Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Road to Rural Prosperity--Ron Hays Year End Conversation with Congressman Frank Lucas
- OSU's Seth Byrd Wraps Up Oklahoma's 2021 Cotton Harvest
- Pittsburg County 4-H'er Named Finalist for National 4-H Council's STEM Pillar Award
- Too Many to Count: Factors Driving Fertilizer Prices Higher and Higher
- NCBA's Tanner Beymer Says Most Cattle Industry
- Groups Back Cattle Contract Library Bill
- Freeze Branding - The OSU Purebred Beef Way
- Angus Foundation Hosts Second Annual Oklahoma Stars Event During Cattlemen's Congress
- Kentucky Agriculture Offers Conduit for Relief Help for Farmers Hammered by Tornadoes
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Road to Rural Prosperity--Ron Hays Year End Conversation with Congressman Frank Lucas |
It's a year end conversation between Oklahoma Third District Congressman Frank Lucas and Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Senior Farm/Ranch Director Ron Hays.
They talk about the recently passed extension of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Measure as well as the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, the continued wait on the US Department of Justice investigation into the major meat packers, Congressman Lucas' work on the Science Committee, his continued intentions to return to the House Ag Committee in time to be a part of writing the next Farm Bill and a comparison of Congress when he first arrived in Washington in the mid 1990s and today.
To find our more about our full series of Podcasts on The Road to Rural Prosperity- click or tap here.
To listen to this podcast on our Soundcloud platform click here
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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 Tulsa City Farm Show.
Up next will be the Oklahoma City’s premier spring agricultural and ranching event with returns to the State Fair Park April 7-8-9, 2022.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2021 Oklahoma City Farm Show. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Farm Show, click here.
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OSU's Seth Byrd Wraps Up Oklahoma's 2021 Cotton Harvest |
Oklahoma’s 2021 cotton harvest is officially over, according to Seth Byrd, agronomist and extension specialist with Oklahoma State University. Much of what cotton farmers and experts were worried about in the growing season turned out alright.
“One of the things we talked about being an issue was Micronaires,” Byrd said. “That was a conversation that was going on in July and August when we were still worried about our maturity.”
A slow, wet start to the beginning of the season was corrected by an ideal, dry end to the season, according to Byrd. According to reports so far, most of Oklahoma’s 2021 cotton crop’s Micronaires are falling into either premium or better categories, he added.
Another concern folks had was cotton leaf grade, Byrd said.
“All year, we have talked a lot about leaf grade and defoliation,” Byrd said. “That has been a fear, but the majority of leaf grades coming in now are between two and three.”
So far, about 13% of cotton bales are classified as grade four, which Byrd said is not bad.
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Pittsburg County 4-H'er Named Finalist for National 4-H Council's STEM Pillar Award |
When Emilee Coxsey (above) was a young girl, she was often bullied due to a facial scar left from a tumor-removal surgery over her right eye that saved her sight.
“Kids would point out my scar and pick on me,” said Coxsey, now 17. “It just kept getting worse, and they started bullying me for everything. I liked art and reading, and kids would bully me for that, too.”
But she also remembers what saved her in elementary school: joining the Frink-Chambers 4-H Club in Pittsburg County, which became her second family and a place where she fit in - and she has flourished.
Through 4-H, she developed a love for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. Coupling that with her love of art, she since has developed a series of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) workshops she teaches to students in kindergarten through high school, as well as scouting groups, church groups and other 4-H clubs. She was recently recognized as one of two National 4-H Council finalists for the 2022 Youth in Action Pillar Award for STEM.
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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 daily report 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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Too Many to Count: Factors Driving Fertilizer Prices Higher and Higher |
Fertilizer prices continue to skyrocket, as much as 300% in some areas, as farmers grapple with increased costs as they prepare for the 2022 growing season. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s latest Market Intel examines the short- and long-term factors impacting fertilizer supply and demand.
Farm Bureau economists found several elements are contributing to record-high prices including:
- Increased prices for raw nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
- Increased global fertilizer demand
- Increased energy costs
- Distribution and supply chain disruptions
- Trade duties
“Rising fertilizers prices are a great concern for farmers across the country,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The rising cost of supplies is slowing down the momentum America’s farmers were starting to build through higher commodity prices and increased demand for their products. Hard-working families must be able to do more than just break-even. We urge the Biden administration to look for ways to bring fertilizer prices down, which include resolving supply chain disruptions and removing import duties, so farmers can continue growing the food, fuel and fiber America relies on.”
The Market Intel found that compared to September 2020 prices, ammonia has increased over 210%, liquid nitrogen has increased over 159%, urea is up 155%, and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) has increased 125%, while diammonium phosphate (DAP) is up over 100% and potash has risen above 134%.
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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
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NCBA's Tanner Beymer Says Most Cattle Industry Groups Back Cattle Contract Library Bill |
Ron Hays, director of Radio Oklahoma Ag Network, and Tanner Beymer, director of Government Affairs and Market Regulatory Policy at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, picked up where Monday's Beef Buzz left off: Going into detail about the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021. Check out Monday's conversation here.
The bill was modeled after the Swine Contract Library but has significant differences that Beymer believes are improvements based on the beef cattle industry’s specific needs. The care taken to create this cattle-specific legislation has translated into wide support for it across the nation’s diverse industry.
“For one thing, when you are comparing cattle to hogs, there are a host of things that differentiate cattle from a marketing perspective,” Beymer said. “There is a lot more that can be incentivized in cattle. You have quality grade, dressing percentage, different programs and different origin claims.”
With so many factors at play when it comes to fed-cattle negotiations, the legislation had to be tweaked. One of the biggest differences is which United States Department of Agriculture agency will manage the data, Beymer said.
