Feb 27
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays continues part two of his conversation from yesterday with Shannon Ferrell, Oklahoma State University, about the often-emotional process of ranch succession planning and why legacy should be viewed as a strength rather than a burden. Ferrell emphasized that multi-generation ranches are deeply connected to …
Feb 26
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Shannon Ferrell, an agricultural economist with Oklahoma State University, about a new ranch succession planning tool designed to help producers address one of the cattle industry’s most pressing challenges—the aging ranch population. Ferrell says ranchers are increasingly aware they must “figure out …
Feb 25
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays continues his conversation with David Freelander, Senior Director of Market Research for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, about how today’s consumers view beef. Freelander says that even consumers who talk frequently about sustainability still prioritize protein quality and nutrition. “At the end of the …
Feb 24
Boxed beef surged higher Tuesday, with the Choice cutout jumping $8.21 to $377.43, marking the largest single-day gain so far this year. Choice has now posted gains for four consecutive sessions, climbing a total of $13.63 over that stretch. Select added $1.70 to $366.01, widening the Choice/Select spread to $11.42 on movement of 102 loads. …
Feb 24
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 …
Feb 24
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with David Freelander, Senior Director of Market Research for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, about how rapidly today’s beef consumer is changing. Freelander says the pace of change has been striking, noting, “In the three years I’ve been here, it’s remarkable just to …
Feb 24
Amarie Bartel, president of the Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Association, recently spoke with associate farm reporter Carli Davenport following the group’s return from CattleCon and the American National CattleWomen meeting in Nashville. Bartel said the event was a standout moment for Oklahoma members, calling it “really a proud time to be an Oklahoma cattlewoman,” as several leaders …
Feb 20
The February USDA Cattle on Feed Report confirms a continuation of tight cattle supplies across the United States, reflecting ongoing pressure on both feedlot inventories and beef production capacity. Oklahoma Farm Report’s Ron Hays sat down via telephone with Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Darrell Peel of Oklahoma State University, who says total cattle on …
Feb 20
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with John Hutcheson, director of the beef cattle technical services team with Merck Animal Health, about a newly approved tool to help protect U.S. cattle from the threat of New World screwworm. The conversation took place on the trade show floor, where Hutcheson …
Feb 19
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Ben Weinheimer, president of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, about the sharp decline in Mexican feeder cattle entering U.S. feedlots and the broader implications for beef production. Industry sources believe that here in the first quarter of 2026, there are “almost no …
