Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
From: Ron Hays <ronphays@cox.net>
Date: 4/19/2019, 5:46 AM
To: ron@ronhays.com



 
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We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network weekdays- if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it-  click here for this morning's Farm newsfrom Carson Horn on RON.
 

  
 
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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.
 
 
   
Today's First Look:
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
 
 
Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futuresclick or tap here for the report posted yesterday afternoon around 3:30 PM.
 
 
Okla Cash Grain:  
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture on Thursday, April 18th.
 
  
Futures Wrap:  
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Network - analyzing the Futures Markets from the previous Day.
 
Feeder Cattle Recap:  
The National Daily Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
 
Slaughter Cattle Recap: 
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by the USDA.
 
TCFA Feedlot Recap:  
Finally, here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
 


 
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
 
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor
 
Carson Horn, Associate Farm Director and Editor

Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
 
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production

Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News

 
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
    Friday,  April 19, 2019

Howdy Neighbors! 

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 
 


One 
Featured Story:


February exports of U.S. pork and beef fell below last year's levels while lamb exports trended higher, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
 

The report details that February beef exports declined 6% year-over-year to 94,885 mt while value was down 3% to $581.6 million. January-February exports were 3% below last year's record pace in volume (199,651 mt) but steady in value at $1.22 billion. Meanwhile, pork export volume was down 9% from a year ago in February to 186,745 metric tons (mt), while export value dropped 17% to $455.9 million - the lowest monthly value total since February 2016. For January through February, pork exports were 5% below last year's pace in volume (388,580 mt) and 13% lower in value ($950 million).
 

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom blamed stiff headwinds in the marketplace caused by ongoing trade disputes for this dip in export performance. However, he remains optimistic about the future.
 

"USMEF is encouraged by reports of progress toward resolution of these disputes, but in the meantime missed opportunities for export growth are mounting. On the beef side there is still much to be excited about, especially with the launch of U.S.-Japan trade agreement talks," he said. "A great deal is at stake for both U.S. beef and U.S. pork in those negotiations, as exports to Japan deliver remarkable returns for the entire U.S. supply chain and it is essential that we get back on a level playing field with our competitors."
 

Click here for more highlights or to review the complete report from the USMEF on our website.



Sponsor Spotlight
 
 
The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association is the trusted voice of the Oklahoma Cattle Industry. With headquarters in Oklahoma City, the OCA has a regular presence at the State Capitol to protect and defend the interests of cattlemen and cattlewomen.
 
Their Vision Statement explains the highest priority of the organization- "Leadership that serves, strengthens and advocates for the Oklahoma cattle industry."
 
To learn more about the OCA and how you can be a part of this forward-looking group of cattle producers, click here for their website. For more information- call 405-235-4391.
 



Oklahoma Farm Bureau submitted comments to the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers' offering its perspective on behalf of OKFB members, on the agencies' proposed rule that would revise the definition of "waters of the United States" ("WOTUS") under the Clean Water Act. In a letter sent to the agencies, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau commended their proposal for a revised definition that it states, "goes a long way towards providing clarity and certainty through clear definitions." However, the letter asserts that the proposed rule could be further improved with a few additional changes.
 

The changes suggested by OKFB include measures that would provide proper guidelines for interpreting what is and what is not a traditional navigable waters ("TNWs"); clarifying key terms that are relevant to several of the jurisdictional categories of water, such as "intermittent"; eliminating ditches as a standalone category of jurisdictional waters; excluding impoundments as a separate category of jurisdictional waters; and improving the definition of "wetlands" by expressly clarifying that a wetland must satisfy all three of the delineation criteria set out in the Proposed Rule.

 
"We believe these and other recommendations-detailed in our comments below-will help eliminate potential ambiguities in whatever Final Rule emerges from this rulemaking process," the letter reads. "The resulting clarity will benefit the regulated parties, government entities, and courts tasked with following and administering the CWA. It is in that spirit that we offer the following suggestions and observations."

 
You can review all the suggested changes and comments made by OKFB in regard to the proposed new rule, by clicking or tapping here.


Three 
Oklahoma Remains Drought Free as Recent Rainfall Washes Away Lingering Flirtations with Dry Conditions


After a brief flirtation with dry conditions in parts of the state, Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus is reporting that rains over the past week have wiped the slate clean of dryness once again. As you can see in the image, below, the state is completely devoid of any kind of dry or droughty conditions with zero ratings across the board currently. This compares to last week when just over 4 percent of the state was considered to be under D0-D4 or "Abnormally Dry" conditions.

