Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Monday, November 1, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Oklahoma Brings Home Three National FFA Proficiency Awards from Indianapolis
- Tuttle FFA Reserve National Champ in Meats Judging- Here's Our Oklahoma Team Results
- Beef Packers Struggle to Find Labor Force
- Farmer Co-ops Applaud Climate Smart Agriculture Provisions in Build Back Better Framework
- Growing Calves Without Wheat Pasture Focus of OSU Webinars
- NIFA Invests Over $50M for Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development
- CASNR Receives Grant to Develop Laboratorian Training Program for Animal Disease Research
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Oklahoma Brings Home Three National FFA Proficiency Awards from Indianapolis |
Last Friday- we told you about Drake Williams of Cherokee FFA- winning a National Championship in Ag Sales- Details are available here.
On Friday in Indy- two more Oklahoma FFA members won National Championships
Gage Slagell of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter. Gage was awarded his Championship in the Diversified Crops Production- Placement.
Slagell of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma works for Triple S Farms and his job descriptions all depend on the crops they’re growing at any particular time. The operation grows everything from sweet potatoes to cotton and spinach to peanuts. The crop rotation is focused on soil health, high-yielding crops and sustainable agricultural practices.
Our third National Champion in Proficiencies is Britney Oehler of the Harrah FFA Chapter. Britney was awarded her Championship in the Swine Production- Placement
Britney Oehler of the Harrah FFA Chapter in Oklahoma works for Top Notch Genetics, caring for thirteen sows, two boar studs, and three show gilts, as well as breeding and selling show swine and semen. The operation primarily raises Durocs but also includes other breeds like Yorkshires, Berkshires, and crossbreeds. Oehler provides daily care for the pigs, including feeding, washing, brushing, and walking.
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Union Mutual was chartered in 1938 to write property and casualty insurance in the state of Oklahoma. Over the years, Union Mutual has maintained the attitude that started the company and continue to be that company that understands Oklahomans’ insurance needs when they contact any member of the UMIC team.
In poor economic times, in times when national insurance companies either stopped writing or completely left the state, Union Mutual has been there for Oklahomans. Today, Union Mutual writes insurance in all 77 counties of Oklahoma through almost 300 agency locations. These agents provide prompt and reliable quotes for most lines of insurance. Just recently, UMIC launched a new product in the preferred market space that has seen unprecedented growth with our rural customer base and falls in line with our Company mantra of “Protection not Politics”, when meeting the needs of our consumers and agents.
Monica Collison took over as CEO of Union Mutual in May of 2019. Under her leadership and through the hard work of her Union team, the company has continued to see positive results and productive growth with profit throughout the state of Oklahoma. Union Mutual offers a wide variety of coverage options for Oklahomans. For 82 years, Union Mutual has led the way to protect all of Oklahoma.
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Tuttle FFA Reserve National Champ in Meats Judging- Here's Our Other Oklahoma Team Results |
FFA members from across the United States participated in 26 National FFA Career & Leadership Development Events in 2021- with the finals of these events being judged in Indiaanpolis during the 94th National Convnetion of the FFA.
Oklahoma FFA members competed in all of these contests- with several teams and individuals bringing high honors back to Oklahoma after last week in Indy.
Individually, Jarod Stone of Chandler FFA made the National Finals in Extemporaneous Public Speaking- finishing fourth nationally.
Our highest placing team from Oklahoma in 2021 was the Tuttle FFA team in Meats Judging, placing second nationally- earning the Reserve National Championship. Team members include TAYLOR MCGILL, KIMBERLY BOYER, ADISON SMITH, and MADELYNE TINDER.
Placing third nationally in the Ag Communications Contest was one of the newest FFA Chapters in the state of Oklahoma- the Bartlesville FFA Chapter. Team members include MATT FRIES, HALEY KING, ADYSEN GRINDLE, and MIA MERCIEZ.
Oklahoma also placed third nationally in the Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Career Development Event- the team representing Oklahoma was the Morrison FFA Chapter. Team members include MASON HARRIS, CODY ALEXANDER, RYAN TAYLOR, and MATTHEW ALEXANDER.
Click on the Blue Button below to learn more about these contests- and to learn more about several more Oklahoma teams that were top ten nationally this past week in Indy.
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Beef Packers Struggle to Find Labor Force |
As beef cattle producers scale back herd sizes and feeders work through a surplus of cattle and meet 75% Plan negotiated cash trade silos, the processing facilities struggle to find a consistent tempo for product output. Chandler Keys, principal at Keys Group, a consulting and lobbying firm that serves some of the large meatpackers, told us labor shortages are preventing processing facilities from working at higher levels of capacity.
“I would say the big concern now is getting labor in these plants,” Keys said. “People just need to realize; the packers are increasing wages exponentially … but we still do not have the people coming into the plants and taking these jobs.”
Right now, most processing plants are running with about 60% of the normal and needed labor force to operate, Keys said.
“A producer told me the other day, ‘what worries me more than an overcapitalized packing industry is an undercapitalized packing industry,’” Keys said. “I do not think any of the packers bemoan the added capacity that is coming on. You can build packing plants but if you do not have the labor to command them … it is very hard to get the labor to move from one plant to another plant.”
