Canola Planting Window Opens Next Week- Acres Expected to Increase 

Between 400,000 and 500,000 acres of winter canola will be planted in the Southern Great Plains in the next two months, according to Gene Neuens, Producers Cooperative Oil Mill oilseed field representative..

"There will be more winter canola planted in this region than any other time in the crop's short history," Neuens said. "To be eligible for crop insurance the crop must be planted between Sept. 10 and Oct. 10 each year. In most of the area, there is a pretty good supply of moisture in the top soil to get the seed started."

Neuens said winter canola planting season in Kansas starts Sept. 1. Just returning from several field days in the southern part of the state, he said a lot of winter canola is being planted now or will soon be planted.

"Other good news for us is farmers already established in winter canola production have indicated they are increasing their acres planted to the crop," he said."And we know there are many farmers who are planting canola for the first time this year. Both of these developments, along with seed companies reporting their seed supplies are dwindling, make us believe this will be a bumper year for canola planted."

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Flash Drought Making Reappearance Across Much of Oklahoma 

Associate State Climatologist Gary McManus says more and more color is showing up on the latest drought map with 45 percent of the state now covered by drought. That's a rise from 38 percent last week. Moderate drought spread across southern Oklahoma and the non-drought status of "abnormally dry" also spread up into central Oklahoma, as well as northern Oklahoma. So the amount of the state covered by D0 (abnormally dry) to D4 (exceptional drought) rose from 60 percent to 74 percent.

McManus says the main driver is the fact that since August 18, almost no rain has fallen in the state. The statewide average for that period was 0.07", 1.81" below normal (or about four percent of normal). That's the driest August 18-September 5 since 1921. Southwestern Oklahoma has not recorded a drop of moisture during that time.

Southern Oklahoma has had a rough time even farther back, however. While the northern two-thirds of the state was getting decent rains during the first 17 days of August, the southern third was going largely without. 

Click here for the latest drought maps and to read more from Gary McManus. 

Food Security Remains a 'Challenge for Millions,' Vilsack Says

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement on the release of the USDA Economic Research Service analysis Household Food Security in the United States in 2012:

"Food insecurity remains a very real challenge for millions of Americans. Today's report underscores the importance of programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that have helped keep food insecurity from rising, even during the economic recession. As the recovery continues and families turn to USDA nutrition programs for help to put good food on the table, this is not the time for cuts to the SNAP program that would disqualify millions of Americans and threaten a rise in food insecurity. For our part, USDA will continue to deliver a strong nutrition program with an error rate that is at a historic low."
 

Wheat Prices Could Drop Another 30 Cents, Anderson Says

In a preview to his segment on this weekend's SUNUP show, Oklahoma State University Grain Marketing Specialist Kim Anderson discusses trends in the grain markets and whether producers should sell their stored wheat or hang on longer.

He says soybean and corn markets jumped higher this week, but wheat didn't follow that trend.

"The basic thing going on there is just the weather." He says low stocks and poor weather in soybean country are leading to lower harvest estimates. "They're starting to ration soybeans right now," he says.

Corn supplies are more than ample and will be after harvest. Anderson says that what could happen for the next production year is a shift from corn to beans with prices fluctuating to match.

Wheat markets are a separate case and are trading at the bottom levels of a sideways pattern and could be set to break lower.  

"It's back down to that $6.93 level; it's challenging that support price. If we break through that and we trade below that $6.93 next Monday or Tuesday, then I think we're good for another 30 cents down."

You can hear more from Kim Anderson and see the full lineup for this weekend's SUNUP show by clicking here.  

USMEF-China Opens a New Chapter in Pork Marketing

China is the bulls-eye on the world's pork export target. As the largest importer of all things pork, China can change the pork market with any surge or decrease in its purchasing.

Enthusiastic shoppers enjoyed samples of U.S. pork at the Shanghai Book FairTo keep its position as the No. 1 pork exporter to China, the United States - through the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) - is turning over every leaf to find opportunities to set American pork apart from its competitors among the 17 other nations that are selling their product in China this year.

The latest USMEF initiative - funded with support of the Pork Checkoff - found U.S. pork taking center stage at the Shanghai Book Fair, a week-long annual event which attracts more than a million book lovers. This year, the only break in the endless rows of booksellers was the U.S. pork booth where local culinary master Mr. Lai offered cooking demonstrations and samples of U.S. pork bone-in butt, spareribs, belly, boneless butts, boneless loins and sausages.

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Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association Schedules Fall Gatherings

The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association has scheduled a series of Fall Gatherings to bring cattle producers together with their fellow ranchers.

Four events have been scheduled in different parts of the state to make it easier for producers to attend. This year's gatherings will be held in Okmulgee, Durant, Waynoka, and Duncan.

Fall Gatherings will feature producer-friendly presentations and door prizes. All new members of the OCA will be entered to win the ultimate grand prize.

Each program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
 

Final Call- US Southwest Ag Issues Summit in OKC Starts Monday Morning

Agricultural leaders and those interested in becoming stronger leaders in the industry are encouraged to attend this year's Southwest Ag Issues Summit at the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City, Okla., Sept. 8th thru the 10th, 2013. Several speakers will be making a return engagement to the Southwest Ag Issues Summit, including the Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Frank Lucas.

Industry leaders from across the greater Southwest region will be gathering for this three day event to discuss key issues facing agriculture, as well as the opportunity to network with fellow agricultural influencers in the industry.

The summit includes a robust program of speakers to touch on such topics as the farm bill, agricultural trade, endangered species impacts, and more. Featured speakers include Lucas, futurist Jim Wiesemeyer, and Cook Political Report's David Wasserman. Renowned cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell will also be speaking at this year's event. 

Click here for more information and to find a link to the full summit program.