Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Monday, March 1, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- FSA Disaster Relief Available for Livestock Deaths in Winter Storm
- Cattle Market Forecast Calls For Strong Prices Ahead Says Kevin Good With CattleFax
- OWRB approves over $1.9 million for infrastructure improvements for six Oklahoma systems
- USDA Invests $1.7 Million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine Infrastructure to Improve Education Outcomes in Oklahoma
- Soybean Growers Approve 2021 Resolutions
- Improving Rural Infrastructure, Including University R and D, Attracting National Attention
- 2021 Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week is Driving Safety Home
- The Change in Dates Due to COVID Concerns Did Not Stop Good Crowds From Attending the Tulsa Farm Show
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FSA Disaster Relief Available for Livestock Deaths in Winter Storm |
Oklahoma producers who suffered livestock deaths during the recent winter storm may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), available through the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency, compensates commercial livestock owners for losses in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather.
As ranchers begin to assess damages from the deep freeze, death documentation will be required for LIP eligibility. In addition to photos, the program requires proof of beginning inventory, normal mortality documentation and a copy of the grower’s contracts, if applicable.
Amy Hagerman, an Oklahoma State University Extension ag policy specialist, said herd counts, loan statements and other bank records are likely valid forms of identification.
“The more documentation, the better, but if records are hard to come by, standard mortality rates set by USDA can be used to estimate excess losses,” Hagerman said. “Certainly, there are other things demanding producers’ attention right now, but they should document their losses as soon as they can.”
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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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Cattle Market Forecast Calls For Strong Prices Ahead Says Kevin Good With CattleFax |
If we can get through the next few months, cattle prices will be strong for the next several years said Kevin Good, vice president of industry relations with CattleFax.
Good laid out the future market price expectations as part of the annual CattleFax market outlook seminar during the virtual winter NCBA policy conference this week.
The cattle market analyst said good beef demand and higher prices will be the rule, beginning with the calf market.
We would expect it to bounce back to pre covid levels, Good said.
Prices are in the 160’s now and going into the spring grass season the prices will go up to the 180 range, Good said.
He expects lows to still occur in the fall run but less pronounced, followed by a nice rally ending the year.
That suggests during the fall run this year we could easily average 10 to 15 cents higher than a year ago, Good said.
Overall, the cattle price outlook is strong later this year and for the next several years, but in the short-term large supplies will hold prices down, he said.
Combining the grain production and weather forecasts with the cattle supply outlook paints a strong picture for all classes of cattle, Good said.
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OWRB approves over $1.9 million for infrastructure improvements for six Oklahoma systems |
Cherokee County Rural Water District No. 11 receives $1,575,000 for water system improvements.. The Cherokee County Rural Water District No. 11 received approval this month for $1,575,000 in funding from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve the District’s water infrastructure. Construction of upgrades and improvements to the water system will be financed by the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) with $179,000 of the loan coming in the form of loan forgiveness and an additional $673,000 grant from the Cherokee Nation.
The District will use the funds to lay 3,120 feet of new 6-inch water line to connect Cherokee County Rural Water District No. 9 to Cherokee County District No. 11, install stand-by generators at the water treatment plant, and to construct a new 150,000 gallon water standpipe. These improvements will ensure pressure is maintained throughout the distribution system while reducing water loss. It will also allow Cherokee County Rural Water District No. 9 to discontinue use of its water treatment plant. These steps will result in treated water availability, and uninterrupted power for residents and businesses in and near the District.
McIntosh County RWSG & SWMD No. 8 receives $100,000 for water system improvements
The McIntosh County Rural Water, Sewer, Gas, and Solid Waste Management District No. 8 received approval for $100,000 in funding this month from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality to improve the District’s water infrastructure. Construction of improvements to the water system will be financed in full via a principal forgiveness loan through the Oklahoma Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
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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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USDA Invests $1.7 Million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine Infrastructure to Improve Education Outcomes in Oklahoma |
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is investing $42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities. Rural areas are seeing higher infection and death rates related to COVID-19 due to several factors, including a much higher percentage of underlying conditions, difficulty accessing medical care, and lack of health insurance. The $42.3 million in awards includes $24 million provided through the CARES Act in total, these investments will benefit 5 million rural residents.
“The coronavirus pandemic is a national emergency that requires an historic federal response. These investments by the Biden Administration will help millions of people living in rural places access health care and education opportunities that could change and save lives,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is helping rural America build back better using technology as a cornerstone to create more equitable communities. With health care and education increasingly moving to online platforms, the time is now to make historic investments in rural America to improve quality of life for decades to come.”
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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
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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Soybean Growers Approve 2021 Resolutions |
Members of the American Soybean Association (ASA) have completed the organization’s annual resolutions process to set the tone and direction for policy advocacy in the weeks and months ahead.
As is typical with any “out with the old, in with the new” activity, the organization aims each year to build on sound existing resolutions by adapting where needed and supplementing with new resolutions to address emerging priorities. One such example of a soy priority on which the organization is focusing more this year is climate and conservation.