There are no easy fixes on the horizon, according to Keys.
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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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Farmer Co-ops Applaud Climate Smart Agriculture Provisions in Build Back Better Framework |
Last week, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives expressed its support for the inclusion of significant new funding to promote the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in the framework agreement for the Build Back Better (BBB) budget reconciliation bill.
“The funding included in the framework for BBB on climate-smart agriculture will help support the farmers and ranchers interested in exploring new, innovative approaches to farming that help address the challenge of climate change. It is especially notable that the money is targeted to adding a climate focus to successful, existing working lands conservation programs,” Chuck Conner, president and CEO of NCFC, said. “As a co-chair and founding member of the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance, NCFC is committed to supporting efforts both by Congress and the Administration to help America’s farmers, co-ops and rural communities prosper from climate smart agriculture.”
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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.
The Tulsa Farm Show is Oklahoma’s premier agricultural and ranching event- and returns to the SageNet Center (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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Growing Calves Without Wheat Pasture Focus of OSU Webinars |
Oklahoma State University Extension Ranchers’ Thursday Lunchtime Series of webinars in November will focus on ways cow-calf producers can provide nutrition needed by growing calves without relying on wheat pasture.
“This is an especially important and timely topic given wheat pasture conditions across Oklahoma in general and high feed costs,” Paul Beck, OSU extension beef cattle specialist, said. “We use Zoom to host the webinars, so it’s easy to participate, pick up the latest research-based information and interact with both experts and producers.”
The weekly series is free to the public, but registration is required for each event. Questions and feedback are encouraged. All November webinars will begin at noon central time and end about 1 p.m.
Topics for the Zoom webinars will include:
- Nov. 4 - Dry wintering calves and extending lack of wheat pasture with hay and silage.
- Nov. 11 - Feeding programs with long-stem hay and supplements, and OSU standard high roughage total mixed rations feeding programs.
- Nov. 18 - Using programmed feeding of high concentrate total mixed rations.
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NIFA Invests Over $50M for Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced today an investment of over $50 million to 140 organizations and institutions that teach and train beginning farmers and ranchers.
“Strengthening and growing the pipeline of the next generation of farmers and ranchers is vital to the continued success of American agriculture,” NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille said . “We recognize that beginning farmers and ranchers have unique needs for education, training, and technical assistance. Their success, especially in the first 10 years, often hinges on access to reliable, science-based information and the latest educational resources so they can improve their operations’ profitability and sustainability long-term.”
In fiscal year 2020, NIFA awarded $16,783,829 in Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grants. In fiscal year 2021, thanks to enhanced funding from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, the total award investment for this program was $50,026,684, which included 85 newly funded grants and 55 continuation projects.
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Texas Tech Receives Grant to Develop Laboratorian Training Program for Animal Disease Research |
More than a decade ago, national officials recognized a need for an enhanced research laboratory that could combat biological threats involving zoonotic and foreign animal diseases. The aging facility in New York state was inadequate to deal with the emerging threats.
So, in 2009, the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), a biosafety level 4 research laboratory, was approved to be built in Manhattan, Kansas. As the $1.25 billion facility nears completion, greatly skilled researchers are needed to conduct studies in the highly secure containment system to ensure both safety and competence in the work being performed.
Texas Tech University and the College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources (CASNR) are stepping up to that challenge, thanks to a sizeable grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Christy Bratcher, associate dean for research in CASNR, is leading the effort for the $500,000 grant, which will be used to train students with an interest in working at the NBAF with the specific technical skillset required to develop and implement USDA scientific programs at the facility.
“This is a unique opportunity to partner with a multitude of agencies in workforce development training of students to provide them with a skillset beyond what they are receiving in their traditional degree program,” Bratcher said. “I am excited to begin the selection process and begin working with highly motivated students.”
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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 the last trading day of October- Choice Beef was up 83 cents while Select Beef was up 73 cents on Friday, October 29th.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had about 6,500 head on Sunday evening 10/31- ONSY President Kelli Payne tells us they expect close to 7,500 head to start the auction- with a final total close to 8,000 head. The sale will start this morning at 6:30 AM.
Last Monday for the October 25th Sale- Compared to the previous week's sale-Feeder steers steady to 2.00 higher. Feeder heifers 2.00 - 4.00 higher. Demand moderate to good for feeder cattle. Cattle futures higher today following a bullish Cattle on Feed Report Friday. Steer calves 5.00 - 7.00 higher. Heifer calves 2.00 - 5.00 higher. Demand very good for calves under 500 lbs.; moderate for other weights. In most cases, un-weaned calves continue to see the typical big discounts from their weaned counterparts.
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.
KC Sheperd talks with Jed Green, the founder of the group ORCA- Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action. They discuss the problems that have developed in rural Oklahoma because of the explosive growth of medical marijuana production in the state- and of the need for better regulation of the industry- as well as recognition of the economic benefits Green believes are a part of the arrival of this industry- especially in areas where legal operations are being established.
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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