Jun 25
The threat of a rapidly intensifying King Kong El Niño is developing in the Pacific, carrying the potential to drastically alter weather patterns across the southern plains. However, Oklahoma must first navigate a forecasted period of below-normal precipitation through the core summer months. State Climatologist Gary McManus detailed the severe atmospheric shifts impacting the region, …
Jun 25
Oklahoma Junior Wheat Show 2026 is giving 4-H and FFA students across the state a chance to showcase their wheat production skills, compete for scholarships, and gain valuable experience in grain quality evaluation. In a recent conversation with senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays, Mike Schulte of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission highlighted key dates, …
Jun 25
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. As Oklahoma moves deeper into summer, drought continues to shape conditions for producers across the state. Although eastern Oklahoma has seen improving moisture, severe dryness in the west is still driving higher input costs, stressing pastures, and adding pressure to already difficult production decisions. According to the …
Jun 24
With the highly anticipated USDA acreage report on the horizon, Farmers Business Network (FBN) is sharing a preview from its sixth annual US Acreage Report. The data highlights how severe weather is altering planting decisions across the country. In a recent discussion with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Josh McClure of FBN broke down the numbers, …
Jun 24
The release of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s discussion draft of the 2026 Farm Bill has renewed debate over California’s Proposition 12, a law that sets animal housing standards for pork, veal, and egg products sold in the state, regardless of where those animals are raised. For pork producers across the country, Prop 12 remains a …
Jun 24
Families celebrating the Fourth of July with a cookout will find that grocery store prices closely reflect inflation over the last year. An Independence Day cookout will cost $73.82 for 10 guests this year, according to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. This is up $2.90 from last year, which is a …
Jun 23
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry is moving forward with a discussion draft for Farm Bill 2.0, formally titled the Agricultural Act of 2026. Introduced by Chairman John Boozman (R-AR), the legislative framework is designed to deliver stability, modernization, and long-term security to rural communities and the families who safeguard the nation’s …
Jun 23
The 2026 Oklahoma wheat harvest is rapidly drawing to a close, with operations estimated at 95% complete. While producers are pushing to finish the remaining irrigated acres in the Panhandle and final fields in north-central and northeastern portions of the state, recent heavy rainfall has forced them to contend with incredibly muddy field conditions. Despite …
Jun 23
For many modern consumers, the connection to the food on their plate has been entirely severed. Speaking at the R-CALF USA National Convention, Ben Spell, Founder and CEO of Good Ranchers, addressed a room of cattle producers to discuss the vital importance of connecting consumers to American beef. Spell, who manages a direct-to-consumer meat company …
Jun 23
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 …
