In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, about the association’s fall gatherings and the issues cattle producers are bringing to the table. From the upcoming elections and federal policy decisions to rebuilding the cow herd, Kelsey shares what he is hearing from producers across Oklahoma.
OCA Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey said the upcoming midterm elections and recent federal policy decisions have been among the biggest topics of discussion.
Elections and Property Tax Questions Among Top Concerns
Kelsey said producers have been asking questions about both the federal and state elections, particularly two state questions on the Oklahoma ballot. State Question 847, which deals with ad valorem property taxes, has generated considerable discussion among cattle producers.
At the federal level, Kelsey said producers are concerned about recent administrative decisions affecting the cattle and agriculture industries. “Lots of questions and discussion around Washington, D.C., and specifically the administrative decisions that have been lately not very positive for the cattle business and perhaps even agriculture in general,” Kelsey said.
He pointed specifically to the administration’s comments about beef prices and proposed efforts to address affordability. “The president is talking about beef’s too expensive, which we don’t agree with that at all,” Kelsey said. “And then trying to institute some, in his terms, fixes, but they’re really at best short term. And what we’re finding out is they’re not even that. And so they’ve been somewhat detrimental.”
Producers Weigh Decisions on Rebuilding the Cow Herd
Beyond politics and policy, Kelsey said producers are spending time evaluating their operations and making plans for the coming year.
With cattle prices, weather and input costs all factoring into those decisions, many producers are considering whether now is the right time to begin rebuilding their cow herds. “How many heifers can I keep? How many cows can I keep? Am I in a position to maybe acquire some new females and so forth?” Kelsey said.
Forage availability and weather conditions are also playing a major role in those conversations. Kelsey said recent rainfall has been a blessing, but producers are still watching conditions closely as they determine how many females their operations can support.
He added that uncertainty surrounding government decisions and their effects on the cattle market is also weighing on producer confidence. “When government makes decisions that impact the market and do damage, if you will, then that impacts confidence,” Kelsey said. “And so we’re hearing that.”
Farm Bill and Oklahoma’s Next Governor Ahead
Looking beyond the November 3 midterm elections, Kelsey said the results will help shape conversations about federal agricultural policy and the direction of Congress.
He expressed doubt that lawmakers will have enough time to pass a new farm bill, given the limited legislative window. “I just don’t think we’re going to see a farm bill, no matter what,” Kelsey said. “The legislative window is just too small for it to happen. But it’s not, you never say never.”
In Oklahoma, the state will also have a new governor taking office, creating another opportunity for OCA to work with state leadership.
Kelsey said the association has established relationships with both candidates and plans to provide input as the next administration begins building its transition team, selecting cabinet positions and developing legislative priorities. “It’s going to be an interesting time, very busy time,” Kelsey said.
Kelsey said OCA will continue its fall gatherings into November, giving the association more opportunities to hear directly from cattle producers about the issues and decisions affecting their operations.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
