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Let's Check the Markets!
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Today's First Look:
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
Okla Cash Grain:
Futures Wrap:
Feeder Cattle Recap:
Slaughter Cattle Recap:
TCFA Feedlot Recap:
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor
KC Sheperd, Associate Farm Director and Editor
Sam Knipp, Farm Editor
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager Dave Lanning, Markets and Production |
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Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Monday, March 23, 2020
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Howdy Neighbors!
Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
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Health officials are warning rural communities to be just as cautious as more densely populated areas in their response to the spread of COVID-19.
A lower rate of person-to-person transmission of the novel coronavirus might result in a delay of infection, but it's still highly likely to occur regardless.
"With this virus, research has shown that you might still be an asymptomatic carrier and not show any signs of sickness," said Megan Monteith, Oklahoma State University Extension area specialist in health disparities. "It's going to affect most of us at some point. ... Living in a remote area doesn't guarantee that you won't come into contact. It just might not show up right away.
"We know that community spread is here already, and no one is immune from it," said Jamie Dukes, public information manager at the state Department of Health. "It's important that everyone in the state follow social-distancing guidance regardless of their location."
The spread of infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which was found in China at the end of 2019, is forecast to pick up momentum across the United States.
Cases in Oklahoma were first identified in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas, as well as Payne County. By mid-March the number of cases nationwide that had been identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other U.S. government agencies had already crested 3,000. At the same time, Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency and called for Oklahoma agencies to establish work-from-home policies for employees.
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Tyson Foods has announced that they will be offering a one time cash premium on cattle they harvest this coming week- here is the statement provided to the Oklahoma Farm Report by Gary Mickelson of Tyson Fresh Meats:
"As an American company supporting the agricultural backbone of this country it is imperative during this national state of emergency, we not only support our customers, but our cattle supply partners as well by ensuring the long-term sustainability of the beef business. Without the pipeline of high-quality cattle, we would not be able to deliver on meeting the needs of our customers and consumers.
"It is for these reasons Tyson Fresh Meats is providing a one-time premium effective for cattle harvested the week of March 23 in an effort to demonstrate our commitment and support of our valued cattle suppliers. This is an unprecedented time and the intent of our response is to show our support in an effort to help our supply partners weather this extraordinary situation."
According to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association newsletter- "Tyson announced this afternoon that for all fed cattle harvested next week, they will make a one-time assistance payment to cattle feeders of $5 per cwt live and $7.94 per cwt dressed."It is our understanding that the increase will be added to the base cash price for the week.
Feedlots who do business with the other packers have been letting them know what Tyson has announced- no indication if others will follow the lead of Tyson or not.
Grocery meat cases have been emptied over the past two weeks as consumers gather food items in preparation for home isolation. The resulting retail demand caused a rapid spike in beef cutout prices of $47.74 last week, with the Choice boxed trade closing Friday at $253.75.
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The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) President and Cass City, MI wheat farmer Dave Milligan made the following statement in response to largest purchase of wheat by Chinese buyers since the country implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. wheat in March 2018:
"With the Coronavirus pandemic adversely impacting domestic and international economies, China's purchase of American wheat is welcomed news.
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that Chinese buyers purchased 340,000 metric tons, or about 12.5 million bushels, of U.S. hard red winter (HRW) wheat for delivery in the 2020/21 marketing year.
"NAWG also hopes that this is just one of several steps towards implementation of Phase I of the new U.S.-China trade deal. China is one of the largest buyers of U.S. wheat, and we hope that the new U.S.-China trade deal will restore the export opportunity that was building in China for American wheat farmers.
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Last Week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued guidance on critical industry workforce that should continue as the country addresses and responds to the coronavirus outbreak; U.S. food and agriculture was included among 16 critical industries.
Specifically, DHS recognized as essential a variety of pork production roles. Among these critical workers:
* Food manufacturer employees and their supplier employees-to include those employed in food processing (packers, meat processing, cheese plants, milk plants, produce, etc.) facilities; livestock, poultry, seafood slaughter facilities; pet and animal feed processing facilities; human food facilities producing by-products for animal food; beverage production facilities; and the production of food packaging.
* Farm workers to include those employed in animal food, feed, and ingredient production, packaging, and distribution; manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of veterinary drugs; truck delivery and transport; farm and fishery labor needed to produce our food supply domestically.
* Animal agriculture workers including those employed in veterinary health; manufacturing and distribution of animal medical materials, animal vaccines, animal drugs, feed ingredients, feed, and bedding, etc.; transportation of live animals, animal medical materials; transportation of deceased animals for disposal; raising of animals for food; animal production operations; slaughter and packing plants and associated regulatory and government workforce.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson also welcomed the designation of agriculture, including food production, distribution, and retail, as critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security.
The announcement allows those along the food and agriculture supply chain to continue operating to meet the national need. In a statement, Peterson noted the importance of farmers, food processors and producers, distributors and retailers as essential to the well-being of the country as it faces the growing coronavirus pandemic.
"Our food system is absolutely critical right now to keeping Americans fed, calm, and healthy," Peterson said. "As we have heard from farmers and from food companies, we have enough food. The important part now is protecting and supporting the people that grow, raise, distribute and sell that food so supply can continue.
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Sponsor Spotlight
Midwest Farm Shows is proud to produce the two best Farm Shows in the State of Oklahoma annually- the Tulsa Farm Show each December and the Oklahoma City Farm Show each April.
They would like to thank all of you who participated in their 2019 Tulsa Farm Show.
