Apr 06
On October 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that introduced several modifications in the determination of adverse effect wage rates (AEWRs) applicable to H-2A workers hired by U.S. farmers. The new methodology departs from relying on wage data from the Farm Labor Survey (FLS) and will instead set …
Apr 06
Today, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s budget request for fiscal year 2027, which cuts the U.S. Department of Agriculture budget by $5 billion (19 percent). “Now more than ever, farmers need our support. Their markets have been decimated by President Trump’s tariffs, and in turn, raided by our competitors. The president’s war in Iran has driven fertilizer costs sky-high, making inputs even more expensive than their historical highs. At this critical time, rather than invest in farm country and rural America, the president has decided to gut key programs critical to the growth and success of family farmers. This budget is just another signal …
Apr 06
The fed cattle market has traded in a steady range around $235/cwt. live and $372/cwt. dressed in the past two weeks, roughly $10/cwt. lower than the late February high on a live basis. The post-report adjustment to the harvested head count two weeks ago pulled that week’s total to a paltry 503,000 head. Last week’s …
Apr 06
The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen is still accepting submissions for the Congressional Art Competition. Each spring, Members of the House of Representatives host a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across our nation. The theme for this year’s completion is “Celebrating 250 years of America.” Students’ artwork and accompanying …
Apr 05
A double shot of rainfall since the start of the month resulted in the southeastern half of the state seeing lots of two inch rainfall totals the first four days of April. According to Oklahoma Mesonet data, Pontotoc and Hughes Counties in east central Oklahoma had the highest rainfall totals from the early April rains- …
Apr 03
February exports of U.S. pork were slightly higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). While beef exports trended lower, due in large part to continued lack of access to China, shipments of beef variety meat posted another strong increase. February was a robust month for …
Apr 03
A recent amendment to the federal Farm Bill is drawing attention from sportsmen and canine organizations over its potential impact on traditional dog training and performance events. The provision, originally part of the Greyhound Protection Act (H.R. 5017), was added to the House version of the Farm Bill during committee markups. While the primary intent …
Apr 03
The landscape for U.S. beef exports is shifting significantly as Saudi Arabia has officially removed its export verification (EV) program requirements. This move simplifies the export process and positions American producers to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing food sectors. Streamlined Access and Market Potential The removal of the EV program, along with certain …
Apr 03
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, who shares a cattle industry perspective on an unusually early state budget agreement and what it could mean for agriculture. An Unprecedented Early Agreement Kelsey says the timing alone makes this budget …
