Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Oklahoma's Flood Control Dams Preventing Millions of Dollars of Property Damages During Recent Heavy Rains
- Strong U.S. Ag Trade Ambassador Important as Global Demand For U.S. Beef Grows, Says NCBA's Kent Bacus
- Medical Marijuana Production in Rural Oklahoma Will Be the Focus in Several Senate Interim Studies Later This Year
- CAST Says Agriculture is Central to Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
- Growth Energy Applauds New Legislation to Clarify Oil Refinery Exemptions
- NCBA Commends USDA for Prompt Action on "Product of the USA" Label Concerns
- The Angus Family Heads To Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 6-8 For The 2021 Angus Convention
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Oklahoma's Flood Control Dams Preventing Millions of Dollars of Property Damages During Recent Heavy Rains |
Oklahoma leads the nation with 2,107 upstream flood control dams. Regardless of the hour of the day or the ongoing hours of work needed, these flood control dams are doing their jobs to protect the people, land and infrastructure of Oklahoma.
In a five-day period -- 6 a.m. Friday, June 25 to 6 a.m., June 30 - flood control dams spread through 14 Oklahoma counties resulted in $10.1 million in monetary benefits in terms of damages that did not occur because of the presence of these dams.
Chris Stoner, Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservation Engineer said on Wednesday that there have been, “No reports of damage to any of the dams inspected to date.”
“I never complain about a significant Oklahoma summer rain,” said Tammy Sawatzky, Oklahoma Conservation Commission Director of Conservation Programs. “The rainfall over the past week is a real reminder of the importance of the local, State and National investment in Oklahoma’s flood protection and flood prevention infrastructure. The 2,107 dams built under the USDA Small Watershed Program are a real asset when we have a weather week like the one we are in this week. The repeating rainfall reminds us of the importance of the financial and human resources Conservation Districts invest in maintaining the protection. This June rain will help us stretch grazing on our pastures, green our gardens and make for an extra mowing or two out on the front lawn. The flood protection provided to Oklahoma through the Small Watershed Program will protect life and property as well as reduce potential damage from uncontrolled flooding. Those are all wins if you ask me!”
The watershed programs are one of the best examples of federal, state and local partnerships to address natural resources issues. Watershed projects are federal-assisted, not federally owned. NRCS provided funds to plan, design, and construct the dams. Project sponsors, typically local conservation districts, are responsible for operation and maintenance of the dams to assure they continue to function as there were designed,
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When the grass is growing and the animals and the crops need care, you need America’s most trusted tractor to get it done. And that’s where P&K Equipment steps in with the solution you need- from John Deere equipment sales, to the technology, parts, and service support. Whether you’re choosing your John Deere equipment, securing financing, buying parts, or scheduling service, the P&K team is committed to meeting the needs of customers in-person (at one of their 27 locations) or online at pkequipment.com.
The experts at P&K Equipment make it their mission to provide top-notch solutions and unbeatable customer service. Visit their website, call one of the stores, or stop in and see them today- discover the P&K experience for yourself.
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Strong U.S. Ag Trade Ambassador Important as Global Demand For U.S. Beef Grows, Says NCBA's Kent Bacus |
There is growing demand for U.S. beef across the globe and with the increased demand comes the need for a strong U.S. trade negotiator. Kent Bacus, senior director of international trade and market access for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, believes we have that covered with the newly selected U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai.
She is the smartest person in the room, very sharp and she is definitely going to be an intense negotiator, Bacus said.
The Biden Administration is working on hiring a new ag trade ambassador to replace the highly regarded former Kansan, Greg Doud.
There are plenty of qualified people who are willing to step up and engage, Bacus said.
I think it’s important the Biden Administration start putting forward those nominees pretty soon because I think it is important we have people there specifically negotiating for agriculture, Bacus said.
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Medical Marijuana Production in Rural Oklahoma Will Be the Focus in Several Senate Interim Studies Later This Year |
Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Friday announced the approval of all requests for interim studies submitted by Oklahoma Senate members. Senators submitted 72 interim study requests; one request was withdrawn.
Pro Tem Treat, R-Oklahoma City, assigned interim study requests to Senate committees with jurisdiction over the subject matter of the request. Treat said committee chairs will determine when and if the interim studies assigned to their committee will be held.
There are several interim study requests that involve Oklahoma agriculture and rural areas of the state. The number one topic related to rural parts of the state have to do with the produciton and processing of medical marijuana.
“There were a wide variety of subject matters requested for in-depth study from members of the Senate. I know these hearings will explore important topics and will be useful and productive for the Senate and its members,” Treat said.
Click here for a complete list of approved interim study requests. Treat said all interim studies must be completed by close of business Friday, Nov. 5.
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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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CAST Says Agriculture is Central to Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
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A new report shows agriculture can provide 10-20 percent of the additional sequestration and emissions reductions needed for the nation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Released last week by the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, the report summarizes the different ways agriculture can provide mitigations to climate change and sequester carbon dioxide.
The scientists say agriculture and forestry are the only sectors that have the potential to be a net sequestration sink for fossil-fuel generated greenhouse. The paper addresses several key topics, including nutrient and pest management, animal systems, ag technologies, the food supply chain and carbon markets. The report says USDA can partner with producers to reduce greenhouse gases through carbon sequestration.
Additionally, USDA can help reduce emissions from rural energy cooperatives, bolster private working lands, public forests and grasslands, promote sustainable bioenergy wood products, contribute to the scientific understanding of climate change, and invest in climate-smart economic development in 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
The Oklahoma Agriculture Mediation Program knows this is a hard time for farmers and ranchers. We want you to know we are still open, and we are still here for you. The Ag Mediation program is a free service that provides mediation to agriculture producers who may need help with ag-related disputes.
