Agricultural News
Ag Secretary Blayne Arthur Talks about the Challenges Producers are Facing
Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:12:16 CDT
During AFR day at the capitol on Monday, April 12, Farm Director KC Sheperd visited with Ag Secretary, Blayne Arthur about the event and her input on topics impacting producers that were discussed throughout the day.
"Certainly, a really challenging time." Arthur said. "I think drought is on top of mine for everyone really all across the state of Oklahoma, especially on the western side of the state and along with that, the fire danger that comes when we've got the low humidity, the high temperatures and the winds."
Arthur said the state's forestry staff is engaged with local emergency management in rural fire departments to be as prepared as possible to respond to any fire situations.
"We have got diesel that is over five dollars and fertilizer prices in some cases are 300 to 400 percent more than they were this time last year." Arthur said. "It is really challenging for producers to make decisions to plan going forward."
Arthur said with 77 counties in Oklahoma, there are different issues faced in different parts of the state.
"It is our job at the department to help where we can, then sometimes it is just connecting folks with someone else who can assist them," Arthur said. "We want people to communicate with us. Most of us that work at the department either grew up with ag producers, or we are ag producers now, so we understand, and we want to help improve things for ag producers in Oklahoma."
It makes a difference, Arthur said, when one can walk into an office and talk to someone who grew up on a farm or runs an operation when they are away from the capitol.
"This makes a huge difference in policy decisions made in Oklahoma City because ultimately, we want these policy makers to do things that are good for farmers and ranchers and having ag legislators is a big piece of that puzzle."
Another tough issue producers may have to face is the possibility of Avian Influenza making its way into the state.
Arthur said the most recent detection on the high path Avian Influenza is in Kansas.
"Our team here led by Dr. Hall, who is our state veterinarian, are very prepared and certainly very engaged with USDA on all of these issues," Arthur said. "If this happens in Oklahoma, we are going to be able to work with our producers and respond as best we can."
A couple of things the Ag secretary is very proud of is the states Certified Beef Program and The Made In Oklahoma Program. Arthur said value added is beneficial because it means more dollars for Oklahoma producers.
"Here at lunch today we had Oklahoma Certified Beef on the menu, and it's fabulous, and it is marketed and branded that way- that includes all of our made in Oklahoma products," Arthur said.
Arthur said with margins so thin, it is important to support local producers in the state.
"Those margins are so thin, especially with just selling commodities," Arthur said. "When we can add value to it, that is more dollars back to those producers that makes for a bigger margin. Then, people can plan better, get a little bit of relief and not have to follow the ups and downs of the commodity markets quite as much."
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