Category: Ag News

Early April Rainfall Helpful in Central/Eastern Oklahoma- Expect Extreme Drought to Persist

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- …

Continue reading

February Pork Exports Above Year-Ago; Another Big Month for Beef Variety Meat

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 …

Continue reading

Federal Farm Bill Amendment Raises Concerns Over Hunting Dog Training and Performance Events

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 …

Continue reading

Saudi Arabia Removes Import Barriers, Opening Doors for U.S. Beef Expansion

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 …

Continue reading

Oklahoma State Tax Revenue Report – March 2026

Early Oklahoma Budget Deal Signals Fast-Track Session, Says Michael Kelsey

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 …

Continue reading

The Resilient Spirit: Why Easter Holds Profound Meaning for Farmers and Ag Producers

For those who work the land, Easter is far more than a date on the calendar or a weekend of tradition. It represents a physical and spiritual intersection of renewal, hope, and the relentless cycle of life that defines the agricultural industry. In rural communities across the country, the themes of the season are mirrored …

Continue reading

Cow Calf Corner Paul Beck: Influence of Backgrounding on Finishing Performance and Carcass Traits

The segmented nature of the beef industry naturally leads to production and economic inefficiencies. Management and nutrition prior to feedlot entry have long-lasting implications on performance during the finishing phase. In the past few weeks, I have discussed observations on the increase in cow mature body weight and its impact on the carcass weights of …

Continue reading

Data Centers and Their Implications for Rural Communities

Data centers are moving into rural areas across the United States, hence competing with farmers and communities for land, water, and energy. Understanding what these facilities require and what they don’t offer in return is essential for rural communities. The key question is whether data centers complement or compete with agricultural operations. The answer depends …

Continue reading

USDA, DOI Announce Federal Grazing Agreement to Expand Access; Secretary Signals Support for MCOOL

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of the Interior yesterday announced a joint agreement to expand livestock grazing on federally managed lands as part of a broader strategy to rebuild the U.S. cow herd and strengthen domestic cattle production. The agreement focuses on reopening vacant grazing allotments, maintaining existing grazing capacity, improving coordination …

Continue reading

Verified by MonsterInsights