At Oklahoma Ag Mediation, we have been helping people in agriculture resolve conflicts since 1987. We know firsthand about working together to resolve conflicts, so you don’t have to go through the court systems. Let our professional mediators help you. Mediation is allowed for lease issues, farmer/neighbor disputes, family farm transitions, and more. These services are available at no cost for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers in all 77 counties. For more information, you can go to ok.gov/mediation, or give us a call at 800 248 5465.
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The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. With headquarters in Oklahoma City, the OCA has a regular presence at the State Capitol to protect and defend the interests of cattlemen and cattlewomen.
Their Vision Statement explains the highest priority of the organization- "Leadership that serves, strengthens and advocates for the Oklahoma cattle industry."
To learn more about the OCA and how you can be a part of this forward-looking group of cattle producers, click here for their website. For more information- call 405-235-4391.
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Growth Energy Applauds New Legislation to Clarify Oil Refinery Exemptions |
Today, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor applauded the introduction of the Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021 by U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.). The legislation comes just days after the Supreme Court issued a decision on the meaning of “extension” for small refinery exemptions (SREs) and seeks to clarify the original congressional intent behind the small refinery exemption program.
“The Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act seeks to clarify who is eligible, under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) SRE program, ” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “The RFS was always intended to spur increased blending of low-carbon biofuels into our domestic fuel supply every year. We firmly believe that refiners have had 16 years to adjust their operations to comply with the RFS, and that EPA’s SRE authority was meant to steer them toward compliance rather than provide a never-ending excuse to avoiding their blending obligations.
“Legislation like this will help stabilize demand in our industry, so we can continue to produce low-carbon biofuels, provide clean energy jobs in rural areas, and achieve our nation’s climate reduction goals. We are grateful to Representatives Randy Feenstra and Angie Craig for continuing to push to restore integrity to a program run amuck.”
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NCBA Commends USDA for Prompt Action on "Product of the USA" Label Concerns |
Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a top-to-bottom review of the "Product of the USA" (POTUSA) label, which will inform a forthcoming rulemaking on this topic. NCBA has long-advocated for voluntary labels that meet consumer demand and allow producers to distinguish their products in the marketplace, and recently filed a petition with USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) to eliminate the use of POTUSA and other broad U.S. origin labeling claims for beef products. NCBA commends USDA for the prompt action to address industry concerns regarding the misleading nature of this generic label.
"The 'Product of the USA' label is not subject to source verification, is not tied to any kind of food safety standard, and is applied by packers and retailers in a manner that does not deliver value back to the cattle producer. This label not only misleads consumers, it is yet another barrier to producers gaining leverage and distinguishing their product in the marketplace," said NCBA President Jerry Bohn. "NCBA members have voiced concerns about the potentially misleading use of the label and we thank USDA for responding to those concerns and recognizing that non-source verified labels are a disservice to producers and consumers alike. We look forward to working with USDA to find labeling solutions that represent investments made by producers to continually improve their product and meet consumer demand."
USDA's announcement came after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public hearing on FTC-2020-0056, Made in USA Rulemaking, Matter No. P074204. The Commission voted 3-2 in favor of the final rule, to take effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. The new rule will strengthen FTC’s authority to enforce “Made in USA” labels.
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The Angus Family Heads To Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 6-8 For The 2021 Angus Convention |
Passion, innovation and achievement represent the Angus breed. Angus breeders, beef cattle enthusiasts and feeders of the world are all passionate about the work they do day in and day out. In celebration of the past and to continue legendary progress, the American Angus Association invites Angus members, commercial producers and beef industry professionals to the 2021 Angus Convention and Trade Show hosted in Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 6-8.
The 2021 Angus Convention will be three days of making connections, finding solutions and being inspired to foster operational growth and personal leadership. Being innovative is second nature to cattlemen as the industry strives to raise the highest quality product in the most efficient and effective manner. When passion and innovation are coupled, achievement is bound to take place.
When attendees aren’t participating in hallway conversations, there will be several educational sessions taking place throughout the three-day event. From cattle handling to the latest in genomics, no topic is left uncovered.
"Regardless of whether you are a member or a not, there is value for everyone," says Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO. "I invite you to enjoy the company of great friends while listening and learning from the most respected industry professionals."
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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 continue to drop hard- Choice Beef was $2.21 lower while Select Beef $2.52- HOWEVER- Choice Beef is still $80 higher than a year ago while Select Beef is still $66 above July 3rd of last year.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Weekly Cattle Auction Reports
The buttons below allow you to check out the weekly Cattle Auctions in the region that we post on our website and here in our daily email update.
Please note that the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Joplin and OKC West were all closed on Monday July 5th- OKC West will have their regular Calf and Yearling sales on July 6th and 7th.
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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
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
Emile Mittelstaedt, Farm News Intern and Email Editor
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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 sits down with Sam Knipp, who has been communicating to farmers and ranchers in Kansas and Oklahoma as a farm broadcaster and ag journalist since the 1970s- Most recently, he has been a part of the broadcast and journalism team for the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network- but before that, Sam worked for farmers and ranchers in Public Relations and Communications for the Kansas Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the American Farmers and Ranchers. He's a farm boy from western Kansas, who after over 40 years in service to agriculture, is retiring July 2, 2021. Our conversation with Sam Knipp is powered by Banc First.
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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