Mar 30
The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is accepting online applications from entrepreneurs for the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge through June 5. Now in its 13th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The overall winner of …
Mar 30
As families prepare for Easter festivities, food safety remains a top priority, especially when it comes to the tradition of decorating and hunting for eggs. USDA food safety expert Meredith Carothers recently shared essential guidelines with Rod Bain of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure these holiday treats remain safe to eat. Timing and …
Mar 30
Tatumn Kennedy of Meeker, Colorado, was recently named the Oklahoma State UniversityFerguson College of Agriculture 2026 Louis and Betty Gardner Outstanding Senior, the highest honor given to a senior in the Ferguson College. Kennedy, who will earn a bachelor’s degree in biosystems engineering with a minor in ethical leadership, has focused on integrating servant leadership with technical service to …
Mar 30
Following the benchmark rate reductions in 2025, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) left the federal funds target rate unchanged at 3.50–3.75% at its March 2026 meeting (Federal Reserve, 2026). While benchmark rates have come down from post-pandemic highs, borrowing costs continue to remain elevated compared to the low-interest-rate environment before 2022. For farmers across …
Mar 30
Hydro, Oklahoma, farmer Aaron Schantz and Farm Director KC Sheperd recently discussed the current state of Oklahoma agriculture, covering everything from the impact of the ongoing drought to the complexities of farm succession planning. The conversation highlighted the resilience required in the industry and the strategic shifts farmers are making to adapt to a changing …
Mar 30
Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) is reporting a surge in wildfire activity across the state, with high to very-high fire danger indices expected to remain through today. Combined with dry fuels and strengthening winds, officials have issued a Red Flag Warning for Western Oklahoma and the Panhandle, while central and eastern regions remain under elevated threat …
Mar 30
In today’s Beef Buzz, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays features comments with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who is signaling a possible shift toward reopening the U.S.–Mexico border to feeder cattle imports while continuing aggressive efforts to contain New World screwworm. The Secretary spoke with the media following her Saturday address to …
Mar 30
Oklahoma is currently enduring a stretch of volatile weather characterized by near-record temperatures, high winds, and a mounting drought, according to State Climatologist Gary McManus, but hope may be on the way. The state experienced lots of fire risk with a “dirty, hazy day” yesterday, fueled by smoke and dust, with a similar pattern expected …
Mar 30
Leaders and members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) joined a White House event celebrating the Working Families Tax Cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. NCBA played a key role in advancing this legislation, advocating for its passage and building on years of effort to expand the estate tax exemption, also known …
Mar 30
Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the oldest and largest livestock association in the Southwest, elected Stephen Diebel as president during the 2026 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo over the weekend. Diebel, of Victoria, Texas, brings extensive expertise and a proven advocacy track record to his two-year term as TSCRA president. As a fifth-generation rancher, …
