Tag: agriculture

USDA NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt Highlights Soil Health and Resilience in Oklahoma Visit

NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt recently visited Oklahoma to witness the state’s ongoing conservation efforts and engage with over 900 youth participants at a national land judging contest. Farm director KC Sheperd was on hand with Bettencourt who described the state as the “birthplace of the service,” Bettencourt emphasized that the agency’s primary mission is to …

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Oklahoma FFA and Beef Council Reach 8,000 Students Through Masters in Beef Advocacy Program

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Executive Director of the Oklahoma Beef Council Heather Buckmaster about the long-running partnership between the Oklahoma Beef Council and the Oklahoma FFA Association to teach the Master of Beef Advocacy program in classrooms across the state. Teaching the Next Generation About Beef …

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DOJ Investigation Into Meatpackers Draws Calls for Whistleblowers and Fair Competition

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays features comments from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, White House advisor Peter Navarro, Shad Sullivan, ag journalist Jerry Hagstrom, and NCBA Colin Woodall regarding the ongoing Department of Justice investigation into the nation’s four largest meatpackers. While no …

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Advancing Agriculture: Insights from The Fertilizer Institute on Supply and Policy

In a recent discussion at The Fertilizer Institute, Farm Director KC Sheperd sat down with Chris Glen to discuss the current landscape of the fertilizer industry. As the spring planting season approaches, the conversation focused on the industry’s efforts to ensure growers have the crop nutrients they need to maintain the nation’s food and fuel …

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Agricultural Market Outlook with Todd Hubbs: Navigating Volatility in Wheat, Corn, and Soybeans

The agricultural commodities market is currently facing significant downward pressure, as highlighted by OSU Crop Marketing Specialist Todd Hubbs in a recent conversation with Farm Director KC Sheperd. This agricultural market outlook reveals a landscape of “red” in the futures markets, driven largely by geopolitical developments and shifting investor sentiment. Hubbs noted that proposed administrative …

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Seed Industry Innovation Starts the Food Chain, Says American Seed Trade Association

Farmers often focus on weather, markets, and equipment, but every season truly begins long before planting—with the seed itself. That foundational role is exactly what leaders in the seed industry say deserves more attention as innovation, regulation, and global trade continue to shape the future of agriculture. A Legacy Rooted in Innovation Speaking with Oklahoma …

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Oklahoma FFA Public Speaking Champion Cierra Collins Highlights Mushrooms’ Role in Agriculture and Plastic Decomposition

At the 100th Oklahoma State FFA Convention in Stillwater, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays caught up with 2026 State Prepared Public Speaking Champion Cierra Collins, a standout student from Frederick FFA who is bringing a unique and timely topic to the national stage. “I appreciate it,” Collins said after earning the top honor. …

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Ben Hale: Strong Demand and Optimism Drive Oklahoma Cattle Markets Despite Volatile Board

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 …

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Crop Progress: Wheat Condition Concerns Persist into May

According to the latest crop progress report released on May 4th, 2026, Oklahoma’s winter wheat headed is at 70%, while winter wheat conditions are rated 16% good to excellent, 49% very poor to poor, and 35% fair. Kansas winter wheat headed is at 70% winter wheat crop is ranked 22% good to excellent, 34% fair, …

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Optimizing Agricultural Labor and Rural Healthcare: A Discussion with Senator James Lankford

Optimizing Agricultural Labor and Rural Healthcare: A Discussion with Senator James LankfordIn a recent interview conducted by Farm Director KC Sheperd at Senator James Lankford’s Washington, D.C. office, the discussion centered on the critical intersection of immigration reform, rural healthcare funding, and the upcoming Farm Bill. This conversation highlighted legislative efforts to stabilize Oklahoma’s agricultural …

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