Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday, March 11, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- AFBF & NCBA Applaud Introduction of Estate Tax Repeal Bills
- OYE Ag Mechanics Contest Bigger And Better- Elgin FFA Wins 2021 Grand Championship
- Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Congressional Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act
- Peterson Partners with Combest Sell to Promote U.S. Agriculture
- It's Important to Accurately Compare Genomic EPDs For Older and Younger Cattle, Says Kelli Retallick, Angus Genetics, Inc.
- Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions (OPBS) informative Webinar, March 23
- Bake and Take Month Helps Promote Wheat Industry
- Michael Regan Confirmed as EPA Administrator
- Check Down the Email for a Pic of the Elgin FFA Trailer That Won Top Prize at OYE
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AFBF & NCBA Applaud Introduction of Estate Tax Repeal Bills |
The American Farm Bureau Federation is calling on Congress to remove barriers to farm ownership. Bills aimed at eliminating the estate tax were introduced in the Senate and House Tuesday. Both are supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
“Farmers and ranchers already face unpredictable challenges beyond our control yet persevere to protect our nation’s supply of food, fiber and renewable fuel. The tax code should encourage farm business growth, not add to uncertainty,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Eliminating the estate tax removes another barrier to entry for sons and daughters or other beginning farmers to carry-on our agricultural legacy and make farming more accessible to all. We appreciate Senator Thune and Representatives Smith and Bishop for introducing their bills and look forward to working with them to get this important legislation passed.”
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) issued the following statement in support of bipartisan legislation to repeal the federal estate tax, commonly referred to as the death tax.
“The estate tax disproportionately harms cattle producers because with few options to pay off tax liabilities, many farm and ranch families are forced to make tough choices at the time of death - and in worst case scenarios, must sell off land to meet their federal tax burden,” said NCBA President Jerry Bohn.
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The Oklahoma Cotton Council is proud to serve the cotton producers and those who are a part of the cotton industry in Oklahoma- promoting and protecting their interests. In Recent Years- cotton acreage has grown in Oklahoma- and today we are the third largest Cotton State in the US- based on Acres Planted.
The Oklahoma Cotton Council works for the cotton farmer in the areas of research, advocacy and education. Follow the Oklahoma Cotton Council on Facebook.
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OYE Ag Mechanics Contest Bigger And Better This Year |
The second annual Ag Mechanics skill contest held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Youth Expo this year was a resounding success, said Jerry Renshaw, superintendent of this year’s OYE Ag Mechanics show.
Renshaw talked with yours truly as the contest was underway.
We are larger than last year despite Covid, Renshaw said.
We had 108 pre entries with 85 showing up, that is an increase from 62 last year, he said
There was a wide array of entries as the students brought their “A” game, he said.
Everything from hay trailers to dump trailers to overhead shop cranes, swing sets, corn hole games, and even some decorative items with detail work, he said.
Taking Grand Champion in the Agriculture Machinery and Equipment Division was the Elgin FFA Members (Pictured above) including,
Cade Janda
Gavin Smalley
Dillon Pestun
Gavin Hollars
Reserve Grand went to Brayden Rexflord from Redrock FFA (our own KC Sheperd talked to some of the winners- and we will feature that in our Friday email)
Reports will be heard daily on great radio stations that cover Oklahoma and that are a part of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network- on the internet- our reports of the 2021 OYE can be found on the Blue Green Gazette page- available here.
We will be adding pictures daily to our official 2021 OYE Album of Photos on FLICKR, found here.
For more information about the Oklahoma Youth Expo, click here for the home page of the OYE website.
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Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Congressional Passage of the American Rescue Plan Act |
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today on passage of the American Rescue Plan Act by the U.S. Congress. The bill now goes to President Biden for his signature.
“President Biden wasted no time fulfilling his pledge to the American people to bring substantial financial relief within the first 100 days of his Administration. Thanks to passage of the American Rescue Plan today, help is on the way. The American Rescue Plan will jolt our economy back to life, get money into the hands of struggling Americans, get our children back to school safely, get COVID-19 vaccinations out more swiftly, and get nutrition assistance to millions of food insecure Americans.
“The American Rescue Plan boosts SNAP benefits for food insecure families; it expands resources to mothers and young children to purchase healthy, fresh foods; and delivers badly-needed nutrition aid to U.S. territories. It also increases food available for distribution through food banks, nonprofits, or restaurants to help feed families in need and at the same time supports farmers by purchasing their products. America’s farmers, ranchers and producers will reap the benefits of the American Rescue Plan as more resources flow through the economy, as more businesses open up, spurring greater demand for American food and agricultural products.
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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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Peterson Partners with Combest Sell to Promote U.S. Agriculture |
A strategic alliance was announced today that joins Chairman Collin Peterson’s 30 plus years of leadership in food and agriculture policy with Combest, Sell & Associates’ focused and determined advocacy for rural America.
Tom Sell and the Combest Sell firm have built a legacy of thoughtful and effective work on behalf of clients representing family farming and rural business and infrastructure from across the U.S., building a reputation for integrity, credibility, and depth on complex policy issues.
Chairman Peterson will deploy his vast experience in an advisory and consulting role with Combest Sell & Associates. Mr. Peterson will not lobby in the near term, but will engage with current and future Combest Sell clients who seek to promote and protect policies that bolster U.S. agriculture and rural America.
