Feb 25
Oklahoma Wildfire Alert: Critical Fuel Levels Override Weather Patterns Oklahoma is currently facing a volatile wildfire season, with the state’s natural “fuels”—grass, brush, and timber—reaching a tipping point. Farm Director KC Sheperd had the opportunity to visit with Andy James, Fire Management Chief for the Oklahoma Forestry Services, who said these fuels are so dry …
Feb 25
In today’s beef buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays continues his conversation with David Freelander, Senior Director of Market Research for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, about how today’s consumers view beef. Freelander says that even consumers who talk frequently about sustainability still prioritize protein quality and nutrition. “At the end of the …
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, …
Feb 24
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 …
Feb 24
At a Drought Commission meeting, Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus sat down with KC Sheperd to lay out just how serious current drought conditions have become across the state. McManus was direct about the situation, saying, “Yes, we are very much in a drought, and we’re probably going to be in a drought for a …
Feb 24
Amarie Bartel, president of the Oklahoma CattleWomen’s Association, recently spoke with associate farm reporter Carli Davenport following the group’s return from CattleCon and the American National CattleWomen meeting in Nashville. Bartel said the event was a standout moment for Oklahoma members, calling it “really a proud time to be an Oklahoma cattlewoman,” as several leaders …
Feb 24
2026 Crop Outlook: New Tariffs and Biofuel Mandates Shake Wheat and Soybean MarketsThe final week of February 2026 has introduced a wave of volatility across agricultural markets, driven by a landmark Supreme Court ruling and a sudden shift in federal trade policy. According to Dr. Todd Hubbs, crop marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, the …
Feb 23
Call for Support: Oklahoma Volunteer Fire Departments As the fire season continues amid wildfires across Oklahoma, Oklahoma’s Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs) are facing significant funding and supply shortages. These departments are the primary defense for rural communities, yet many operate with outdated gear and limited budgets. Here’s how to help: Community members can support these …
Feb 23
The agricultural financial sector is currently navigating a period of normalization, following several years of record-high cash flows and historic liquidity. Jackson Takach, Chief Economist at Farmer Mac, provided a deep dive into the credit quality and lending trends shaping the industry during his presentation at the 2026 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum and Why Farmland …
Feb 20
Oklahoma farmers and ranchers are facing a wide range of urgent challenges, from wildfire devastation to uncertainty surrounding farm policy, as former House Ag Committee Chair and current senior member of the House Ag Committee Congressman Frank Lucas joined Ron Hays for an in-depth conversation on the Oklahoma Farm Report. Lucas opened by addressing the …
