Category: Ag News

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:11:28 CDT

The National Sorghum Foundation recently announced a leadership transition as Jeff Dahlberg, Ph.D., begins his role as chairman of the foundation, replacing Larry Lambright.

“We are thrilled to welc…

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 11:01:39 CDT

A new trade report analyzing the effects of beef imports and exports highlights the strong economic value of the U.S. beef industry’s participation in a global marketplace.

The report, “Assessing Economic Impact That Would Follow Loss of US Beef Exports and Imports,” was authored by Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist, and Glynn Tonsor, professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University.

Commissioned by the Kansas Beef Council, Oklahoma Beef Council and Texas Beef Council, Peel and Tonsor spent six months preparing the 80-page document that was released on Sept. 26.

Peel said he has fielded questions his entire career concerning beef imports, and many people are not aware of the value of exports, believing more than enough beef is grown in the U.S. to sustain its population. His findings prove otherwise.

“One of the main points that came out of this report is the recognition that while producers produce cattle as a single product, what they sell becomes thousands of different products,” he said. “The marketplace plays a big role in sorting out where the best value is for all those products that ultimately contribute to the overall value of cattle.”

When opportunities are available, the U.S. exports specific products to certain markets, and the vast range of different beef commodities helps the industry grow.

“The U.S. is a relatively mature market in terms of where we are with beef demand, but there’s a lot more potential in the global market, broadly speaking,” Peel said. “Potential growth in the industry is going to rest more and more with the trade sector, and we highlight the fact that the marketplace has grown a lot in the last 20 to 30 years.”

Peel and Tonsor’s research shows that a 10% reduction in beef imports and exports over a 10-year period would result in a $20 billion impact to cattle producers.

“Bottom line, there would be huge economic losses if we did not trade, and the beef industry would be much smaller,” Peel said.

The full report is available through the K-State Department of Agricultural Economics.

Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays, had the chance to talk with Peel in depth about the study. Click below to listen to episodes of beef buzz where Hays and Peel discuss the value of international trade.

Derrell Peel Explains Why International Trade of Beef is Valuable

No Imports or Exports Would Result in a Smaller U.S. Beef Cattle Industry

OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 19:20:45 CDT

Click here to listen to audio

Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association are set to host a gubernatorial candidate forum on agriculture Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Comanche County Fairgrounds in Lawton.

Incumbent Republican candidate Gov. Kevin Stitt is confirmed to attend. Democratic candidate Joy Hofmeister has been invited but has not yet confirmed.

The candidate forum will be moderated by Ron Hays, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster for the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network.

OKFB and OCA members are encouraged to attend, and the event is open to the general public.

Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association believes this is a tremendous opportunity for people in rural areas to hear more from the candidates on issues that are most relevant to them- things like drought, rural economic developement, medical marijuana grow licenses, rural broadband as well as their view of what the future of agriculture and rural Oklahoma looks like. Kelsey provides a preview to Hays that you can hear by clicking on the Listen Link in this story.

Event:         OKFB/OCA Gubernatorial Forum on Agriculture
Date:          Wednesday, Oct. 26
Time:          11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location:    Prairie Building
Comanche County Fairgrounds
920 SW Sheridan Rd
Lawton, Oklahoma

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 10:39:04 CDT

Immediate Help for Over 13,000 Distressed USDA Farm Loan Borrowers; Begins process to provide up to $500 million more for up to 23,000 additional borrowers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to…

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 10:35:56 CDT

The Fall 2022 issue of Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Oklahoma Country magazine is now available online. The latest issue is also headed to Farm Bureau members’ mailboxes around the state.

Oklahoma Co…

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:26:44 CDT

Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the launch of its application period for the 2023 Friends of NACD District Grants Program.

Now in its fourth round of funding,…

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 09:24:51 CDT

If you or someone you know is an outstanding high school senior interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, we have an opportunity for you! Future ag leaders are vital to the sustainability and growth of…