“The Swine Contract Library that currently exists is teed up at the Packers and Stockyards Division at the USDA,” Beymer said. “The Dusty Johnson bill would tee (the Cattle Contract Library) up through the Agricultural Marketing Act.”
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Freeze Branding - The OSU Purebred Beef Way |
Weekly, Mark Johnson, extension beef cattle breeding specialist at Oklahoma State University, and Jeremy Leister, headquarters manager of the Purebred Beef Cattle Center at OSU, offers their 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, they talk about freeze branding cattle.
To improve efficiency of cow-calf operations, it is imperative to identify individual cattle and maintain accurate production records. One type of permanent identification is branding. A fire brand can be used but many producers prefer freeze branding. Freeze branding is performed using a coolant and copper or copper-alloy branding irons. Two common freeze branding methods include using either liquid nitrogen or a combination of dry ice and alcohol as a coolant. Most producers get better results with dry ice and alcohol but locating dry ice can be a challenge. Liquid nitrogen can be purchased from welding supply stores and artificial insemination companies.
Freeze branding is relatively stress-free for the animal and causes little or no damage to the hide. Unlike fire brands, freeze brands result in reduced incidences of blotching. On the downside, freeze branding takes more time, can be more costly and over time brands may fade. Until you are satisfied your procedure is working, ear tags and tattoos are recommended as additional forms of identification.
It is best to freeze brand during the spring or fall months while the hair is growing.
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Angus Foundation Hosts Second Annual Oklahoma Stars Event During Cattlemen's Congress |
The Angus Foundation will host its second annual Oklahoma Stars event Jan. 5 at the historic Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City, Okla. in conjunction with the 2022 Cattlemen’s Congress. The event will feature live music, hors d'oeuvres and exciting auction offerings as Angus enthusiasts gather for an evening of fellowship. The theatre’s doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with no RSVP necessary and casual attire welcome. The Angus Foundation invites both those attending the Cattlemen’s Congress and those in the Oklahoma City area to take advantage of this opportunity to visit with friends, enjoy food and entertainment and peruse the unique auction lots up for grabs.
"As we gather together to celebrate our breed and kick off the new year, we are excited to once again host breeders and friends under the Oklahoma Stars," said Thomas Marten, Angus Foundation executive director. "Generous donors have provided an incredible lineup from an elk hunt to an all-leather designer rolling suitcase."
Funds raised through the auction will benefit the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted support allowing the Angus Foundation to fulfill its mission of youth, education and research. The Angus Foundation supports a diverse set of efforts focused on ensuring a bright future for the breed. Academic scholarships, leadership conferences, cutting-edge research and funding for the National Junior Angus Board are among the many programs sustained by the Angus Fund.
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $3.9 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
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Kentucky Agriculture Offers Conduit for Relief Help for Farmers Hammered by Tornadoes |
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation, and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Cooperative Extension are joining forces to raise funds and resources for agricultural-related recovery efforts for farmers affected by the weekend’s devastating storm event.
“West and western Kentucky agriculture did not escape the historic and devastating tornadoes that struck the region this weekend,” Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles said. “We’ve seen lives lost, grain bins leveled, and livestock and poultry barns demolished. Our farmers need funds and resources to maintain operations and rebuild. I thank Kentucky Farm Bureau and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension for stepping up to help Kentuckians in need.”
The Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund is a cash donation portal managed by the Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation. Funds collected will be administered through a grant process. The donations will be used to support farmers and agribusinesses in the affected areas.
Donations can be made to the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund by clicking here.
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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 fell yesterday. Choice Beef was down $2.50 and Select Beef was down $4.84 on Tuesday, 12/14/2021.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had a final number of 14,695 head of cattle on their final Stocker/Feeder sale of 2021...
The Oklahoma National Stockyards will be closed for the Holidays. The next sale will be on Monday January 3, 2022.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers unevenly steady. Feeder heifers 1.00-3.00 higher. Heavier weight steers and heifers lightly tested. Steer and heifer calves steady, instances of up to 8.00 higher. Demand continues good for all classes, despite another week of large runs. In many cases, heavier weight cattle are out selling their lighter weight mates due to high feed costs. Much of the state is very dry with only few chances of rain is in the forecast. Midweek temps are expected to reach 80 in some areas of the state with strong southerly winds . This all adds up to high fire danger for many areas. Quality average to many attractive.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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OKC West in El Reno had a calf run on Tuesday 12/14/21 of 6,000 head.
Compared to last Tuesday's sharply higher market: Steer and heifer calves under 450 lbs traded instances up to as much as 20.00 lower, 450- 600 lbs 1.00-2.00 higher remainder of the calves steady. Demand moderate for heavier cattle, light for lighter weights. All cattle marked value added are part of the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network pram and are weaned a minimum of 45 days and 2 rounds of shots.
Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.
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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 a big reason why Oklahoma is on track to become a top 10 state.
The Road to Rural Prosperity dives into these stories, 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.
Our Latest RRP is an end conversation between Oklahoma Third District Congressman Frank Lucas and Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Senior Farm/Ranch Director Ron Hays.
They talk about the recently passed extension of the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Measure as well as the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021, the continued wait on the US Department of Justice investigation into the major meat packers, Congressman Lucas' work on the Science Committee, his continued intentions to return to the House Ag Committee in time to be a part of writing the next Farm Bill and a comparison of Congress when he first arrived in Washington in the mid 1990s and today.
Search for Road to Rural Prosperity and subscribe on your favorite Podcast platform.
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
Senior Director of Farm/Ranch Programming
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
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