May 14
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Despite several rounds of much-needed rainfall across Oklahoma in recent weeks, drought conditions continue to tighten their grip on large parts of the state, and now, for the first time this year, exceptional drought has emerged across portions of western Oklahoma. Historically, exceptional drought is devastating for …
May 14
In a recent interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Mike Appel, a member of the Organic Farmers Association policy committee, discussed the upcoming Farm Tour and Field Day and the sustainable practices that have led to over 20 years of success in organic vegetable farming. Operating in the “green country” of Cherokee County, Appel emphasized …
May 11
As the 2026 cotton planting season approaches, Oklahoma producers are closely monitoring environmental conditions to ensure a successful start. Farm Director KC Sheperd recently spoke with Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cotton Extension Specialist Jenny Dudak to discuss the critical factors farmers should consider before putting seed in the ground. Monitoring Soil and Air Temperatures The …
May 07
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
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 …
Apr 16
The current wheat market rally is gaining significant momentum, with prices surging to their highest levels since early 2025. Farm Director KC Sheperd sat down with Todd Hubbs, OSU crop marketing specialist, to discuss how this rally is being fueled by poor crop conditions and persistent weather challenges across the Southern Plains. Hubbs notes that …
Apr 16
To view the latest Oklahoma drought map, CLICK HERE. Oklahoma’s drought picture remains stubbornly locked in place, with nearly the entire state still dealing with some level of dryness as spring planting season moves forward. While extreme drought continues to grip many counties, forecasters are offering a bit of encouragement with better rain chances showing up …
Apr 15
Oklahoma severe weather remains at the forefront of agricultural concerns as the state navigates a record-breaking spring and eyes a potential transition to a “Godzilla” El Niño. Farm Director KC Sheperd recently spoke with State Climatologist Gary McManus to break down erratic rainfall patterns, the persistent drought in the Northwest, and what shifting Pacific Ocean …
Apr 14
Oklahomans are waking up to a heavy, humid atmosphere as the state prepares for significant Oklahoma severe storms and a giant hail risk today. State Climatologist Gary McManus noted the shift in the air this morning, remarking that it already feels like the peak of storm season. “One of THOSE days, when you wake up in the …
Apr 09
In a recent discussion between Oklahoma State University’s Dr. Todd Hubbs and Farm Director KC Sheperd, the focus centered on the current state of grain markets and how international instability is driving commodity prices. Dr. Hubbs noted that the markets have been characterized by an “up and down” trajectory, largely driven by shifting news about …
