Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- OYE Hosts A Majority of State Lawmakers at 2021 Legislative and Celebrity Showmanship Contest- State Rep Kevin Wallace Named Top Showman
- Senator Darcy Jech is this year’s recipient of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts “Conservation Legislator of the Year” Award
- Women in Agriculture Gaining Recognition Long Deserved
- Lucas Joins Western Caucus Affirming Commitment to Conservation, Disputes Biden Administration's '30 by 30' Initiative
- Livestock Shows Displaying Real World Examples of What we Need on The Farm, Says OYE Judge Frank Ward
- USDA Requests Information on USDA's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy
- Latest Fire Situation Report Shows Burn Ban in Texas County still Remains
- USDA Invests $21.8 Million in Oklahoma to Improve and Modernize Rural Electric Infrastructure After Severe Weather and Age Test the Grid
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OYE Hosts A Majority of State Lawmakers at 2021 Legislative and Celebrity Showmanship Contest- State Rep Kevin Wallace Named Top Showman
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At this point a year ago- the early fears of the Pandemic had claimed the second half of the 2020 OYE- there was no market animal show- no Sale of Champions and no annual Legislative Show.
Here in 2021- the show is on- thousands of 4-H and FFA members and their supporters are in OKC at the State Fairgrounds and there is a lot of joy. That joy and the smiles that comes with it was seen last night at the annual Legislative and Celebrity Showmanship Contest where lawmakers are able to come out and greet their young constituents and learn just a little more about their animals and their work in 4-H and FFA. (Exhibit A- notice the big smile in the pic above on the face of House Ag Committee Chair Dell Kerbs as judge Jack Staats named him the winner in the Goat Showmanship)
Over a hundred lawmakers were on hand for the festivities- Governor Kevin Stitt was on hand to greet the crowd- and moved around the Norrick Arena- shaking hands with dozens of youth and their parents and the volunteers that make the OYE possible.
Four different rounds of livestock judging happened last night- goats, sheep and two rounds with beef cattle. No hogs were brought into the arena this year in an effort to minimize any possible spread of PEDv.
After the judges had made their journey around the floor of the arena and all the lawmakers were recognized and thanked for being a part of the evening- OYE Board Member Jimmy Harrell proclaimed State Rep Kevin Wallace of Wellston the 2021 Showmanship Champion.
Down under our stories of the day- we have a few more pics to share with you- hope you enjoy them- and you can check out ALL of our pics that KC and I have taken to date at the 2021 OYE by clicking here.
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Established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union, AFR/OFU has been a champion for rural Oklahoma for more than 100 years. Today, the AFR/OFU Cooperative provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and AFR Insurance provides auto, home, farm and life insurance to both rural and urban Oklahomans.
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Senator Darcy Jech is this year’s recipient of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts “Conservation Legislator of the Year” Award
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Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts “Conservation Legislator of the Year” Award, announced during the OACD State Meeting.
Senator Darcy Jech has demonstrated since 2014 a two-fold commitment in his service - that of district and state.
Jech (Kingfisher), the Senate Chairman for Natural Resources and Regulatory Services, has deep roots in Oklahoma and his family has farmed here since statehood. He continues to partner with a brother in a cow-calf operation on the family farm east of Kingfisher.
Jech represents Senate District 26 in western Oklahoma which has over 400 flood control dams. He has asked the questions and visited the sites to gain a better understanding of how they protect the people, structures and land, not only in District 26, but throughout Oklahoma.
That’s why when he addressed the Oklahoma Association of Conservation District’s (OACD) 83rd Annual State Meeting, held virtually March 1-2, he spoke of his District and the big picture.
“There are currently over 2,100 flood control dams in the state,” Jech said. ”Those 2,107 dams represent an infrastructure of over $2 billion. And those structures have an annual economic impact to the state of $91 million. It’s the Oklahoma Conservation Commission working along with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Conservation Districts that continue to protect this very valuable investment of the taxpayers of Oklahoma.”
“It’s the Conservation Commission that offers the technical and financial support to maintain these high hazard dams and protect the safety of our citizens,” he said.
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Women in Agriculture Gaining Recognition Long Deserved
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Based on the latest Census of Agriculture and organizational hierarchy charts throughout the industry, it might seem as though women have been stepping into more ag leadership roles in recent years.
The truth is, they’ve been there all along, from farm to board room, said Brittany Hukill and other Oklahoma State University alumnae who know first-hand.
“Not only do we have female producers, but women are the voice of agriculture on a much larger stage as well,” said Hukill at her family’s fifth-generation farm near Hydro, Oklahoma. Hukill is the owner/manager of Krehbiel Farms LLC, running daily operations and irrigation sales with her mother, Karen Krehbiel Dodson.
“I have always known there is a place for women in agriculture, in large part thanks to my dad and grandpa teaching me to think that way. And there have been a lot of strong women in my life who have helped pave the way for others to come after them,” the OSU graduate said.
The census conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2017 revealed that 36% of the nation’s farmers are women, and about 56% of all farms have at least one key, female, decision-maker.
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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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Lucas Joins Western Caucus Affirming Commitment to Conservation, Disputes Biden Administration's '30 by 30' Initiative
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Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined Chairmen Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) of the Congressional & Senate Western Caucuses in sending a letter to President Biden asking important clarifying questions about the Biden Administration’s Executive Order establishing a directive to put restrictions on at least 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30 by 30).
