May 22
A newly released Lifecycle assessment of United States cotton fiber production is giving growers, brands, and retailers a deeper look at the environmental impacts of cotton production—and according to Dr. Jesse Daystar of Cotton Incorporated, the findings show U.S. cotton is positioned strongly when it comes to sustainability and transparency. Speaking with associate farm reporter …
May 22
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays features comments from Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation who spoke at the spring conference, about renewed optimism surrounding U.S. beef access to China after American cattle producers have been effectively shut out of the market since early 2025. …
May 22
After more than seven years serving Oklahoma agriculture as the Deputy Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, JanLee Rowlett is saying goodbye to ODAFF as she prepares to take on a new role with the Livestock Marketing Association. Speaking with Farm Director KC Sheperd at a farewell gathering, Rowlett reflected on …
May 21
The agricultural markets are experiencing notable volatility, driven by international political developments and shifting economic forecasts. Farm Director KC Sheperd recently sat down with Todd Hubbs from Oklahoma State University (OSU) to discuss the current state of the markets and what producers can expect in the coming weeks. The conversation highlighted how global events, particularly …
May 21
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays continues his conversation with Dr. Jeff Goodwin, chairman-elect of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, about some of the biggest questions facing the cattle industry — from balancing larger carcass weights with efficiency to managing drought and building practical sustainability solutions for ranchers across …
May 21
Wheat disease pressure in Oklahoma has intensified this season, with multiple viruses and fungal infections affecting fields across the state, according to Oklahoma State University plant pathologist Dr. Meriem Aoun. Speaking during the Lahoma Wheat Field Day with summer intern Presley Strickland, Aoun said growers are seeing unusually widespread disease activity, particularly from wheat streak …
May 20
The opening session of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring meeting focused on expanding global meat demand and the vital connection between international market development and local farm families. Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur welcomed attendees, emphasizing that while large-scale market strategies look at trade from a high-level perspective, the true impact is …
May 20
The Oklahoma agricultural education community is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated and influential champions, Jackie “Jack” Dean Staats. Born December 15, 1951, Staats dedicated nearly five decades of his life to shaping the future of agricultural youth, serving as a high school instructor, the State FFA Advisor, and a university educator. …
May 20
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dr. Jeff Goodwin, who explains how the beef industry is working to answer sustainability questions through research, collaboration, and data-driven tools designed to benefit producers across the supply chain. Hays and Dr. Goodwin talked at the 2026 General Assembly Meeting of the …
May 19
An uncommonly accelerated growing season has wheat harvest already underway across parts of Oklahoma. To check on the crop’s status and review the findings from recent field days, Farm Director KC Sheperd sat down with Dr. Amanda Silva, Oklahoma State University Extension Small Grains Specialist. Dr. Silva shared critical data on variety performance across diverse …
