Sep 24
The Kansas Livestock Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and Texas Cattle Feeders Association are closely monitoring reported U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity affecting agricultural communities in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas. Our organizations respect the responsibility of federal agencies to enforce the law. At the same time, cattle producers, feedyards, dairies, livestock markets, processors, and …
Sep 24
Volatile crop markets and planting uncertainty are creating a challenging backdrop for Oklahoma producers as fall fieldwork gets underway. After starting the week on solid ground, commodity markets gave back their gains and then some, with hard red winter wheat contracts dropping roughly 30 cents from Monday’s highs. Farm Director KC Sheperd recently sat down …
Sep 24
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Oklahoma’s drought situation continues to worsen, with exceptional drought now covering 20.79% of the state—the highest percentage of exceptional drought in the nation. With moderate to extreme drought affecting all of Oklahoma and no part of the state currently drought-free, conditions remain especially concerning across western and …
Sep 24
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays features comments from National Cattlemen’s Beef Association lead lobbyist Ethan Lane, who recently joined farm broadcasters from across the country to discuss the latest issues facing the beef industry. Lane talks about tight cattle supplies, consumer demand, the Farm Bill, and what he hopes …
Sep 24
Rural electric cooperatives across the nation are facing unprecedented shifts in electricity demand as large-scale data center projects increasingly target rural communities, according to Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The NRECA represents more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives that are now balancing how to accommodate massive industrial loads …
Sep 23
Oklahoma drought relief may finally be approaching as a strengthening El Niño pattern offers hope to parched agricultural lands, according to State Climatologist Gary McManus. Speaking with Farm Director KC Sheperd at a recent Drought Commission meeting, McManus outlined the harsh reality currently facing the state’s agricultural producers while presenting a more promising long-term outlook …
Sep 23
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays features audio with Bob Funk Jr. about the upcoming dispersal of the Express Ranches cattle operation. Funk’s comments come from a recent conversation that he and longtime Express Ranches’ management Donnie Robertson and Kevin Hafner had about the decision to disperse the historic herd …
Sep 23
For sixth-generation Oklahoma cattle producer Lodge Scott, managing a stocker operation means keeping a close eye on cattle performance, feeding costs, and the bottom line. At his operation east of Waurika in Jefferson County, Scott raises his own stockers while also feeding customer cattle for 60 to 75 days before sending them back or selling …
Sep 22
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 …
Sep 22
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays features comments from Dr. J.R. Tate of Allied Genetic Resources about selection indexes developed for the American Wagyu Association. Tate spoke with associate farm reporter Carli Davenport at the American Wagyu Association’s annual meeting in Oklahoma City. Tate explains how the indexes combine multiple …
