwater Milling CompanyOERBOklahoma 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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