Feb 27
In a featured session at the 2026 Agricultural Outlook Forum, top trade officials detailed a fundamental shift in how the U.S. government secures international market access for American producers. Under Secretary Luke Lindberg of the USDA and USTR Ambassador Julie Callahan outlined an aggressive “wholesale reset” of global trading relationships designed to reverse the national …
Feb 27
Oklahoma Leaders Highlight Unprecedented Coordination in Wildfire Response: State officials gathered at the Oklahoma Emergency Management Center to provide updates on the wildfires that impacted the state last week and to outline the strategy for the high-danger conditions expected over the coming month. Governor Kevin Stitt led the briefing, emphasizing that the current level of …
Feb 26
According to a listing in the Federal Register earlier today- “In response to a court order, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are removing the northern and the southern distinct population segments (DPSs) of the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.” The complete rule may be …
Feb 26
The 2026 Grain Market Outlook: Grain markets experienced a volatile week as a combination of weather forecasts and shifting federal policies influenced prices across several commodities, according to OSU crop marketing specialist Dr. Todd Hubbs. In a recent conversation with farm director KC Sheperd, Dr. Hubbs noted that despite a strong rally in the previous …
Feb 26
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought conditions across Oklahoma continue to intensify this week, with 100% of the state now showing some level of dryness. While exceptional drought remains absent, the rapid expansion of moderate to extreme drought underscores how quickly conditions have deteriorated, driven by persistent warmth, wind, and a lack …
Feb 26
Oklahoma’s vast landscapes, from rolling prairies to bustling ranchlands, are under constant stewardship by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC). Executive Director Trey Lam recently sat down with Farm Director KC Sheperd to discuss the upcoming Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) annual meeting and the critical initiatives shaping the state’s environmental future. The OACD Annual …
Feb 25
Oklahoma Wildfire Alert: Critical Fuel Levels Override Weather Patterns Oklahoma is currently facing a volatile wildfire season, with the state’s natural “fuels”—grass, brush, and timber—reaching a tipping point. Farm Director KC Sheperd had the opportunity to visit with Andy James, Fire Management Chief for the Oklahoma Forestry Services, who said these fuels are so dry …
Feb 25
On February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union 2026 address to a joint session of Congress. Lasting approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes, it was the longest State of the Union address in U.S. history. Key Mentions of Agriculture and Producers The “Backbone of America” The President referred to American …
Feb 25
National Farmers Union VP Jeff Kipley Proposes IMSET to Save Small Family Farms in New Farm Bill: The American agricultural landscape is facing a period of significant instability, leading many in the industry to call for a more robust and predictable safety net. In a recent discussion with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Jeff Kipley, Vice …
Feb 24
State officials say drought conditions continue to worsen across Oklahoma, prompting renewed discussion at a recent drought commission meeting about how much relief funding remains available. Trey Lam with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission outlined where the state stands financially. Lam said the commission has just wrapped up its third round of drought programming and noted, …
