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 …
Tag: oklahoma
Jan 05
Japanese Delegation Meets with U.S. Farmers to Discuss Soybean Admixture in Wheat
Wheat farmers in the United States and consumers in Japan share a special relationship built on trust and mutual respect cultivated over the past 70 years. As a result, Japan is one of the largest and loyal markets for U.S. wheat, importing roughly half of its wheat needs from the United States. Maintaining this market …
Jan 05
Oklahoma Drought Update: Gary McManus Warns of “Flash Drought” Amidst January Warmth
Oklahoma Drought Update: Gary McManus Warns of “Flash Drought” Amidst January Warmth. According to State Climatologist Gary McManus, December 2025 will go down in the record books as a month of stark extremes, characterized by historic heat and a near-total absence of rainfall. Data from the Oklahoma Mesonet indicates the month ranked as the second-driest …
Jan 01
2026 Cattlemen’s Congress Continues to Grow, Attracting Global Interest and Record Participation
Erin Dorsey, who has been involved with Cattlemen’s Congress since its very beginning in 2020, talked with Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays on New Year’s Eve as she worked on stalling assignments and other last minute preparation for the largest Beef Cattle Show in the country. She reflected on how far the show …
Jan 01
Oklahoma Drought Coverage Increases In This Weeks Drought Monitor
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. The latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor shows drought conditions worsening across the state, with moderate to extreme drought now covering nearly 54% of Oklahoma—up sharply from about 45% last week—while exceptional drought remains at zero percent. Extreme drought continues to hold steady in southern Oklahoma at 4.8%, even …
Dec 26
Reviewing 2025 with Oklahoma Secretary of Ag Blayne Arthur
Blayne Arthur has never been just a bystander in Oklahoma’s agriculture scene. Since becoming Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture in December 2018—making her the first woman in the state’s history to hold the post—Arthur has woven together policy expertise, practical experience, and a deep connection to rural living, earning praise from both ends of the political …
Dec 25
Drought Across Oklahoma Continues to Expand as the End of 2025 Nears
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. The latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor continues to show no exceptional drought in the state, but drought conditions continue to expand across the state, with close to half the state in Moderate Drought or worse. This latest Drought Monitor shows almost three fourths of Oklahoma is Abnormally dry …
Dec 24
Reflecting on 2025 with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur
State Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur: Leadership, Resilience, and the Road Ahead for Oklahoma Agriculture Blayne Arthur has never been just a bystander in Oklahoma’s agriculture scene. Since becoming Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture in December 2018—making her the first woman in the state’s history to hold the post—Arthur has woven together policy expertise, practical experience, …
Dec 24
Which Wheat for What Product? IGP Short Course Provides Emerging Wheat Leaders and Staff with a Crash Course in Flour Milling
IGP Short Course Provides Emerging Wheat Leaders and Staff with a Crash Course in Flour Milling: From the rolling hills of the Palouse to the trading desk in Kansas City, the day-to-day work of the U.S. wheat industry is a whirlwind of activity. For farmers, staffers and traders, the focus is often on the immediate …
Dec 22
Ben Hale Recaps Strong Year-End Cattle Markets for Western Livestock
Final livestock sales for 2025 wrapped up on a strong note across Western Livestock markets, according to Ben Hale. Looking first at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Hale said receipts totaled about 8,500 head, up from 7,400 a year earlier. While some classes eased slightly, overall demand remained solid. “The feeders were higher, heifers were higher, …



















