Feb 05
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Oklahoma continues to grapple with expanding drought conditions, with nearly three-quarters of the state now classified from moderate to extreme drought, even as exceptional drought remains absent. Much of the snow that fell during recent winter weather has now melted, and temperatures are beginning to edge slightly …
Feb 05
Following reports of a New World screwworm detection in a horse imported from South America to Florida, Chief Veterinarian for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Kathy Simmons, spoke with Ron Hays CattleCon26 to clarify how the case was identified, treated, and contained under existing USDA protocols. Simmons explained that the case involved a horse imported …
Feb 04
Speaking with senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays at CattleCon26, Cheyenne Sparks of Oklahoma CattleWomen shared the excitement surrounding her new leadership role with the American National CattleWomen. Sparks announced that she has been elected vice president of ANCW, calling it the culmination of a long journey of involvement. “I’m very excited to share …
Feb 03
Farmer sentiment weakened sharply in January as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) Index dropped from 136 in December 2025 to 113 in January 2026 (see Figure 1). The Current Conditions Index dropped 19 points while the Future Expectations Index dropped 25 points (see Figure 2). Among the five indices that make up the AEB Index, the largest decline …
Feb 02
Farm and ranch leaders gathered at CattleCon 2026 as Oklahoma cattlemen joined policy, checkoff, and federation meetings amid winter weather delays. Senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays caught up with Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association at CattleCon26, who outlined why this meeting mattered for Oklahoma and why recent developments …
Jan 30
Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China. Lamb exports were a bright …
Jan 30
A Very Cool, Very Special Place The Comanche Pool Grazing LandsA vast swath of intact prairie known as the Comanche Pool grazing lands stretches along the border of Kansas and Oklahoma. These rolling, undeveloped grasslands cover 7 million contiguous acres and span 15 counties. Today, the ranchers who raise cattle in the Comanche Pool area …
Jan 30
As cattle producers prepare for another year of possible market volatility and management challenges, Jennifer Patterson, OSU Extension agricultural educator in Payne County, says the upcoming Central Oklahoma Cattle Conference is designed to deliver timely information and practical takeaways. Speaking with Associate Farm Reporter Carli Davenport, Patterson explained that the annual regional event brings together …
Jan 29
Senator Lankford Addresses Government Shutdown Threats, New Ag Tax Relief, and Stalled Farm Bill: In a recent interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Oklahoma Senator James Lankford provided a critical update from the nation’s capital, addressing a looming government shutdown, heated debates over border security, and vital economic news for Oklahoma’s agricultural producers. Border Security …
Jan 29
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought remains firmly in place across much of Oklahoma as February begins, with more than 70 percent of the state still experiencing moderate to extreme drought and pockets of extreme drought expanding in the southwest. While exceptional drought is not currently present, conditions have changed little in …
