Jul 07
Farmer sentiment dropped again in June as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) Index declined from 119 points in May to 113 points in June (see Figure 1). The Index of Current Conditions fell by 5 points, while the Index of Future Expectations fell by 7 points (see Figure 2). June’s Current Conditions Index was 26 points below its December 2025 …
Jul 07
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses two distinct grades for beef carcasses. Quality Grades, based on marbling and maturity of the carcass indicate the eating satisfaction (tenderness, juiciness and flavor) of cooked beef. Yield Grades estimate the red meat yield (cutability) of a beef carcass. These grades enable differentiation of beef carcass quality and yield in …
Jul 07
Grain and oilseed futures prices moved higher over the last week, driven by weather issues around the globe. Futures prices emerged from the long holiday weekend in a bullish mood, fueled by speculation on crop potential amid a major heat wave in Europe, a delayed monsoon in India, and localized issues in the United States. …
Jul 07
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, will testify today in favor of proposed penalties for Brazil’s unfair restrictions on imports of U.S. ethanol. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is hosting a hearing on the issue following a year-long investigation into Brazil’s trade practices. Growth Energy also filed written comments earlier this month, welcoming USTR’s proposal to impose …
Jul 07
Stillwater, Oklahoma | At the beautiful Oklahoma State University botanic gardens in Stillwater, Oklahoma, high school students from across the state met for the State Envirothon on April 17, 2026. Creek County 4-H took home the championship and will compete at the International Envirothon in Starkville, Mississippi, this July. Members of the Creek County 4-H team …
Jul 07
This is day 12 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. Harvest continued over the holiday weekend, with farmers finishing up with the remaining wheat that was left to cut. Weather stayed hot …
Jul 07
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) released a study today highlighting the economic contribution of corn farming in the United States. The study showed America’s corn growers produced the largest crop in history in 2025, dwarfing the previous record. Over the year, corn growers produced 17.02 billion bushels, grown on 98.8 million acres and valued at $70.1 billion. “This is …
Jul 07
Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents hundreds of thousands of meatpacking and food processing workers across North America, released a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plan to pay smaller beef processing companies as the industry navigates the smallest cattle herd in decades. UFCW International President Milton Jones said: …
Jul 07
Exercise is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, but being physically active in Oklahoma’s intense heat may prompt people to skip their regular routine. Regular exercise offers numerous health benefits for people of all ages, including improved heart health and increased energy levels, but when the temperature climbs, there is a risk for heat-related …
Jul 07
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 …
