In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dr. Dirac Twidwell, professor and rangeland ecologist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he leads the Large-Scale Rangeland Conservation Lab. They discussed the growing concern surrounding grassland loss and woody encroachment across the United States, a major topic of discussion at the recent U.S. Roundtable …
Tag: oklahoma
May 12
Ben Hale: Oklahoma Cattle Trade Turns Volatile as Cash Prices Push Higher
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 …
May 11
Crop Progress: Winter Wheat Headed Near Completion Despite Poor Ratings
According to the latest crop progress report released on May 11th, 2026, Oklahoma’s winter wheat headed is at 92%, while winter wheat conditions are rated 9% good to excellent, 51% poor to very poor, and 40% fair. Kansas winter wheat headed is at 86% winter wheat crop is ranked 17% good to excellent, 32% fair, …
May 11
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 …
May 11
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 …
May 08
Empowering the Next Generation: Larry Wright on the National Land and Range Judging Contest
The National Land and Range Judging Contest is far more than a simple academic competition; it is a cornerstone for the future of global food security and environmental stewardship. As Farm Director, KC Sheperd discussed with Larry Wright, the event’s longtime leader, the contest represents a lifelong commitment to the protection of natural resources. For …
May 08
Oklahoma’s Trey Myers Reflects on a Surreal Year as National FFA President
As the 100th State FFA Convention gathered students, advisors, and supporters from across Oklahoma, one familiar face returned home wearing the national blue and gold jacket at the highest level. National FFA Organization President Trey Myers joined senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays to reflect on the whirlwind journey that has taken him around …
May 07
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 …
May 07
Relief Continues to Build in the East While Extreme Drought Expands In The West In This Weeks Drought Monitor
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Oklahoma’s drought story continues to move in two very different directions, with southeastern parts of the state seeing gradual improvement while western Oklahoma slips deeper into extreme drought. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows more than 80 percent of the state remains in drought, with extreme drought …
May 05
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. …



