Kevin Scott, ASA president and soybean farmer from Valley Springs, South Dakota, said, “Throughout this year’s document we recognize the role that climate and conservation will play in policy discussions in 2021, from thoughtfully addressing development of public and private ecosystem services markets to promoting precision agriculture technology as a tool to improve environmental stewardship while providing economic returns for growers.”
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Improving Rural Infrastructure, Including University R and D, Attracting National Attention |
Improving rural infrastructure and the vital role it plays in our rural communities was front and center during a panel discussion at the virtual NASDA Winter Policy conference this week.
The panel was chaired by Robbie Boone, senior vice president and general counsel, Farm Credit Council, (the Farm Credit System’s trade association).
Boone said there has been a need to focus on rural infrastructure going back to before the Trump administration.
He noted they have already received positive feedback from the Biden administration about improving the infrastructure.
There are strong signals coming out of the Capitol that infrastructure is next on the priority list after getting the pandemic under control, Boone said.
Other panel members included Doug Steele, vice president for Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, Max Fisher, vice president, economics and government relations for the
National Grain and Feed Association and Matt Wohlman, senior director of state and industry affairs, Land O’Lakes, Inc.
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2021 Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week is Driving Safety Home |
Farm Bureaus across the nation are preparing for Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, Feb. 28 - March 6. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting ag safety this week with the theme “Driving Safety Home.”
Farm Bureau and U.S. Ag Centers will focus on sharing information about a different safety area each day of ASAP Week:
Monday, March 1 - Farmer Roadway Safety (farmer perspective)
Tuesday, March 2 - Caretaker Support (caring for aging or ill family members)
Wednesday, March 3 - General Farmer Wellness (staying healthy overall)
Thursday, March 4 - Mental Health
Friday, March 5 - Community Roadway Safety (motorist perspective)
“As recent severe weather and coping with its aftermath continues to affect people across most of the country, focusing on safety becomes even more important on the farm and ranch,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “During Agricultural Safety Awareness Week and throughout the year, we encourage farmers and ranchers to make safety a priority,” he said.
The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more information and resources, visit the ASAP Facebook page
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The Change in Dates Due to COVID Concerns Did Not Stop Good Crowds From Attending the Tulsa Farm Show |
Many of us are very much creatures of habit- so there is always a concern when a long standing event has to shift when it happens because of a pandemic.
We are talking about the 2020/2021 Tulsa Farm Show- it was the 27th Tulsa Farm SHow and the first 26 Shows were held in December- but Covid 19 cases were piling up this past December- and rather than just throw their hands up and cancel- the team at Midwest Farm Shows looked at the calendar- considered how the virus might play out from December to the end of February and postponed until February 25-27.
The gamble of changing dates paid off as the three day show had fair attendance on Thursday- much better attendance on Friday and really good attendance on Saturday.
On Friday- our booth was manned by our own KC Sheperd- who caught up with the Tulsa Farm Show Manager Scott Guttormson for Midwest Farm Shows- and had a great conversation about the crowd, the tremendous set of exhibitors who encouraged Scott and Midwest to not cancel the show altogether- but rather postpone and expect that farmers, ranchers and rural lifestyle folks would come in February.
And that's what's happened.
Click on the button below to jump over to our webstory that features KC and Scott's Q&A.
By the way- make get the 2021 Oklahoma City Farm Show on your calendar as well- it will be happening April 15, 16 and 17 at the OKC Fairgrounds in the Bennett Event Center.
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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 were slightly higher on the final Friday of February- Choice Beef was up 14 cents and Select Beef was up 94 cents.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards should have a large run today- according to Kelli Payne, there were about 9,700 head of cattle on hand late Sunday afternoon at the Stockyards- and expect a run that will exceed 13,000 on this first of March- the sale will start at 6:30 AM...
Click below for the complete closing report from last Monday to give you a feel on the price comparisons last week to this week..
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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.
The Noble Research Institute, based in Ardmore, Oklahoma, has announced their intention to focus on Regenerative Agriculture- and Steve Rhines, CEO and President, tells host Ron Hays that the intention of NRI is to work on a primary goal to regenerate millions of acres of degraded grazing lands across the United States.
"Land stewardship is a core value held by many farmers and ranchers. Regenerative agriculture is the next step in the land stewardship journey wherein farmers and ranchers reduce their reliance on conventional practices and concentrate on restoring or regenerating the soil. The soil is the cornerstone of a healthy ecosystem and a productive farm or ranch."
Hays and Rhines explore the journey that Noble has taken to get to this point of it's existence- and discuss what their work with farmers, ranchers and landowners will look like in the years ahead.
Today's Road to Rural Prosperity is powered by BancFirst, Loyal to Oklahoma and Loyal to You.
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 Express Ranches as our Presenting Sponsor- check out their March 5th Spring Bull Sale- including links to the Sale Book, Sale Video and Sale Data 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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