Mar 03
At the OACD state meeting, Farm Director KC Sheperd visited with Caleb Stone of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to discuss the Regenerative Pilot Program and what it means for Oklahoma producers. Stone explained that while the program is new as a pilot, it operates within existing conservation frameworks. “It’s a pilot that operates within …
Mar 03
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dave Weaber, senior animal protein analyst with Terrain, about what cow-calf operators are really thinking as they consider rebuilding the U.S. cow herd. Weaber discusses results from the first Farm Credit cattle customer survey on herd expansion, which looked closely at producer …
Mar 02
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Mary-Thomas Hart, chief counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, about a long-awaited decision that removes federal endangered species oversight from the Lesser Prairie Chicken across five states. Hart says the final action from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service follows months …
Mar 02
Barry Squires, a longtime producer and board member, recently sat down with Carli Davenport, associate farm reporter, to discuss his agricultural background, the value of cooperatives, and the challenges farmers face today. Squires is affiliated with Farmers Co‑Op Mill & Elevator and also serves on the board of the AFR, bringing both on-the-ground and leadership …
Feb 27
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays continues part two of his conversation from yesterday with Shannon Ferrell, Oklahoma State University, about the often-emotional process of ranch succession planning and why legacy should be viewed as a strength rather than a burden. Ferrell emphasized that multi-generation ranches are deeply connected to …
Feb 26
The 2026 Grain Market Outlook: Grain markets experienced a volatile week as a combination of weather forecasts and shifting federal policies influenced prices across several commodities, according to OSU crop marketing specialist Dr. Todd Hubbs. In a recent conversation with farm director KC Sheperd, Dr. Hubbs noted that despite a strong rally in the previous …
Feb 26
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Shannon Ferrell, an agricultural economist with Oklahoma State University, about a new ranch succession planning tool designed to help producers address one of the cattle industry’s most pressing challenges—the aging ranch population. Ferrell says ranchers are increasingly aware they must “figure out …
Feb 26
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Drought conditions across Oklahoma continue to intensify this week, with 100% of the state now showing some level of dryness. While exceptional drought remains absent, the rapid expansion of moderate to extreme drought underscores how quickly conditions have deteriorated, driven by persistent warmth, wind, and a lack …
Feb 24
State officials say drought conditions continue to worsen across Oklahoma, prompting renewed discussion at a recent drought commission meeting about how much relief funding remains available. Trey Lam with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission outlined where the state stands financially. Lam said the commission has just wrapped up its third round of drought programming and noted, …
