In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey about the latest conditions facing Oklahoma cattle producers, the New World screwworm situation and upcoming beef promotion efforts.
Wagyu Association Moves to Oklahoma City
Kelsey says the American Wagyu Association has moved its headquarters into Oklahoma City’s Stockyards, making it one of two national breed associations to establish a presence in the city. “We’re just tickled to have them.”
Kelsey says the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association was pleased to welcome the Wagyu industry to Oklahoma City during its annual national convention. “Wagyu’s right in the stockyards, and we’re just thrilled to have them there. Thrilled that they’re here, and we had an opportunity to welcome them and be a part of this.”
Oklahoma Drought Creates Challenges for Cattle Producers
Kelsey says drought conditions across Oklahoma have become increasingly difficult for cattle producers, particularly as many ranchers are trying to rebuild their herds. “It’s really bad. I mean, it just really is.”
He says producers are facing shortages of both forage and water, with some cattlemen in western Oklahoma hauling water to keep livestock supplied. “When we should be trying to rebuild the herd, and every cattleman that I know wants to rebuild the herd, we just can’t. And so we don’t have the forages. We don’t have the water.”
Kelsey says water shortages are becoming another major concern as some rural water districts begin rationing supplies and prioritizing human needs. “I could be doing 1000 other things, and I got to haul water.”
Despite the difficult conditions, Kelsey says cattle producers continue to hold onto their optimism and hope for rain. “We’re just praying to the good Lord for some good rain, and He’s going to send it, and we’re going to figure out how to move forward from here.”
“Pray for Rain”
Kelsey says he and Kent Bacus recently discussed an idea for putting up yard signs with a simple message: “Pray for Rain,” along with a reference to First Thessalonians 5:17. “If we’re going to put yard signs up for political candidates and so forth, let’s put yard signs up that say ‘Pray for Rain.’ I’ll vote for that one.”
Screwworm Outlook Remains Positive
Kelsey also says the New World screwworm situation has been a bright spot, noting that The United states has avoided cattle cases since the end of July. “I think the whole screwworm issue has been exceptional.”
Kelsey says he initially expected Oklahoma could be dealing with restrictions and additional cases by September or October, but he is pleased that the situation has developed differently. “I’m so happy to say I was wrong.”
He credits the Texas Animal Health Commission and USDA for their work, including the use of sterile flies and personnel to respond to the threat. “I think we have really a very optimistic outlook regarding the screwworm.”
Kelsey says continued vigilance and expanded sterile fly production will still be important moving forward. “We could have been in such a worse place, and we’re not, and that’s a tremendous blessing.”
OCA Preparing for Tulsa State Fair
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is also preparing for another year of serving ribeye steak sandwiches at the Tulsa State Fair, scheduled for October 1-11.
Kelsey says the event has become a major opportunity to promote beef to consumers, even with the competition from the many other fair foods. “We’re just traditionalists. We just like that good old ribeye steak sandwich, and fairgoers do too.”
He says the OCA appreciates the continued support from livestock exhibitors and families who return to the beef tent each year. “The livestock barns are so loyal to us, and they come and get one or two ribeye steak sandwiches every year when they come and bring their kids or the open show cattle, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of that.”
Promoting Beef to Consumers
Kelsey says the ribeye steak sandwich also gives the OCA an opportunity to talk with consumers about beef and the cattle industry. “It does also give us an opportunity to position beef in a positive light for state fairgoers.”
He says the simple ingredients also provide an opportunity to highlight beef’s nutritional value. “You just can’t beat it.”
Kelsey says county cattlemen’s associations from across Oklahoma also provide volunteers for the event, helping serve the sandwiches while talking with consumers about the beef industry. “They also provide an opportunity to talk to a lot of those consumers and share with them a little bit about the story of the beef cattle industry, and that’s very important for us to do.”
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.