 


 
With an expected wet pattern forecast for the weeks ahead into the start of summer, it is hopeful that any possible drought conditions could be kept at bay for perhaps the next three months potentially.


For a closer look at this week's Drought Monitor Map or to read McManus's full Mesonet Ticker report, click here.


Four 
Oklahoma Businessman and Rancher Bob Funk to Be Inducted into Clydesdale Hall of Fame
 

Oklahoma businessman and rancher Bob Funk will be honored for more than two decades of achievement with an induction into the Clydesdale Hall of Fame on April 26, according to the Clydesdale Breeders of the U.S.A.


Lisa Graham, a former board member and spokeswoman for the Clydesdale organization, called Funk a tireless supporter of the Clydesdale industry with accomplishments that go well beyond the numerous national awards and world championships that his horses have won.


Funk has been breeding, showing and competing with his rare variety of black and white Clydesdales for more than 20 years. During that time, the horses have helped raise millions of dollars for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and other charities and star annually in some of the world's most famous parades, such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade. They also have chauffeured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate during their visit to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.     


Click here to read the full story on our website and learn more about Funk's Clydesdale operation and the organization's recognition of his involvement in the breed.



Sponsor Spotlight
 
 
It's great to have one of the premiere businesses in the cattle business partner with us in helping bring you our daily Farm and Ranch News Email- National Livestock Credit Corporation.  National Livestock has been around since 1932- and they have worked with livestock producers to help them secure credit and to buy or sell cattle through the National Livestock Commission Company.  They also own and operate the Southern Oklahoma Livestock Market in Ada, Superior Livestock, which continues to operate independently and have a major stake in OKC West in El Reno. To learn more about how these folks can help you succeed in the cattle business, click here for their website or call the Oklahoma City office at 1-800-310-0220.


Five 
Certified Angus Beef Just Passed 1 Billion Pounds in Annual Sales, But Can They Really Hit 2 Billion?


Mark McCully is vice president of development at Certified Angus Beef. Recently, the brand celebrated a remarkable milestone which coincided with its 40th anniversary, selling one billion pounds of product in 2018. McCully admitted that many in the CAB office were once skeptical this goal could ever really be reached. However, he says the unprecedented success has proven it can be done and now the CAB team is setting their sights even higher. In a recent interview, McCully insisted that there is a lot of opportunity on the horizon and the brand's future is looking bright.


"We're pretty bullish. We think this is going to continue to grow," he said. "When we first started talking about a billion pounds, that was about 10 years ago. At the time a lot of us probably thought 'yeah a billion pounds is a nice number to talk about, but we'll probably never get there... Today, we're talking about two billion pounds and we don't believe it's an 'if' - it's a 'when' - because around the world the demand for high quality, grain finished, highly marbled beef is super high."


Hear why McCully is so optimistic about the future of CAB and whether or not he believes reaching 2 billion pounds in annual sales of product is really an obtainable goal - by clicking here and listening to our full conversation from yesterday's Beef Buzz.


ExpressExpress Ranches Grass Time Sale Set for April 20th-Tomorrow- at High Noon

The 12th Annual Grass Time Sale of Express Ranches is set for Saturday- tomorrow- at the ranch in Yukon, Oklahoma. Over 700 head will be offered, starting at 12 noon.

You can attend in person or participate in the sale online at Superior Livestock Productions or via Live Auction TV

In the sale book, Express Ranch President Jarold Callahan writes of this year's Grass Time offering- "
A sale-day feature is the outstanding set of 161 Angus and Hereford bulls which include 18 sons of HA Cowboy Up 5405. Also included in our Grass Time Sale will be 155 registered Angus pairs including several donors, 19 Registered Hereford Pairs and 35 fall bred Angus heifers, 10 fancy show heifers, 91 Registered open Angus heifers as well as 6 Commercial Open Heifers and 31 Fall Calving Commercial females."

Click or tap here to jump over to the Express Ranch website to view the Sale Book as well as videos of the Bulls to be offered. 

 
Six 
Introducing Michael St. Clair of the Bethel FFA Chapter, Your 2019 Central Area Star in Agribusiness


Yesterday, we introduced Michael St. Clair of the Bethel FFA Chapter, who represents the Central Area in this year's OK FFA Star in Agribusiness contest. St. Clair is the first one in his family to join the FFA. On his first-generation farm he owns over 200 chickens used primarily for laying eggs, he's got four cows in his cow/calf operation, tends a large garden and is currently raising three breeding sows, too.


