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 26
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought conditions across Oklahoma continue to intensify this week, with 100% of the state now showing some level of dryness. While exceptional drought remains absent, the rapid expansion of moderate to extreme drought underscores how quickly conditions have deteriorated, driven by persistent warmth, wind, and a lack …
Feb 26
Oklahoma’s vast landscapes, from rolling prairies to bustling ranchlands, are under constant stewardship by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC). Executive Director Trey Lam recently sat down with Farm Director KC Sheperd to discuss the upcoming Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) annual meeting and the critical initiatives shaping the state’s environmental future. The OACD Annual …
Feb 25
Oklahoma Wildfire Alert: Critical Fuel Levels Override Weather Patterns Oklahoma is currently facing a volatile wildfire season, with the state’s natural “fuels”—grass, brush, and timber—reaching a tipping point. Farm Director KC Sheperd had the opportunity to visit with Andy James, Fire Management Chief for the Oklahoma Forestry Services, who said these fuels are so dry …
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
State officials say drought conditions continue to worsen across Oklahoma, prompting renewed discussion at a recent drought commission meeting about how much relief funding remains available. Trey Lam with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission outlined where the state stands financially. Lam said the commission has just wrapped up its third round of drought programming and noted, …
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
At a Drought Commission meeting, Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus sat down with KC Sheperd to lay out just how serious current drought conditions have become across the state. McManus was direct about the situation, saying, “Yes, we are very much in a drought, and we’re probably going to be in a drought for a …
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 24
2026 Crop Outlook: New Tariffs and Biofuel Mandates Shake Wheat and Soybean MarketsThe final week of February 2026 has introduced a wave of volatility across agricultural markets, driven by a landmark Supreme Court ruling and a sudden shift in federal trade policy. According to Dr. Todd Hubbs, crop marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, the …
