Jul 14
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.1 points in June to 97.4, nearing its 52-year average of 98.0. Expectations for better business conditions and real sales expectations improved substantially and primarily drove the rise in the Index. The Uncertainty Index fell 2 points from May to 89, remaining well above its historical average of …
Jul 14
Today, Representative Frank D. Lucas (OK-03), a member of the House Financial Services Committee and Chairman of the House Financial Services Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity, delivered remarks on the House floor advocating for fiscal responsibility by supporting the Common Cents Act. The legislation would codify President Trump’s order …
Jul 14
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the unsealing of a federal indictment against two employees of a state-registered Seminole County marijuana farm on charges relating to illegal foreign pesticides. The Indictment charges Jin Zhao Chi, a/k/a/ a Chi LU, a/k/a A Chi, age 44, with one count of Conspiracy to Smuggle …
Jul 14
Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a new agreement involving the companies named in the long-running Illinois River Watershed poultry litigation: “After more than two decades of litigation, I am encouraged that the state and all six poultry integrators have reached a new agreement. The agreement announced …
Jul 14
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol today announced that 2.34 million planted acres now provide field-level data through the program for the 2026 crop year, representing nearly one in four of the 9.85 million total U.S. cotton acres planted this season. This reflects the continued commitment of U.S. cotton growers to responsible production, even as they …
Jul 14
The Oklahoma cotton crop is showing highly variable conditions across the state this season, characterized by notable field-to-field differences. Recent tours through Western Oklahoma reveal a mixed landscape, which aligns with broader observations statewide. Areas along the I-40 corridor that received timely rainfall after being “dusted in” are progressing well, though producers note that additional …
Jul 14
In today’s Beef Buzz, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Ethan Lane, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, about the policy work taking place during the 2026 Summer Cattle Industry Business Meeting in Denver. NCBA’s Most Important Policy Meeting of the Year The National Cattlemen’s Beef …
Jul 14
Weather and geopolitical events continue to impact grain markets. When USDA reports are added to the mix, high volatility is the norm at present. On Friday July 10, USDA released the Crop Production and WASDE reports. The July Crop Production report provides updates of the winter wheat crop. The WASDE puts forth the initial by …
Jul 14
Reporting on the latest agricultural developments, Rod Bain highlighted federal efforts to reduce domestic fertilizer costs and ramp up production nationwide. Through the newly announced FIELDS initiative—which stands for Fertilizer Investment and Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply—the government is directing $500 million in long-term investments to strengthen the agricultural supply chain, increase supplies, and improve long-term affordability …
Jul 14
Dennis Brothers writes in Southern Ag Today: Of all the factors that might influence the cost of producing poultry for U.S. contract growers, data centers likely would not come to mind. Yet their impact may be broader than expected, bringing both benefits and challenges. First, we might consider what a data center does. They are physical …
