Sep 24
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Oklahoma’s drought situation continues to worsen, with exceptional drought now covering 20.79% of the state—the highest percentage of exceptional drought in the nation. With moderate to extreme drought affecting all of Oklahoma and no part of the state currently drought-free, conditions remain especially concerning across western and …
Sep 24
Rural electric cooperatives across the nation are facing unprecedented shifts in electricity demand as large-scale data center projects increasingly target rural communities, according to Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The NRECA represents more than 900 not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives that are now balancing how to accommodate massive industrial loads …
Sep 23
Oklahoma drought relief may finally be approaching as a strengthening El Niño pattern offers hope to parched agricultural lands, according to State Climatologist Gary McManus. Speaking with Farm Director KC Sheperd at a recent Drought Commission meeting, McManus outlined the harsh reality currently facing the state’s agricultural producers while presenting a more promising long-term outlook …
Sep 23
Oklahoma State University hosted food industry professionals and researchers Thursday, Sept. 17, for a workshop exploring how high-pressure processing technology can improve food safety, extend shelf life and create new opportunities for the beef industry. Oklahoma Farm Report intern Haden Snelson visited with researchers from OSU and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during the HPP workshop …
Sep 23
In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays features audio with Bob Funk Jr. about the upcoming dispersal of the Express Ranches cattle operation. Funk’s comments come from a recent conversation that he and longtime Express Ranches’ management Donnie Robertson and Kevin Hafner had about the decision to disperse the historic herd …
Sep 22
The Oklahoma Drought Commission convened to address intensifying dry conditions across the state, formalizing plans to open application access for $2 million in reallocated relief funds. Farm Director KC Sheperd visited with Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur during the meeting to discuss the rapid expansion of drought severity and what it means for producers …
Sep 22
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 …
Sep 21
In the latest Crop Progress report from USDA, the U.S. Corn Crop is rated 57% Good to Excellent this week, equal to 57% a week ago. Soybean crop conditions are rated 58% good to excellent this week, equal to 58% last week. The U.S. Cotton Crop is rated 34% good to excellent this week versus …
Sep 21
Oklahoma State University researchers showcased advancements in turfgrass development and explored the potential for growing hops in Oklahoma during the university’s Turf & Landscape Field Day on Sept. 16. Oklahoma Farm Report intern Haden Snelson visited with OSU researchers and students to learn more about their ongoing research and its applications for Oklahoma growers and …
Sep 21
As cattle producers continue feeding cattle to heavier carcass weights, beef cutout values are benefiting from improved quality, but Dr. Megan Eckhardt of Oklahoma State University says producers also need to watch the potential discounts that can come with excessive external fat. Eckhardt spoke with Associate Farm Reporter Carli Davenport at the American Wagyu Association’s …
