Michael Langemeier and Joana Colussi, Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture Farmer sentiment improved in February as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) Index rose from 113 points in January to 116 (see Figure 1). The Current Conditions Index increased by 11 points, while the Future Expectations Index dropped 1 point (see Figure 2). The Future Expectations Index this month was 45 points …
Category: Ag News
Mar 03
Helena Introduces New Herbicides
Helena Agri-Enterprises is reshaping weed management strategies this season with the launch of Testament™. Introduced at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas, this new corn and soybean herbicide provides early weed protection and strong crop establishment in pre-plant and pre-emergence applications. Helena Products Group Brand Manager Dr. Michael Cox says Testament is designed with …
Mar 03
NRCS Highlights Regenerative Pilot Program for Oklahoma Producers
At the OACD state meeting, Farm Director KC Sheperd visited with Caleb Stone of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to discuss the Regenerative Pilot Program and what it means for Oklahoma producers. Stone explained that while the program is new as a pilot, it operates within existing conservation frameworks. “It’s a pilot that operates within …
Mar 03
Dr. Todd Hubbs: Geopolitical Tensions and Drought Concerns Anchor Late Winter Crop Outlook
The agricultural commodity markets are navigating a complex landscape of international conflict and domestic weather challenges as the 2025/26 marketing year progresses. In his latest analysis, Dr. Todd Hubbs from Oklahoma State University notes that February ended with “hostilities breaking out once again in the Middle East.” This shift impacted a week that had otherwise …
Mar 03
Dave Weaber: Cow-Calf Operators Taking a Measured Approach to Rebuilding
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dave Weaber, senior animal protein analyst with Terrain, about what cow-calf operators are really thinking as they consider rebuilding the U.S. cow herd. Weaber discusses results from the first Farm Credit cattle customer survey on herd expansion, which looked closely at producer …
Mar 03
Ranch Group Applauds New Sheep Tariff Bill
In late January, Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., introduced H.R.7276 in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation imposes a 30% tariff on sheep and lamb products from Australia or New Zealand. Reps. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah and Burgess Owens, R-Utah, are cosponsors of the legislation. In 2023, America’s sheep producers, who control approximately 22% of the …
Mar 03
Heavy Cattle Weights and Fewer Head
Authors- Josh Maples and David Anderson write in Southern Ag Today: For the many industry watchers who have long wondered how much bigger cattle slaughter weights could get, the latest trends suggest 2026 could see weights continue to rise. Steer dressed weights averaged 984 pounds during the second week of February. Assuming a 62.5 percent …
Mar 03
Ben Hale: Cattle Prices Remain Strong Even as Receipts Dip at Oklahoma City
On Tuesdays, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays visits with Ben Hale of Western Livestock Auctions as he talks about the latest in the markets and more. Established in 1995, Western has grown into a multi-generational family-owned and operated business and stands as a symbol of tradition, excellence, and a deep-rooted passion for the …
Mar 03
Oklahoma Fire Alert: High Risk in West as Severe Weather Moves Across State
The Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS) reports a complex weather pattern today, creating a “bimodal threat” that pits high wildfire danger in the western regions against potential severe weather and rain across the rest of the state. While much of Oklahoma prepares for moisture, a dry air wedge in the Panhandle and far western counties has …
Mar 03
Tuesday Preopening Market Update with Dave Lanning
RON’s Dave Lanning has a pre-opening look at today’s agricultural Markets. Click the audio tab below for today’s report.


























