Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday, June 10, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Oklahoma Wheat Harvest Moving Forward in Most Parts of Southern Oklahoma, Producers in Central Regions Hoping to Start Soon
- Biden EPA Announces Plan to Dump Trump Navigable Waters Protection Rule to Develop Stricter Clean Water Regs
- Strong Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports
- Wet And Weedy Bermudagrass Pastures In Need Of Drier Weather
- Cattlemen And Congress Growing Impatient With USDA and DOJ Cattle Market Investigations
- World Pork Expo Showcases Top Pork Priorities
- Soil Health Institute Announces Virtual 2021 Annual Meeting: “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life”
- Broadband Legislation Would Help Create a Better-Connected Rural America
- Bob Hunger's Latest Oklahoma Wheat Disease Update Shows Signs of Sooty Mold and Black Point
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Oklahoma Wheat Harvest Moving Forward in Most Parts of Southern Oklahoma, Producers in Central Regions Hoping to Start Soon |
The 2021 wheat harvest is on the move in most areas of Southwest, Oklahoma. Some places around the Frederick region have been slowed due to heavier rains, but producers are hopeful they will start getting back in fields later tonight or tomorrow. A large portion of Tillman County received ½ to 3 ½ inches of rain late Sunday evening and early Monday morning. In other parts of Comanche and Cotton counties where harvest has resumed, test weights have dropped slightly but are still favorable coming in at 60 lbs./bu. or higher. Other regions in Kiowa, Washita, and Caddo counties are also reporting extremely favorable test weights ranging from 62 to 63 lbs/bu. for the most part with a few being reported as high as 65.5 lbs./bu. Yields in most regions where harvest is being reported are coming in favorable across Southwest Oklahoma. They are ranging from the mid 30’s to the mid 60’s depending on climate, rainfall and management systems. |
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 Oklahoma City Farm Show.
The Tulsa Farm Show is Oklahoma’s premier agricultural and ranching event which returns to the River Spirit Expo (Expo Square) December, 9-10-11, 2021.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2021 Tulsa Farm Show. To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here.
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Biden EPA Announces Plan to Dump Trump Navigable Waters Protection Rule to Develop Stricter Clean Water Regs |
The Biden administration's Environmental Protection Agency plans to repeal and rewrite the definition of water of the United States, or WOTUS. The EPA announced Wednesday it will repeal the Trump-era Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which replaced the Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule. EPA Administrator Michael Regan states, “the EPA and Department of the Army have determined that this rule is leading to significant environmental degradation.”
A review of the rule requested by President Joe Biden claims stakeholders are seeing destructive impacts to critical water bodies. The Department of Justice Wednesday filled a motion requesting remand of the rule without vacating it. The EPA, along with the Army Corps of Engineers, say they will rework the rule to protect water resources and communities consistent with the Clean Water Act. The agencies say the new rule will reflect input from landowners, agriculture, and state and local governments, along with environmental groups.
The stakeholders that are pushing the current administration this direction are clearly not from the agricultural community- reaction is coming in from ag groups expressing anger over this move against the Trump NWPR. One early reaction cines from Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association:
"We are very disappointed to see EPA’s decision to enter the process of re-defining WOTUS. OCA worked closely with NCBA over the past four years to finalize the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) which recognized private land ownership appropriately while empowering states to manage waterbodies assuring recognition of local rather than broad based applications.
"Previous to NWPR, the proposed WOTUS rule was largest federal government private property land grab in our nation’s history. OCA will fight vigorously against that type of definition and defend the great strides made by the NWPR."
We'll offer more reaction on this tomorrow.
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Strong Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef and Pork Exports |
Following a record-breaking March performance, exports of U.S. beef and pork continued to build momentum in April, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
"Looking back at April 2020, it was a difficult month for red meat exports as we began to see COVID-related supply chain interruptions and foodservice demand took a major hit in many key markets," said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "While it is no surprise that exports performed much better in April 2021, we are pleased to see that global demand continued to build on the broad-based growth achieved in March."
