Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday, October 21, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Congressman Frank Lucas Sponsors Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 to Increase Market Transparency
- NCBA and USCA Among Supporters of Cattle Contract Library Bill
- OSU Receives $2.6 Million Grant to Study Regenerative Agriculture
- Understanding Animal Disease Traceability with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs
- Beef Prices Likely Will Not Rise a Lot More as Consumers Deal with Inflation
- 4-H Caucus Co-Chairs Praise Senate Passage of Resolution Supporting Designation of National 4-H Week
- Virtual Workshop on Cultivating Our Consciousness: Raising Wheat and Saving Soil
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Congressman Frank Lucas Sponsors Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 to Increase Market Transparency
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Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) as an original cosponsor introducing the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 (H.R. 5609). The bipartisan bill would direct the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) to establish a contract library for cattle producers. The bill instructs USDA to regularly update the library in a user-friendly format and provide weekly or monthly reports as applicable. Additionally, the bill authorizes USDA to issue grants to universities, associations, or other institutions who can work directly with producers to disseminate and analyze data to drive marketing decisions.
Currently, cattlemen are unaware of contract terms being offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations. USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders.
The Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National, Cattlemen’s Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, National Farmers Union, Livestock Marketing Association, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and the American Farmers and Ranchers..
“OCA members developed comprehensive policy at our 2021 Annual Convention to create and maintain more price transparency in the live cattle market. OCA is pleased to see and strongly supports the Cattle Contract Library Act which would create a cattle contract library within USDA’s Ag Marketing Service as a means to provide more price transparency to cattle producers engaged in live cattle marketing,” said Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. “Representative Lucas, a cattle producer himself, is keenly aware of the need for more price transparency and we greatly appreciate his co-sponsor of this important legislation. This is a positive and much needed step forward.”
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Dating back to 1891, Stillwater Milling Company has been supplying ranchers with the highest quality feeds made from the highest quality ingredients. Their full line of A & M Feeds can be delivered direct to your farm, found at their Agri-Center stores in Stillwater, Davis, Claremore and Perry or at more than 125 dealers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas.
We appreciate Stillwater Milling Company’s long time support of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and we encourage you to click here to learn more about their products and services.
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NCBA and USCA Among Supporters of Cattle Contract Library Bill
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The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the United States Cattlemen's Association welcomed the introduction of the Cattle Contract Library Act, led by Rep. Dusty Johnson and Rep. Henry Cuellar.
NCBA President Jerry Bohn said, "after more than a year of upheaval, facing everything from extreme drought to supply chain disruptions, many cattle producers have been backed against a wall. We need to act urgently to provide them with relief. There is no single, silver bullet solution to the wide variety of needs among our diverse membership, but lawmakers can start by focusing on viable solutions that have broad-base support across the industry. The cattle contract library is one such solution, and it will help our producers command more leverage in negotiations with the packers."
USCA Vice President Justin Tupper said, "USCA would like to thank Reps. Johnson, Cuellar, and the many others involved in continuing to push forward with meaningful changes to the Livestock Mandatory Reporting program that will increase transparency in the cattle marketplace. A cattle contract library is sorely needed, and this bill is one step closer to bringing that concept to fruition.”
The Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, Livestock Marketing Association, also.
One cattle group has declared it inadequate- R-Calf is withholding their endorsement for the bill- saying this bill does not address the problem that there are too many contracts and that is destroying the cash market. .
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OSU Receives $2.6 Million Grant to Study Regenerative Agriculture
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Oklahoma State University has received more than $2.6 million to research ways to improve agricultural production while reducing environmental impacts, Kevin Wagner, director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Center at Oklahoma State University, said.
It will require a holistic approach, Wagner said. Climate, livestock grazing, crop rotation, hydrology, regional economics and more - the systems in regenerative agriculture are just too large, complex and intertwined for a simple solution.
Most research on regenerative agriculture has typically occurred in regions of the U.S. with 40 to 50 inches of rain annually, a factor that significantly affects research outcomes. Less study has been focused on areas like southwest Oklahoma and the Oklahoma-Texas panhandles, which have more variable, arid conditions and wholly different challenges in managing livestock and crops, cotton in particular.
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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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Understanding Animal Disease Traceability with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs
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Weekly, Rosslyn Biggs, director of continuing education for the College of Veterinary Medicine and beef cattle extension specialist at Oklahoma State University, offers her expertise in the cattle industry. This is a part of the weekly series known as the "Cow-Calf Corner" published electronically by Paul Beck. Today, Biggs talks about Animal Disease Traceability.