Michael's diverse operation has taught him a lot and he says caring for each species takes a little different skill set. Learning to care for the animals is just as important as the knowledge he's gained marketing for his business. In the fall he sells meat from the birds, his cattle go up to the Oklahoma City Stockyards, the pigs are sold as show swine, and his produce goes to a local farmer's market.


Being one of about ten other vendors at the farmer's market, he said he gets to talk to people who are a lot more experienced. This has trained him in some tricks of the trade.


You can learn more about Michael and his diversified farming operation by visiting the Blue-Green Gazette on our website to continue reading or to hear our entire conversation. Be sure to check out the other contestants we've featured while you're there.




YesterdayGov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 868, which allows the Oklahoma Department of Ag to develop and administer a program for the production of commercial hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, into law after it was unanimously approved by the House and Senate. 

 
Current state law, passed last year under the 2014 Farm Bill, allows for Oklahomans to participate in the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, which requires growers to be licensed through a research institution. The new Farm Bill changed federal industrial hemp law and made changes to state law necessary as well.


The next step in the process, according to JanLee Rowlett, ODAFF Legislative Liaison, is for USDA to finalize federal rules under the 2018 Farm Bill.


"When new federal rules are in place, we will then develop state rules. After state rules are developed, we are required to have our state plan approved by USDA," she said. "USDA has 60 days to respond after we submit the plan. This process will take time, but we want to get it right for Oklahoma producers."
 

Rowlett anticipates USDA will finalize their rules later this year. State and federal rules should be in place to allow for planting of industrial hemp in the 2020 crop year. Producers planting for the 2019 crop year, which is happening from now through June, still fall under the existing Pilot Program. Starting next year, ODAFF will license growers directly for the 2020 growing season.


Click here for the complete story on our website for more details.

 
GoodFridayGood Friday????? What's in a Name? What's It All About?

For those of you that have been a part of our email family for awhile- you know I will take a few moments on several key times of the year- and share some personal thoughts with you. 

Today is Good Friday- it's a market holiday for Ag and for the Stock Market- lots of families plan time together and very prominent is the Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Hunts.  But that hides what is THE pivotal moment in history for everyone that has ever lived, lives today or will be born at some point in the future. I think that catches just about everybody, right??

I'm talking about the trial of Jesus- and his punishment- death on a cross. I like what the publication Christianity Today offers in explaining this event and their bottom line. 

"
The Friday before Easter Sunday is known by many different names. In Germany it is called mourning Friday - there are still laws in place prohibiting horse racing and dancing on such a solemn day. In the Scandinavian countries it is known as 'the long Friday'. The Orthodox call it 'The Great and Holy Day". But in the UK and the US it is known as Good Friday - Good in this sense of being holy and pure.
"It is the day of the Cross. To all intents and purposes it is the darkest day. For some it is Black Friday.

"Forget all the romantic images. The Cross is so ugly that even the most hardened turned their faces away. The cruelest form of death that not even Mel Gibson's Passion could show the full extent of the horror.

"You can see why it is a day of mourning and of deep, deep sorrow. See Mary weeping.

"But it is also the turning point of history. Our Orthodox brothers and sisters are right - this is a Great and Holy Day. This is Good Friday. Because what was happening on the Cross was that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting peoples sins against them (2 Corinthians 5:17).

"The Cross is not a tragedy, it is not a comedy; it is a victory. It is not, as some have sadly alleged, 'cosmic child abuse'. It is cosmic child delivery. It is by the Cross that we become children of God. It is salvation. It is forgiveness. It is life.

"According to a survey carried out last week 46% of people who profess to be Christians do not believe that Christ died and rose again for their sins. That's a bit like saying you love Easter Eggs but don't believe in chocolate so you are happy with the wrapping! 

"Being a 'cultural' or 'moral' Christian is pointless. If Christ has not risen, then we are of all people to be pitied."

The commercial asks the question- "What's in your wallet?"  My question to you- from the Life He Lived Walking on this Earth, to the Arrest to the Trial to the Beating to the Death to the Empty Tomb- What Do You Believe? What do you carry in your heart that shows to the world? 

Wanna Talk About It? - Email me and we do it. 

Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter 2019.

 
Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, AFR Insurance, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Stillwater Milling Company, National Livestock Credit CorporationOklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma AgCreditHerb's Herb Hemp Farm, 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 also appreciate our Market Links Sponsor - OKC West Livestock! 
 
 
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.   
 

 
God Bless! You can reach us at the following:  
 
phone: 405-473-6144
 

 




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