Feb 10
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Colin Woodall, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Woodall addressed ongoing criticism from a segment of producers surrounding NCBA’s role in the dollar-per-head Beef Checkoff, calling much of that criticism “misinformation” and laying out how the system actually works. …
Feb 09
Taking a Look at the Oklahoma Cotton Outlook As Oklahoma producers brace for the 2026 planting season. Oklahoma State University Cotton Extension Specialist Jenny Dudak joined Farm Director KC Sheperd to discuss the current state of the industry, variety trial results, and crucial regulatory updates. While the winter months often represent a “slower time” for …
Feb 06
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the packed CattleCon26 audience that reforming America’s dietary guidance became a top priority immediately after taking office. He said the Biden-era proposed guidelines he inherited were “453 pages long” and “crafted by lobbyists and driven by the same mercantile impulses that had put Fruit …
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
Buck Wehrbein reflected on a remarkable year serving as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association with senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays at CattleCon26. Wehrbein noted how rare it is to see historically high cattle prices alongside strong consumer demand. He emphasized the industry’s efficiency, pointing out that despite cattle numbers being at …
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 03
Ahead of the upcoming legislative session, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, led by CEO & President Christy Gillenwater, hosted a dynamic round-table discussion featuring Oklahoma’s top legislative leaders. The panel included Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, House Majority Leader Mark Lawson, Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, and House Democratic Leader Cindy Munson. Despite differing …
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 …
