Mar 31
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with meteorologist and atmospheric scientist Matt Makens, who is tracking a critical weather transition that could shape moisture patterns, drought recovery, and even pest risks for cattle producers across the Southern Plains. From La Niña to El Niño: A Slow Shift Ahead Makens …
Mar 30
Oklahoma is currently enduring a stretch of volatile weather characterized by near-record temperatures, high winds, and a mounting drought, according to State Climatologist Gary McManus, but hope may be on the way. The state experienced lots of fire risk with a “dirty, hazy day” yesterday, fueled by smoke and dust, with a similar pattern expected …
Mar 27
Farm Director KC Sheperd recently sat down with Richard Fordyce, the USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, to discuss the pressing economic challenges and disaster relief efforts currently affecting American farmers and ranchers. Fordyce, who also serves as the former administrator of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and is a farmer himself, provided …
Mar 26
Wheat and grain markets are facing a landscape of intense market volatility and planting forecasts, driven by geopolitical tension and domestic weather concerns. OSU Crop Marketing Specialist Dr. Todd Hubbs recently joined Farm Director KC Sheperd to break down the factors currently swaying the agricultural complex, ranging from conflict in the Middle East to impending …
Mar 26
The 2026 Oklahoma wheat crop is facing a pivotal moment where moisture is crucial to prevent further abandonment across the state. OSU small grains specialist Dr. Amanda Silva recently sat down with Farm Director KC Sheperd to discuss a season defined by “thermal shock,” where temperatures swung from freezes to 90-degree heat in a single …
Mar 26
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought conditions continue to grip much of Oklahoma, with nearly 94% of the state affected and extreme drought expanding sharply in recent days. The most concerning shift is the growth of extreme drought, now covering over 22% of the state—a significant jump from just a week ago. …
Mar 25
Oklahoma’s winter wheat crop is entering a critical developmental phase under extreme duress as record-breaking March heat and persistent dryness deplete remaining soil moisture. While a shift in weather patterns offers hope of rain by early next week, agricultural experts warn that the window to save yield potential is narrowing for many producers as the …
Mar 23
Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus reports that while the recent stretch of extreme temperatures was significant, it fell just short of the most intense March heat wave in state history. Despite wind chills dipping into the single digits and teens earlier in the week, the state quickly transitioned into a record-breaking environment that saw temperatures …
Mar 19
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought continues to tighten its grip across Oklahoma, with nearly the entire state experiencing some level of dryness and conditions gradually worsening week by week. Even as exceptional drought remains absent, expanding moderate-to-extreme conditions and a lack of meaningful rainfall in the outlook are raising fresh concerns …
Mar 12
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought continues to hold a tight grip on Oklahoma this week. Part of southeastern Oklahoma has been downgraded from moderate drought to abnormally dry conditions, but areas of extreme drought continue to spread across the areas they’ve been affecting for weeks. According to the latest Oklahoma Drought Monitor …
