The agricultural commodity markets are navigating a complex landscape of international conflict and domestic weather challenges as the 2025/26 marketing year progresses. In his latest analysis, Dr. Todd Hubbs from Oklahoma State University notes that February ended with “hostilities breaking out once again in the Middle East.” This shift impacted a week that had otherwise …
Tag: oklahoma
Mar 03
Dave Weaber: Cow-Calf Operators Taking a Measured Approach to Rebuilding
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dave Weaber, senior animal protein analyst with Terrain, about what cow-calf operators are really thinking as they consider rebuilding the U.S. cow herd. Weaber discusses results from the first Farm Credit cattle customer survey on herd expansion, which looked closely at producer …
Mar 03
Ben Hale: Cattle Prices Remain Strong Even as Receipts Dip at Oklahoma City
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 …
Mar 02
Oklahoma Weather: Record-Breaking Winter Heat Yields to Make-or-Break Rain Week
The climatological winter of 2025–2026 has officially entered the record books as the warmest in Oklahoma history, leaving a trail of intensified drought and devastating wildfires in its wake. As the state transitions into March, State Climatologist Gary McManus suggests the current Oklahoma Weather week could serve as a “make-or-break” turning point for the parched …
Mar 02
Fish and Wildlife Service Removes Threatened and Endangered Listings of Lesser Prairie Chicken
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Mary-Thomas Hart, chief counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, about a long-awaited decision that removes federal endangered species oversight from the Lesser Prairie Chicken across five states. Hart says the final action from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service follows months …
Mar 02
Barry Squires on the Vital Role of Cooperatives in Today’s Farm Economy
Barry Squires, a longtime producer and board member, recently sat down with Carli Davenport, associate farm reporter, to discuss his agricultural background, the value of cooperatives, and the challenges farmers face today. Squires is affiliated with Farmers Co‑Op Mill & Elevator and also serves on the board of the AFR, bringing both on-the-ground and leadership …
Feb 27
OSU’s Shannon Ferrell on Ranch Succession, Legacy, and Tax Certainty
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
US Fish and Wildlife Service Completely Delist Lesser Prairie Chicken from Any Endangered Status
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
Wheat Prices and Biofuel Policies: Dr. Todd Hubbs on the 2026 Grain Market Outlook
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 …
























