Mar 02
The climatological winter of 2025–2026 has officially entered the record books as the warmest in Oklahoma history, leaving a trail of intensified drought and devastating wildfires in its wake. As the state transitions into March, State Climatologist Gary McManus suggests the current Oklahoma Weather week could serve as a “make-or-break” turning point for the parched …
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
According to a listing in the Federal Register earlier today- “In response to a court order, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are removing the northern and the southern distinct population segments (DPSs) of the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.” The complete rule may be …
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 26
Oklahoma’s vast landscapes, from rolling prairies to bustling ranchlands, are under constant stewardship by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC). Executive Director Trey Lam recently sat down with Farm Director KC Sheperd to discuss the upcoming Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD) annual meeting and the critical initiatives shaping the state’s environmental future. The OACD Annual …