As a result of the current pandemic, terms such as “herd immunity,” “infection rates,” and “contact tracing” are now part of daily conversations. Similar terms and principles would apply if an incursion of a foreign animal disease, such as foot and mouth disease, occurred in the United States. In such situations, animal disease traceability is critical to emergency response efforts.
Animal disease traceability (ADT), as defined by the USDA, is knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they’ve been and when. ADT does not prevent disease introduction, but does allow expedited emergency response. Accurate and timely response is critical for both producers and industry.
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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
Oklahoma Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization working to improve the lives of all Oklahomans by supporting our state’s agriculture community. As Oklahoma’s largest general farm organization, OKFB advocates for farmers and ranchers at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C., to ensure our way of life continues for generations to come.
With leadership events, supporting our state’s agricultural youth and connecting consumers with agriculture, Farm Bureau promotes and sustains Oklahoma agriculture in numerous ways. Join with OKFB today by becoming a member at okfarmbureau.org/join. Together, we are rural Oklahoma.
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Beef Prices Likely Will Not Rise a Lot More as Consumers Deal with Inflation
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Even Uncle Sam is having to acknowledge inflated prices in the U.S, increasing social security by 5.9% at the start of the new year. For beef cattle producers, worries about the effects of inflation on beef at the retail level are something to keep an eye on.
Right now, consumers are paying more to fill up their automobiles, winter heating costs are expected to be higher than normal and protein options at the grocery store or at restaurants are higher across the butcher board, and consumers have noticed.
“We are getting some indications, in terms of retail prices that we have reached a level where there is a little bit of pushback on the consumer side," Derrell Peel, extension livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, said.
That may have some cattle producers asking themselves, or Dr. Peel, if prices will stay high enough for feedlot cattle to turn a profit in the next year.
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4-H Caucus Co-Chairs Praise Senate Passage of Resolution Supporting Designation of National 4-H Week
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The co-chairs of the Senate 4-H Caucus, U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and John Boozman, applauded Senate adoption of their resolution supporting the designation of “National 4-H Week.”
The resolution, introduced by Stabenow and Boozman, supports the designation of October 3 through Oct. 9, 2021 as “National 4-H Week;” recognizes the important role of 4-H in youth development and education; and encourages all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact the organization and members have made and continue to make by empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.
“We need a strong and engaged next generation of leaders, both on and off the farm. 4-H provides our young people with opportunities to lead hands-on health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement projects,” Chairwoman Stabenow said. “As a former 4-H’er myself, I know 4-H equips young people with the skills they need to thrive in any career. I am glad my colleagues came together on a bipartisan basis to officially recognize National 4-H Week.”
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Virtual Workshop on Cultivating Our Consciousness: Raising Wheat and Saving Soil
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Texas A&M University, with Oklahoma State and Louisiana State universities, is hosting a free, virtual field day for wheat producers, extension professionals and crop consultants who are located in the Oklahoma and Texas high plains and Texas rolling plains regions.
The goal is to inform participants of the most cost-effective and productive soil health management and conservation practices. The workshop will be led by soil science, agricultural communications and agricultural economics experts.
The event is set to take place from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22, 2021.
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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 mixed on Wednesday- Choice Beef wa down 85 cents while Select Beef was up $1.27.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 6,540 head of cattle that sold this week October 19 and 20.
Compared to last week- USDA reports : Feeder steers over 750 lbs sold 3.00-5.00 higher, under mostly steady. Feeder heifers traded fully 3.00-5.00 higher. Demand good. Steer and heifer calves sold steady on very limited comparable sales. Demand moderate. Cooler temperatures and much needed moisture came across the trade area over the weekend and is expected to stay cool the rest of the week.
Bill Barnhart writes "With the feeder market pushing higher again this week calves have yet to follow. Wheat pasture is up in most places but a long ways off from making suitable grazing. Growing weather is needed. Only the best quality calves or the longest weaned calves are finding much demand. On the other hand, the feeder market continues to impress. Up another 3.00-5.00 this week as long yearlings are in short supply.
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
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
Chelsea Stanfield, Farm News 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.
As we continue along the Road to Rural Prosperity- In our latest Ag Perspective Podcast, KC Sheperd talks with the leading animal behavior authority in the world, Dr. Temple Grandin. KC and Dr. Grandin talk about the concept of Sustainability and the proper handling of beef cattle, how to treat your cattle the right way, the concept of Stockmanship, how to get an animal ready for the show ring and the amazing memory that cattle have- and how understanding that memory can help you lessen the stress on your cattle and yourself as you work with beef or dairy animals.
Dr. Grandin has been honored by Universities and Organizations around the world- including in 2010 when Oklahoma State University created an endowed professorship in animal behavior in honor of Temple Grandin.
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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