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 …
Jan 28
A mid-week rally in the wheat markets and speculation surrounding global crop conditions took center stage in a recent conversation between Farm Director KC Sheperd and Oklahoma State University Marketing Analyst Dr. Todd Hubbs. With the hard red winter wheat market seeing a notable boost, Hubbs offered insights into the driving forces behind the price …
Jan 27
Aaron Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer of New Leaf Symbiotics, introduced the company to intern Karleigh Erramouspe by highlighting their specialization in a specific type of bacteria called PPFMs. “They’re all pink. That’s why you see all of the pink branding around us,” he explained. He emphasized that these bacteria provide season-long protection for plants, colonizing …
Jan 23
In a recent conversation with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Oklahoma State University Crop Marketing Specialist Dr. Todd Hubbs offered a candid look at the current state of grain markets. With substantial corn supplies and uncertainty in wheat conditions, Hubbs advised producers on navigating a “range-bound” market environment where prices are hovering near lows. Corn: A …
