After Thursday's release of the 2017 Census of Agriculture by the USDA, Oklahoma State Statistician Troy Marshall with the USDA's local NASS office, delivered a brief on the report's data from an Oklahoma perspective. Congruent with the national trends, according to Marshall, the information indicates both farm numbers and land in farms in Oklahoma have ongoing small percentage declines since the last Census in 2012. At the same time, there continue to be more of the largest and smallest operations and fewer middle-sized farms. In addition, the average age of all farmers and ranchers continues to rise as does the number of female producers in the state.

Oklahoma's response rate for the survey was very good and based on the information provided by respondents, the state currently retains 78,531 farms, down 2.1 percent from the last census. Land in farms is down 0.6 percent compared to the previous report at 34.2 million acres from 34.4 million acres.

Despite the decrease in the number of farms and land in farms, Marshall says the information supports the idea that farmers are doing more with less. The report indicates a 5 percent increase in Total Value Product compared to 2012.

Similar to the national trend, Oklahoma's average age of producers continues to rise. Nationally, the average age is reported at 57.5. Oklahoma's slightly below that at 57.0, up from 56.2 in 2012. It's noted that Oklahoma ranks third in the nation for having the most young producers (35 years or younger), behind Missouri and Texas. In addition, Oklahoma's number of female producers jumped by 28 percent.

"It shows that our Oklahoma producers are definitely dedicated to putting out good wholesome products. We can definitely see in the numbers that even with a decline in farms, we still have an increase in the value of product going out the door. So, we're very specialized in that," Marshall said, summarizing the story he sees in the numbers provided in this report. "Looking at some of the other tables like conservation - you're seeing producers that are utilizing cover crops more, we're seeing less tillage practices. So, I think they're really diving in and investing for sustainable agriculture - that they are going to do something that's going to last for generations to come. They're really wanting to make sure the next generation is there to fulfill what they're doing and what their families are going to be doing for generations."

Our Associate Farm Director Carson Horn had the chance to speak with Marshall during the briefing. Click or tap here to read more highlights from the Census or to hear Marshall's commentary in full.

 

There has been little movement in the wheat markets since Dr. Kim Anderson's last appearance on SUNUP. But, he says it is not the only market that has stagnated. This weekend, he joins host Dave Deken again to discuss the current price of wheat and what producers need to do in order to produce a profitable wheat crop in the future.

Currently, Anderson reports the price of wheat in Oklahoma is approximately $4.30. Producers can forward contract for $4.27 at harvest.

Citing a recent report from the Food & Agriculture Policy Research Institute on its ten-year estimated projections for crop prices, Anderson says the report suggests the average annual price for US wheat over the next decade will range between $5.08 and $5.31. While not too promising, Anderson contends producers can still be profitable.

Find out how by clicking here to read or to listen to Anderson's advice and while you're there, see what else is on the lineup for this week's episode of SUNUP.

Associate Farm Director Carson Horn visited with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur this yesterday to discuss some of the legislation she has followed this session. Five bills in particular have caught her attention this week, having made some significant movement in the legislative process, including the Industrial Hemp bill, S.B. 868. 

According to Arthur, the Industrial Hemp Bill was in fact passed unanimously off the House Floor, today. This bill updates the current state statutes to align with the provisions for hemp production included in the 2018 Farm Bill signed into law by President Trump just before Christmas. Currently, Oklahoma growers that are producing industrial hemp are operating under the pilot program that was established last year through participating universities that licensed local growers. If signed by the Governor, the new statutes will apply to growers producing hemp in 2020.

To hear the Secretary's complete legislative update for her comments on the Hemp bill and others, her reaction to the 2017 Ag Census data released yesterday or other topics discussed with Carson, click or tap here.

 

Click or tap here for our website and the page where you can find the videos of the bulls- you can also download the catalog here.

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