According to OSU Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel, in his article from this week's Cow/Calf Corner newsletter, the unseasonably cool, wet weather we've had so far this August should boost producers' forage production and enhance fall grazing opportunity. He suggests a few management tips to help producers get the most out of their pastures this year.

"Producers should consider a late-summer/fall fertilizer application to enhance forage growth and quality," Peel writes. "This will allow a stockpile of grazing for the fall and early winter. This forage, perhaps combined with cool-season introduced pasture, such as Fescue, can significantly extend grazing thereby reducing hay use and reducing feed cost."

Peel points out that if wheat pastures are able to be established earlier, thanks to the cool weather and ample moisture, it could present opportunities for stocker or cow/calf producers - that may allow them extra time this fall to add weight to their cattle before marketing them.

"An early start implies the potential for a longer than usual fall/winter grazing period. This may impact several stocker considerations including purchase weight, quality of animal, gender and the potential for two sets of stockers between now and next March or May," he explains. "Enhanced fall forage may provide some additional marketing alternatives for cow-calf producers.

"Good forage may allow the possibility of pushing weaning a bit later than usual or retaining calves post-weaning to add weight."

He cautions, though, that "calf prices will likely decline seasonally into the fall and prices by weight may adjust so producers should reevaluate the value of adding weight to calves closer to weaning time." 

For more of Dr. Peel's insights on how to take advantage of the pleasant August weather, click over to our website and read the full article.

In the latest crop progress report released Monday, August 14, 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture rated the US corn crop condition at 62 percent good to excellent up 2 from a week ago, down 1 in the fair category at 26 percent and down 1 at 12 percent poor to very poor. The US soybean condition is rated 59 percent good to excellent down 1 from a week ago, up 1 at 29 percent fair and unchanged at 12 percent poor to very poor. For the complete USDA Crop Progress report, click here.




According to the weekly crop progress report from USDA, Oklahoma corn dough reached 68 percent, down 1 point from normal. Corn dent reached 27 percent, down 7 points from normal. Sorghum headed reached 65 percent, down 3 points from normal. Sorghum mature reached 2 percent, down 3 points from normal. Cotton bolls opening reached 2 percent, up 1 point from the previous year and up 1 point from normal. Conditions of pasture and range were rated at 83 percent good to fair. To view the complete Oklahoma Crop Progress and Condition Report, click here.




In Kansas, corn condition rated 4 percent very poor, 11 poor, 30 fair, 44 good, and 11 excellent. Sorghum condition rated 1 percent very poor, 7 poor, 32 fair, 52 good, and 8 excellent.  Cotton condition rated 2 percent very poor, 4 poor, 36 fair, 53 good, and 5 excellent. Cotton bolls opening was 2 percent, near 0 last year, and equal to average. Pasture and range conditions rated 2 percent very poor, 9 poor, 32 fair, 50 good, and 7 excellent. To view the complete Kansas Crop Progress and Condition Report, click here.




In Texas, cotton harvest continues this week in the Upper Coast, the Coastal bend, South Texas and the Lower Valley. Corn's condition in Texas is rated 80 percent good to excellent, 18 fair, and 2 poor to very poor. Cotton harvested this week is at 3 percent complete. Cotton's condition in Texas is currently 51 percent good to excellent, 32 fair, and 17 poor to very poor. Sorghum condition in the state has improved since last week now rated 78 percent good to excellent, 18 percent fair and 4 percent poor to very poor. Pasture and range conditions are rated at 45 percent good to excellent statewide, 37 fair and 28 percent poor to very poor. To view the complete Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, click here.

The US Grains Council is speculating that US feed grain exports could potentially set a record in 2017, before the end of the marketing year in just two months.

According to a statement, the USGC claims feed grain exports in all forms, are up 20 percent year-over-year, between September and June at a total of 96.9 million metric tons, based on data from the USDA. The USGC says this level of movement is a testament to the Council's resourcefulness and diligence.

"Feed grains and the products they produce could set a new record high," the statement reads, "a result of attractive U.S. prices and diligent work by the Council to maintain long-time trading partners and find new areas of near-term demand."

Some exports have already reached all-time highs so far this year, particularly corn and ethanol.

