Mar 14
Oklahoma’s growing interest in agricultural mechanics was on full display this week as students from across the state showcased their technical skills and craftsmanship. Taking home the prestigious title of Overall Grand Champion was Brody Bazor, a junior from the Marietta FFA Chapter, who impressed judges with a sophisticated, custom-built firewood processor. Streamlining the Family …
Mar 14
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) took a leap of faith by launching its first-ever Ag Mechanics contest. It was a modest beginning—a “first effort” held in the Oklahoma Building with just 62 projects. Jerry Renshaw, the superintendent of the contest and a veteran agricultural educator, recalls …
Mar 13
U.S. pork exports trended higher year-over-year in January, led by another outstanding performance from leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). January beef exports were lower than a year ago due to the prolonged lockout in China, but export value per head of fed …
Mar 13
The landscape of global agricultural trade is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by shifting market dynamics and a proactive approach by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to bolster the competitiveness of American agricultural products. In a recent panel session, Michelle Bekkering, Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the USDA, highlighted …
Mar 13
According to the 2024 TOTAL survey (2024 Tenure, Ownership, and Transition of Agricultural Land (TOTAL) results released by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), over 2.0 million landowners rented out 348 million acres of farmland. The findings highlight a significant trend in American agriculture, showing that 79% of these acres are owned by non-farming …
Mar 12
It’s as about as busy as it can get at the OKC Fairgrounds, with the 2026 Oklahoma Youth Expo is full speed ahead- and the OG&E Coliseum hosts High School Basketball Championships through Saturday evening. For the OYE, Purebred Breeding Gilts will be wrapping up by early Friday afternoon- and the order of sale will …
Mar 12
The country’s largest general farm organization is now officially opposing the country’s largest railroad merger, warning the deal would leave farmers with fewer rail options and higher transportation costs according to an article from DTN. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) released an analysis concluding the proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk …
Mar 12
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought continues to hold a tight grip on Oklahoma this week. Part of southeastern Oklahoma has been downgraded from moderate drought to abnormally dry conditions, but areas of extreme drought continue to spread across the areas they’ve been affecting for weeks. According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor …
Mar 12
In a recent discussion with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Oklahoma State University Crop Marketing Specialist Dr. Todd Hubbs highlighted how geopolitical tensions and fluctuating energy prices are contributing to significant market volatility. While recent rallies in the wheat and soybean markets have pushed cash prices higher, Dr. Hubbs warned that rising input costs and global …
Mar 11
Farm Director KC Sheperd recently observed a high-tech school safety demonstration at Deer Creek Schools involving Campus Guardian Angel, a company providing a unique, drone-based tactical response to active threats with innovative drone technology. While school safety may seem a world away from the daily operations of a farm or ranch, the security of children …
