Oct 08
As Oklahomans move into the fall, respiratory virus season will soon be in full swing. Although most viral infections don’t have a specific treatment, there are reliable ways to stay healthy. Daily healthy habits are important this time of year, said Nila Pradhananga, Oklahoma State University Extension nutrition specialist. “Quality sleep and a balanced diet …
Oct 08
West Texas A&M University has received a $9.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture—the largest federal award in University history—to fund what promises to be the most advanced cattle feedlot research facility in the world. The USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture awarded the grant for a center for beef cattle research …
Oct 08
The United Sorghum Checkoff Program has selected Clint White as its next executive director, effective Oct. 1. White succeeds Norma Ritz Johnson, who will remain with the organization through Jan. 12, 2027, to support the transition before retiring. White has served as the checkoff’s director of communications since 2021, working closely with Johnson, the board …
Oct 08
FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Oklahoma to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms and straight-line winds on July 4, 2026. Public Assistance federal funding is available to the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for …
Oct 08
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that dairy producers starting next Monday can enroll for 2027 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), a voluntary risk management program that was recently strengthened by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act with greater risk protection for dairy producers. DMC enrollment for 2027 starts Oct. 5 and runs through …
Oct 08
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development recently announced nearly $25 billion in rural community investments nationwide in fiscal year 2026. These projects strengthen essential infrastructure, expand housing and business opportunities, and ensure rural families and farmers have the tools they need to succeed. In Oklahoma, Rural Development invested more than $530 million in loans …
Oct 08
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the Farm Service Agency’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) will generate approximately $13.8 billion in gross payments to eligible agricultural producers for the 2025 crop year; the largest annual payout by far since these key safety net programs were established in the …
Oct 08
Kelton Arthur reached the pinnacle of the Tulsa State Fair Night of Champions by capturing the title of Grand Champion Market Steer. Speaking ringside with intern Haden Snelson following the banner win, Arthur reflected on the dedication required to secure the top spot after finishing as Reserve Grand Champion two years prior. “I thought I …
Oct 08
Since spring 2025, Texas ranchers, landowners and hay producers have watched isolated patches of dying forage spread across pasture and hay fields, leading to widespread forage loss and, in severe cases, the destruction of entire fields. Early reports presumed these observations were caused by the Rhodesgrass mealybug, a pest already known in Texas. Subsequent investigations confirmed …
Oct 08
Andrew Muhammad writes in Southern Ag Today: In September 2026, the United States and China established the U.S.-China Board of Trade, creating a framework through which government officials can discuss trade issues and oversee trade initiatives between the two countries. Announced during the recent state visit by President Xi Jinping, the Board is intended to …