This year alone, US corn exports have exceeded that of the last five marketing years, at 49.9 mmt. Japan, traditionally the largest buyer of US corn, is already at 48 percent over last year with 11.5 mmt.

Additionally, the US has already exported 1.15 billion gallons of ethanol. In Canada, exports of ethanol have increased by 5 percent, up 263 million gallons. India's importation of US ethanol has doubled, now at 116 million gallons this year. And Brazil's importation has quadrupled to 438 million gallons. Though, the USGC believes some of this momentum to be slowing down.

You can get the full story behind this potential record-breaking year in the feed grain sector, by

Scott Yager, who works on environmental issues for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, is currently spearheading the association's efforts to influence the repeal and replace action on the Waters of the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency. And with the public comment period only open for another two weeks, he told me recently, that it is imperative for the ag community, especially cattle producers, to weigh in on this debate and submit their WOTUS comments to the EPA as soon as possible.


"It was a broad overreach of federal jurisdiction," Yager said about WOTUS. "Now, we have an EPA that wants to roll back the 2015 WOTUS rule, based upon a lot of concerns from folks in the countryside, including cattle producers."


Before that happens, though, Yager explains the WOTUS rule must be ran through a legal process of repeal under the Administrator Procedure Act. This is where, he says, NCBA needs the help of the people. During this process, public comments are allowed to be submitted to those who will make the final decision on whether or not the repeal is approved. Yager emphasizes that the decision will be heavily based on the response of these comments, and urges the public to visit the NCBA website for instructions on how to submit a comment.


"We need you to submit comments," Yager urged. "This effort is going to be successful based on the comments that the agency receives. There is a very short comment period on this repeal effort - they are due August 28th."


Listen to Yager and I discuss how you can participate in fixing the controversial regulation by submitting your comments to the EPA, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.

Angus producers are getting geared up as anticipation rises for this year's American Angus Association Convention, coming up this November. This year's event will feature the Fourth Annual Angus University, headlined by guest speakers that are sure to educate and excite attendees.

Those slated to speak at this year's Angus University include Ed Hendee, owner of the famous Taste of Texas restaurant, and Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO.

"Every year, we're excited to bring in a diverse set of beef industry experts to share valuable information with attendees at Angus University," says Clint Mefford, Director of Communications at the American Angus Association. "2017 promises to be the best yet, focusing on topics that are important to cattlemen and their operations."

Key beef industry topics that are practical and useful to producers will be covered, including bull and heifer selection; managing consumer demands and environmental regulations; EPDs; current consumer beef trends; parasite management; low stress cattle handling; and more.

The convention is set to happen in Fort Worth, Texas this year, November 4-6. For registration details or to learn more about this year's featured keynote speakers, click here.

 
For most of US Agriculture- NAFTA matters- a lot. Mexico is U.S. agriculture's third largest export market, and ag exports to Mexico have nearly doubled since the agreement took effect; Canada is the second largest market for U.S. farm goods, and ag exports north of the border have jumped 44 percent under the pact.

Beef, pork and grain sectors have done very well since the deal was put in place in the mid 1990s- and the message from farm and ranch leaders to the Trump Administration- DO NO HARM.

Oklahoma has a lot of interest in making sure that beef and pork keep full market access. Thad Lively, U.S. Meat Export Federation senior vice president for trade access,

Have you bought your ticket to "Blessings from the Field," yet? If not - today is your last chance! (Here's the link for you to use to jump over and order your tickets today!)

Join the alumni of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program for a culinary tour around the world, spotlighting locally sourced food. This fundraiser benefiting OALP will help ensure the program is able to continue its mission, developing young adult leaders in Oklahoma's ag industry.

This unique dining experience, orchestrated by the renowned Chef Jacqueline Davies-Thunderbull of the White Dog Hill's Restaurant, will feature several food stations that will each represent a country or region of the world that various Classes of the OALP have visited as a part of their educational experience.

Rural and urban folks alike are invited to partake in this world-class dining experience, to rub elbows with OALP members and to learn more about where their food comes from.

To hear my conversation with organizer Mike Schulte, to order tickets or to learn more about the Alumni Organization for OALP, the Ag Leadership Oklahoma, click over to our website.