A delegation of more than 60 Oklahoma Farm Bureau members are in Washington, DC this week to speak with our state's Congressional leaders and other policymakers about the pressing issues impacting Oklahoma's agriculture industry and rural communities. We had the chance yesterday to speak with OKFB President Rodd Moesel from our nation's capital, for a brief update on the work that has been done there on behalf of Oklahoma's farmers and ranchers by the delegation.

According to Moesel, the delegation was able to get some quality face to face time with all but one of Oklahoma's Congressional leaders and remarked on how impressed he was by their attention and concern for our farm and ranch community. In addition, the delegation has also met with foreign leaders at the Canadian Embassy and have interacted with the delegations of other state Farm Bureaus at multiple briefing sessions hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Moesel reports that among the many topics discussed, one obvious issue rose to the top, that of course being the matter of trade and its impact on Oklahoma and our nation's farmers. Moesel insists these meetings with legislators are vitally important to OKFB's cause and helps maintain the association's relationship with our lawmakers and keeps OKFB's message and viewpoints front of mind.

Hear Moesel's full briefing on the delegation's activities this week in DC, by clicking or tapping here.

Our own Carson Horn caught up Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association this week. Kelsey and several OCA members are in Washington, DC this week, for the annual beef industry fly-in during which producers across the nation come to speak with policymakers about the most pressing issues pertaining to their industry. Aside from our own Congressional leaders, Kelsey says they have also had the chance to meet with legislators from other - less ag literate states as well about trending industry topics, including Democratic Congressman Thomas Suozzi of New York. Kelsey says they had a very constructive meeting educating him on the challenges facing the beef industry.

In addition to covering their trip, Kelsey also offered a brief update on the Oklahoma Legislative Session. Over the last several days, Kelsey says movement has been made on several of the bills they have been watching. For instance, the legislation exempting water rights from land seized through eminent domain was passed off the Senate Judiciary Committee since our last conversation with Kelsey. That bill will be considered on the Senate Floor next week. This week, the bill restricting cell-based meat from being labelled as beef came off the House Ag Committee and now awaits consideration in the full House. Also, a bill exempting certain livestock haulers from required registration with the Dept. of Transportation is still being worked on while the State Steak bill, which would designate the ribeye as Oklahoma's official steak, went off the House Tourism Committee and is headed for the House Floor this coming week as well.

For more details on their trip to DC, the discussions they've had there and what's been happening at the State Capitol the past few weeks, click here and listen to Kelsey's full conversation with Carson.

Wheat prices this week are near a five year low with the May contract at $4.40 - just a $0.06 spread from the July contract at $4.46. According to OSU Extension Grain Market Economist Dr. Kim Anderson, while the futures market is down, the basis is relatively high. However, it is a wash when you consider how low the cash price for wheat is.

Anderson explains to SUNUP host Dave Deken this week that unless a glitch in the weather over the Black Sea Region causing crop losses there and sparks a rally in US wheat - these depressed prices could remain anchored for another three to four, maybe even five years.

This concerning outlook is reflected in planted acres here in Oklahoma, with total wheat acreage down. However, the crop's condition compared to the last two years is significantly better at 69 percent good to excellent and just 4 percent poor to very poor condition.

We continue our coverage of the 2019 Oklahoma FFA Star Finalists with this year's Central Area Star in Agriculture Placement, Seth McCaa of the Elmore City - Pernell FFA Chapter. Seth is recognized for his work while employed at Coppin Ranch Hand Services, working for farmers and ranchers in his area. Seth is also employed by Diamond R Ranch, a multimillion-dollar race horse operation located in Pauls Valley. At his jobs, Seth works daily with livestock and especially horses.


In addition to caring for livestock and tending to daily tasks such as feeding and general husbandry, he has undergone specialized training in order to perform more advanced duties including embryo transfers and specimen collection. Seth says the skills and knowledge he has picked up on the job have helped him to be successful in his FFA career as well, and vice versa. Throughout high school, he has excelled in public speaking events and proficiency contests among other things.