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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
National Livestock was founded in 1932 in Oklahoma City. National’s Marketing Division offers cattle for sale weekly at the Oklahoma National Stockyards in Oklahoma City. The Finance Division lends money to ranchers across several states for cattle production. The Grazing Division works with producers to place cattle for grazing on wheat or grass pastures.
National also owns and operates other livestock marketing subsidiaries including Southern Oklahoma Livestock Auction in Ada, Oklahoma, OKC West Livestock Market in El Reno, Oklahoma, and the nation’s premier livestock video sale, Superior Livestock Auction. National offers customers many services custom made for today’s producer. To learn more, click here for the website or call the Oklahoma City office at 1-800-310-0220.
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It's Important to Accurately Compare Genomic EPDs For Older and Younger Cattle, Says Kelli Retallick, Angus Genetics, Inc. |
Accurately comparing genomic EPDs for older and younger cattle is important said Kelli Retallick, director of genetic and genomic programs with Angus Genetics Inc., a subsidiary of the American Angus Association.
On occasion we will get the question from members if we are accurately comparing older and newer genetics, she said.
Retallick explained how the data you submit on your herd contributes to the national genetic evaluation process.
Within the genetic evaluation we start with the performance record on an individual animal, she said.
What we’re doing as geneticists is, we’re parsing apart the genetics and the environmental piece of that performance data point, she said.
The genetic piece is the additive genetic variance and the non-additive genetic variance, she said.
The additive genetic variance is the heritable portion that gets passed down from generation to generation.
The non-additive variance is the things due to cross breeding.
The environmental piece of performance are the things we know and can explain, she said.
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Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions (OPBS) informative webinar, March 23 |
The OCA will be holding an Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions Webinar coming up on March 23.
Back in January OCA announced the hiring of Sydnee Gerken to head of OCA beef label, Oklahoma Prairie Beef Solutions. We have high hopes for this program to both add value to cull cows for cattlemen and provide an Oklahoma product for consumers to purchase with confidence and enjoy.
CLICK HERE to listen to a brief overview of the OPBS program and the story behind it.
We're putting the polishing touches on the OPBS website and have plans to host an informative webinar on Tuesday March 23 @ 7 pm. The webinar will be a great place to gain knowledge of the program and application process and ask questions. Mark your calendar and plan to join us!
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Bake and Take Month Helps Promote Wheat Industry |
While many sectors of the agricultural industry are prevalent throughout Oklahoma, the state often is recognized by being a leading producer of wheat. With this in mind, staff at the Oklahoma State University Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center work to promote the commodity by celebrating Bake and Take Month during March.
This celebration is designed to encourage participants to bake a product made from wheat and then take it to another individual or family, such as neighbors, friends or relatives, said Renée Albers-Nelson, FAPC milling and baking specialist.
“The Bake and Take promotion is a wonderful way to get our young people to experience the joys of baking and understanding the importance of the cereal grain and wheat grown in our state,” Nelson said.
For the past several years, FAPC, as a part of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and the Oklahoma Wheat Commission have worked with the Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program to promote this celebratory month.
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Senate Confirms Michael Regan as EPA Administrator |
On Wednesday afternoon, the Senate voted to confirm Michael Regan as the Joe Biden EPA Administrator. The final vote was 66 to 34.
Several Ag Groups weighed in on the North Carolina regulator for winning the EPA job. (We will have much of that reaction in tomorrow's email- but one we will share with you is from Barb Glenn of the National Association of State Departments of Ag: "The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture congratulates Administrator Regan on his confirmation to lead the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Regan’s experience and informed understanding of the value of state agriculture departments will contribute to environmental impacts that will be felt for generations.
"NASDA appreciates Regan and the Biden Administration’s eagerness to work with the agriculture industry to develop agriculture climate solutions. NASDA looks forward to developing incentive and science-based policies with the Administrator to help agriculture and rural communities better adapt to climate change.
"Together with Administrator Regan, state departments of agriculture will continue to nourish people and communities while serving as stewards of the environment."
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Here's Your 2021 Oklahoma Youth Expo Grand Champion Ag Mechanics Grand Champion Project from Elgin FFA- It Will Be for Sale Starting March 31st on Big Iron (details to come) |
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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 sharply lower on Wednesday March 10th- Choice Beef was down $1.74 while Select Beef was off $3.98.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 14,287 this week as calves that can go back out onto grass met good demand.
Compared to a week ago- Feeder steers and heifers sold mostly steady. Demand moderate to good. Rain is in the forecast over the weekend. Steer and heifer calves traded fully steady. Demand remains good for cattle that are suitable for grazing. Quality mostly plain to average.
Click below for the complete closing 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 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.
Host Ron Hays talks with Oklahoma Third District Congressman Frank Lucas about two recent pieces of legislation that he voted against- HR 1, the Democrat's Voting Rights Bill that would strip power away from the states on how to register and verify voters- and also the Budget Reconciliation Bill that the Biden Administration is calling the American Rescue Plan. Hays and Lucas also talked about confirmation of Tom Vilsack to be USDA Secretary- Lucas saying he is "relieved" that Vilsack was President Biden's choice to be Secretary.
Rep. Lucas also talked about the CFAP money that is being held up by the Biden USDA- saying that Congress offered explicit instructions on funds to be spent to compensate cattle producers who sold cattle at a loss April 15 thru May last year as COVID devastated the market.
The Congressman also talked about the groundwork ahead of a 2023 Farm Bill and what he is working on in the Science Committee to help research back on track after a year of dealing with the Pandemic.
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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