Oct 10
The American Farm Bureau Federation today sent letters to President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders to emphasize the severe economic pressures facing America’s farmers and ranchers. Falling crop prices, skyrocketing expenses and trade disputes are creating conditions that are too much for farm families to bear. “Across the country, farms are disappearing as families close …
Oct 10
Oklahoma’s brief autumn has been abruptly replaced by summer-like conditions, bringing unseasonably high temperatures and the concerning return of drought. State Climatologist Gary McManus and Farm Director KC Sheperd discussed the deteriorating weather pattern, which is compounded by the official onset of a La Niña episode. Summer Extends into Mid-October Oklahoma is experiencing temperatures significantly …
Oct 09
Despite the temporary suspension of full U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports due to the government shutdown, market analysts have continued to gauge the grain markets, confirming a prevailing concern: large grain supplies are currently in storage. This view is supported by trade analyst polls and carryover data from previous reports, suggesting minimal changes to …
Oct 09
Speaking from the Rural Economic Outlook Conference, Oklahoma State University (OSU) Vice President and Dean of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Dr. Jayson Lusk, delivered an optimistic update on the state of the university in an interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network. The conversation began on …
Oct 09
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor report, exceptional drought remains at 0 percent, unchanged from the start of the calendar year. No Severe Drought: As of October 7, 2025, no part of Oklahoma is classified in the D2 (Severe), D3 (Extreme), or D4 (Exceptional) categories. Rapid Expansion of Moderate Drought: …
Oct 08
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) will once again heavily emphasize producer education at the 2026 Cattle Industry Convention (Cattle Con), largely through the comprehensive Cattlemen’s College program. In a conversation with Hunter Ihrman, NCBA’s Senior Director of Producer Education, Michaela Clowser detailed the sessions, speakers, and new access options for the upcoming event. 2026 …
Oct 08
Farm Director KC Sheperd spoke with Heather Hampton Knodle, president of Knodle Farms, at the Rural Economic Outlook Conference, who discussed both the promise and the challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern agriculture. Knodle emphasized that while AI can seem intimidating to producers, it offers real, practical opportunities already available today. “I tried to …
Oct 08
Farm Director KC Shepered spoke with Scott Hays of the Missouri Pork Association reflected on the state of pork production. He noted, “Our producers have just come off a really tough time 2023 and then on into 2024 was was one of the toughest periods, at least in my career, my lifetime, for pork producers. …
Oct 07
U.S. agricultural producer sentiment changed little in September as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer reading of 126 was just one point higher than a month earlier. However, there was a shift in producers’ perceptions of current conditions and their expectations for the future. Producers’ perceptions of current conditions on their farms weakened as the Index of …
Oct 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 …