“Oklahomans- and those who call the West home- are proud conservationists and stewards of our country’s land. It’s this same land that allows for hundreds of thousands of rural communities to thrive- supporting agriculture, energy, recreation, and many other industries that are the driving force behind our rural economies,” said Congressman Lucas. “The Biden Administration’s 30 by 30 Initiative, without clarification, represents an egregious federal land grab that not only threatens the prosperity of our rural communities but also undermines the private property rights of millions of Americans. I urge President Biden and his Administration to provide Congress the details of the 30 by 30 Initiative and ensure the American people that their industries, economies, and livelihoods won’t be negatively impacted.”
Western Caucus Members outlined their concern that Western states would be disproportionately impacted by the 30 by 30 Initiative and demanded President Biden provide details about how he plans accomplish this goal without harming the industries, economies, and ways of life in Western and rural communities.
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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
Midwest Farm Shows is proud to produce the two best Farm Shows in the State of Oklahoma annually- the Tulsa Farm Show each December and the Oklahoma City Farm Show each April.
They would like to thank all of you who participated in their 2021 Tulsa City Farm Show.
Up next will be the Oklahoma City’s premier spring agricultural and ranching event with returns to the State Fair Park April 15-16-17, 2021.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2021 Oklahoma City Farm Show. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Farm Show, click here
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Livestock Shows Displaying Real World Examples of What we Need on The Farm, Says OYE Judge Frank Ward
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Today’s livestock shows are displaying the kind of livestock we need on the farm said Frank Ward, Orland, California rancher and judge of the pure-bred heifers at this year’s Oklahoma Youth Expo.
Ward has a Registered Angus cattle ranch with his family in northern California and has a long family heritage with the Hereford industry.
During an interview with yours truly, Ward said the OYE show fits well because these good quality cattle are exactly what we want on the farm.
Yeah, they’re pretty but they will go and survive in the real world, Ward said.
I think the cattle have changed a lot as the show ring has gotten a lot closer to what we want in the real world, he said.
Ward said the appearance of the animal is just as important as the genetics.
I think at the end of the day there are some things EPD’s can’t tell you and that’s where the visual phenotypes are important, Ward said.
The California cattleman travels the country as a judge and sees a lot of different farms and ranches.
Ward said all the cattle breeds are beginning to look alike with a lot of consistency.
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USDA Requests Information on USDA's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today published a Federal Register Notice requesting public input on a climate-smart agriculture and forestry strategy. The Notice represents an important step toward implementing President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. The Order, signed January 27, states that, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners have an important role to play in combating the climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, by sequestering carbon in soils, grasses, trees, and other vegetation and sourcing sustainable bioproducts and fuels.” The Order directs Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to solicit input from stakeholders as USDA develops a climate-smart agriculture and forestry approach.
“USDA is committed to addressing climate change through actions that are farmer, rancher, and forest landowner-focused and that create new market opportunities for the sector in a fair and equitable way,” said Vilsack. “We want your ideas on how to position the agriculture and forestry sectors to be leaders on climate-smart practices to mitigate climate change. This includes making the most of USDA programs, developing new USDA-led climate strategies, strengthening existing markets and developing new markets that generate income.”
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Latest Fire Situation Report Shows Burn Ban in Texas County still Remains
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Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
PROTECTION AREA STATISTICS for March 15 2021
NE Area – 3 Fires Burned 87 Acres (Cause: 3-Incendiary)
EC Area – No New Activity
SE Area – 15.6 Fires Burned Acres (Cause: 3-Incendiary)
Large / Significant Fire Activity within the OFS Protection Area: No New Activity
Fire Activity with OFS Response outside of the Protection Area: No New Activity
OFS Prescribed Fire Activity: No New Activity
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USDA Invests $21.8 Million in Oklahoma to Improve and Modernize Rural Electric Infrastructure After Severe Weather and Age Test the Grid
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today a $598 million rural electric loan package to build or improve electric infrastructure in 11 states.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to bringing critical financial assistance to rural families and making significant investments in community infrastructure across rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These USDA investments will bring affordable electric power to rural residents, Tribal communities, community facilities, schools and medical institutions that perform critical services each day. Now is the time for our nation to make significant investments in infrastructure — roads, bridges, broadband and energy — to improve quality of life and support good-paying jobs, transition to a clean energy economy, and keep the United States poised to lead the global economy.”
Background:
USDA is investing in 11 projects through the Electric Loan Program. This funding will benefit 460,000 rural residents and businesses in Arizona, Kentucky, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah and Virginia. Several of the loans will help expand smart grid technologies, which can be a catalyst for broadband and other telecommunications services in unserved and underserved rural areas.
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More OYE Legislative Show Pics
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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 higher on Tuesday- Choice Beef was up $2,16 and Select Beef was up 72 cents.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had a final number of 8,901 head of cattle to sell on Monday, March 15th.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers 2.00-3.00 higher. Steer calves unevenly steady with lighter weights 2.00-3.00 higher . Feeder heifers and heifer calves steady to 3.00 higher. Demand moderate to good for feeder cattle but remains very good for grass cattle. Quality average to attractive as we continue to see large drafts of cattle off wheat or winter pasture.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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OKC West in El Reno reported 3,000 head for the calf run on Tuesday.
Compared to last Tuesday: Steer and heifer calves sold 2.00-5.00 higher, with exception of 500 lb heifers as much as 10.00 higher. Demand good to very good, especially for 500 and heavier weight heifers. Several large strings of attractive calves were on offer today.
Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.
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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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