April exports of U.S. beef set another new value record at $808.3 million, up 35% from a year ago, with export volume reaching 121,050 metric tons (mt) – up 23% year-over-year and the fifth largest on record. For beef muscle cuts, exports were the third largest ever at 94,656 mt (up 21%), valued at a record $726.7 million (up 36%). April beef exports to South Korea increased 21% from a year ago to 23,482 mt, and just missed setting a new value record at $182.7 million. Beef exports to China continued to soar in April, reaching a record 17,233 mt (up from just 1,367 mt a year ago). Export value to China was $130.6 million – up from $11.5 million. Beef export value per head of fed slaughter reached a new monthly high in April at $367.45.
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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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Wet And Weedy Bermudagrass Pastures In Need Of Drier Weather |
Weeks of rainfall across Oklahoma has made bermudagrass pastures too wet for many producers to get out and practice desired weed control.
“Overall, bermudagrass pastures are looking pretty rough, but there really hasn’t been all that much producers could do. Everyone was at the mercy of the cool weather and amount of subsoil moisture that saturated the ground, so weeds have kind of run wild,” said Cody Linker, Lincoln County Extension Office agricultural educator.
It has been the same in Pittsburg County, where producers have been waiting for the rains to let up. Fortunately, flooding has not been a widespread issue, said David Cantrell, Pittsburg County Extension Office director and agricultural educator.
Basically, weed-control pasture management practices that typically would have been completed by mid-June have yet to be started. That will change – eventually – and when it does, Linker, Cantrell and Oklahoma State University Extension Weed Scientist Todd Baughman caution producers to follow label directions on whatever herbicide they choose.
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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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Cattlemen And Congress Growing Impatient With USDA and DOJ Cattle Market Investigations |
As the wheel of justice slowly grind away, cattlemen, including Roger Mills County rancher and U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), are growing impatient when it comes to the federal investigations of cattle market transparency.
On today’s Beef Buzz, Cong. Lucas gives us the latest on the USDA and DOJ investigations.
Right now, we are in the process of the initial report under the Packers and Stockyards Act from the USDA, Lucas said.
Cong. Lucas noted there is a long list of recommendations legislatively implemented on the state and federal level.
This is in addition to the criminal investigation by the Department of Justice to determine if there is a violation of the antitrust laws.
We are waiting on the Department of Justice to finish their investigation and either seek indictments or ask for court action regarding potentially break up entities or to show where they found problems to be addressed quickly, Lucas said.
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World Pork Expo Showcases Top Pork Priorities |
The urgent administration appeal of a recent federal district court ruling striking down faster harvest facility line speeds, legal action on California’s Proposition 12 and expanded export market access are among top U.S. pork producer priorities at this week’s World Pork Expo. Hosted by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), World Pork Expo is the world’s largest pork-specific trade show.
“After a two-year absence, we’re thrilled for the return of Work Pork Expo, showcasing the latest developments in the U.S. pork industry,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson, communications director of Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. “U.S. pork producers have a number of near-term challenges and priorities, including a federal court ruling that, if implemented later this month, will cause tremendous harm to hog farmers across the country. We need the Biden administration to quickly intervene and prevent this disastrous scenario from becoming reality.”
The federal court’s decision-which takes effect on June 29-struck down a provision of USDA’s New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) allowing for faster harvest facility line speeds. NSIS, initiated during the Clinton administration and evaluated at five pilot plants over 20 years, was approved for industry-wide adoption in 2019. NSIS modernized an inspection system that had remained unchanged for more than 50 years. At a time when the United States is seeking to increase much-needed pork harvest capacity, the court order will reduce plant capacity at six plants running at NSIS line speeds by as much as 25 percent. Smaller hog farmers will disproportionately bear the brunt of the court’s impact, undermining pork industry competition.
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Soil Health Institute Announces Virtual 2021 Annual Meeting: “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” |
The Soil Health Institute (SHI), the non-profit charged with safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils, announced today its much-anticipated annual meeting will be held on August 11 and 12, 2021. This year’s theme is “Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” and the event will be hosted virtually.
“Enriching Soil, Enhancing Life” is designed to connect and advance the science, adoption, and environmental benefits of soil health. A wide array of practical information, research, and actionable takeaways will be presented that is relevant to farmers, agribusiness, consultants, scientists, field conservationists, government, and non-governmental organization professionals around the world. There is no cost to attend the event.
The two-day event will feature six plenary sessions:
· Farmers’ Experiences with Adopting Soil Health Systems
· Business Case for Regenerative Soil Health Systems
· Agricultural Input Impacts on Soil Health
· Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation through Soil Health
· Establishing Soil Health Interpretations for Farmers and Conservation Planners
· Understanding and Managing the Soil Microbiome
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Broadband Legislation Would Help Create a Better-Connected Rural America |
Two bills introduced this spring would help improve access to broadband in rural America. Farm Bureau supports both the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (EBRIDGE) Act (S. 1695, H.R. 3193) and the Broadband for Rural America Act (H.R. 3369).
The EBRIDGE Act seeks to ensure local communities can partner with the private sector in carrying out broadband projects and gives communities more flexibility in complying with their funding match requirements.
“Broadband is critical for farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “With 17% of rural Americans still without reliable broadband, the digital divide restricts access to essential education, health care and business resources as well as limits farmers’ capacity to use the latest technology to meet sustainability goals. Farm Bureau appreciates Representatives Sam Graves and Michael Guest for introducing the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility Act.”
Specifically, the bill would eliminate barriers to investments in broadband in distressed communities by making them eligible for Economic Development Administration grants; clarify that eligible recipients may include public-private partnerships and consortiums to leverage private sector expertise in project development; and provide flexibility in the procurement process to account for the limited availability of broadband services in distressed communities.
The Broadband for Rural America Act would provide more than $7 billion in authorizations for USDA broadband connectivity programs.
“Farm Bureau appreciates the Agriculture Committee’s commitment to strengthening our rural communities and thanks Ranking Member Thompson for introducing the Broadband for Rural America Act, which would provide greater investment in USDA broadband programs, as well as foster greater coordination among federal broadband deployment efforts,” Duvall said.
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Latest Oklahoma Wheat Disease Update Shows Signs of Sooty Mold and Black Point |
Dr. Bob Hunger, Extension Wheat Pathologist with OSU, offers his latest wheat disease report as of June 9th:
"During the last two days there have been a couple reports of dark wheat heads being observed in fields. This is a condition call sooty mold (aka black head mold) These dark heads are the result of saprophytic (living of dead tissue) or weakly pathogenic fungi growing on the dead tissue in wheat heads. Reports of this have come from Greg Highfill (Alfalfa County Extension Educator in north central OK) and from Brad Secraw (Cleveland County Extension Educator in central OK). Additionally, I have observed severe sooty mold in some of the trials around Stillwater.
"Sooty mold occurs when wheat has turned but cannot be harvested in a timely manner. Wet/humid conditions during a delayed harvest will then promote the fungal growth on wheat heads. Often wheat that has been subjected to a stress such as freeze, root rot, or drought shows a greater severity of sooty mold than if the wheat had been healthy and not stressed. This is the case in the top photo in Figure 1. The darker strips of wheat with sooty mold are the variety Pete, which was hit hard by the late freeze in April. The lighter, more golden colored heads with much less sooty mold are lines in one of Dr. Carver’s nurseries. These breeder lines were not nearly as affected by the freeze as was the Pete. Although grain yield from wheat with sooty mold often is reduced, the sooty mold itself is not the primary cause of that reduce yield. Rather, it was the stress such as a freeze or root rot that was the primary cause of the reduced yield."
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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 Wednesday, June 9th. Choice Beef was up 4 cents while Select Beef was up $1.69
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 10,318 head of cattle in yearling and calf auctions of this week.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers traded 3.00-5.00 higher. Feeder heifers sold 2.00-4.00 higher. Demand good. Several large consignments on offer Wednesday. Steer and heifer calves that were long weaned sold with a higher undertone on limited comparable sales. Demand moderate to good. Warmer and more seasonable like weather has finally arrived.
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.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau Senior Director for Public Policy Steve Thompson talked with Ron Hays about 2021 Oklahoma Legislative Session in the latest Road to Rural Prosperity. Steve believes "this may have been the best legislative year that I've been a part of- and I've been working on these things in a variety of ways for twenty plus years." He says that the agricultural interests at the Capitol played both offense and defense during the four months that the lawmakers were in session- and cites significant wins in the Ag Sales Tax Exemption and property tax areas that highlighted the 2021 portion of the 57th Legislature.
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, 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, Union Mutual Insurance, 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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