Up next will be the Oklahoma City's premier spring agricultural and ranching event with returns to the State Fair Park June 18-19-20, 2020. (These dates are NEW for 2020!)
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2020 Oklahoma City Farm Show. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Farm Show, click here.
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Today we feature comments with Dr. Tyron Wickersham, associate professor of animal nutrition at Texas A & M University, about "upcycling protein" by feeding cattle.
Through research in partnership with Cactus Feeders, based in the Texas Panhandle but with operations in six states, Dr. Wickersham focused on the ability of cattle to take low quality forage and biomass (that humans cannot utilize) and convert it to high quality protein. This process does not compete with humans for sources of edible protein.
Wickersham said the basic concept of "upcycling protein" is taking low quality protein, which doesn't do a good job of meeting our human needs for essential amino acids and adding value to it by feeding to cattle.
Using the example of feeding 7-800 pounds of corn to cattle versus feeding that same amount to humans, Wickersham said that amount could feed three toddlers. However, if cycled through cattle, that same amount feeds 17 toddlers. Toddlers have the highest need for essential amino acids due to their rapid growth cycle.
This is an excellent story the cattle industry needs to tell, Wickersham said.
At the end of the day, the message should be we're adding high quality, human edible protein and feeding more people a high-quality diet.
This illustrates the whole cattle production chain, from the cow/calf producer to the feedlot, is efficient and sustainable, Wickersham said.
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The Oklahoma City Farm Show, previously scheduled for April 23-25, 2020 has been rescheduled to June 18-20, 2020, as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 virus concerns. This change is in response to the request from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States for the next 8 weeks.
Midwest Shows is currently working with Oklahoma State Fair Park staff, exhibitors, host hotels and other partners to ensure a smooth transition to these new dates.
"We have been in discussions with our key stakeholders and event partners since the CDC's announcement on March 15th," said John K. Riles, President of Midwest Shows. "It's really been amazing to see how supportive and responsive people have been, all while dealing with
disruption to their personal and professional lives. We are grateful for their efforts."
The 16th Annual Oklahoma City Farm Show will feature more than 350 exhibitors with the latest in agricultural and ranching equipment, services and demonstrations. The event is held at the Bennett Event Center at Oklahoma State Fair Park. Show hours are 9AM - 5PM on Thursday and Friday, and 9AM to 4PM Saturday. For more information on the Bennett Event Center and State Fair Park, visit OKStateFair.com. For more information on the Oklahoma City Farm Show visit OklahomaCityFarmShow.com.
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The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA) is saddened to hear of the passing of a well-known cattleman and industry leader, Mike Armitage of Claremore, OK. At the time of Mike's passing, he served as the President-Elect of the OCA.
In past years, he served the OCA as the Northeast District Vice President, as Chair of the Beef Business Committee and is a past recipient of the Cattleman of the Year award.
"Mike was always on the go, but he understood the value of taking time to be involved in organizations like the OCA and was a true Champion for the beef industry and our Association," said Mike Weeks, OCA President. "A continuous smile was his trademark, when he spoke his works were tactful and heartfelt and he sincerely believed in the youth in Agriculture. As a result, he hosted the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation summer interns at his ranch."
Mike Armitage and his family helped create the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation Internship program and have hosted students at the A Bar Ranch for the last five summers where those students have had the opportunity to learn from hands-on ranch work.
Mike passed away on March 19, 2020, at the age of 67. Michael Lee Armitage was born to the proud parents of Lee and Wilma Armitage on August 20, 1952, in Shawnee Oklahoma.
Mike Armitage was proceeded in death by his parents Lee and Wilma Armitage, mother and father-in-law, Calvin and Juanita Nunnallee. He is survived by his wife, Martha of the home. Three sons; Merrit and wife Michelle, Turner and wife Sarah of Claremore, OK, Kevin and wife Tana of Linn, TX. Brothers; Mark and wife Lisa of Meeker, OK, Mitchell and wife LiAnn of Jacktown, OK. Grandchildren; Myles and Maysa Armitage of Claremore and Cole Armitage of Norman, OK and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Those who wish to honor Mike's legacy with a memorial gift may do so with donations to be made to the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation, Mike Armitage Memorial Internship. Donate online at okcattlemen.org/foundation. There is a spot to note who your donation is in memory of. You can also donate by mail: Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation, PO Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148. Please write Mike Armitage Memorial Internship in the memo.
Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation is the charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.
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 Bob Hunger Offers the Latest on Wheat Diseases in Oklahoma- and South of Us in Texas
Extension Wheat Pathologist Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology Oklahoma State University, Dr. Bob Hunger, has the latest Wheat Disease Update- here are highlights from his end of this past week's report:
"It's been wet across most of Oklahoma except in the far northwest and panhandle. Overall the wheat crop is looking good, but foliar diseases appear to be building in southern Oklahoma and Texas.
"On 17-March, Dr. Amir Ibrahim (Regents Professor, Small Grains Breeder/Geneticist, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX), reported that he, ". . . visited the naturally inoculated Rust Evaluation Nursery at Castroville, TX on March 17, 2020. The nursery is about 196 miles from Texas A&M main campus in College Station. Wheat growth stages range from Feekes 6 (first node detectable at base of stem) to 10.5 (ears fully emerged but not yet flowering). Stripe rust does not seem to be active due to warming temperatures. Leaf rust is moving up the canopy of susceptible wheat.
"Foliar disease incidence also is increasing in south-central OK as reported by Josh Anderson (Senior Research Associate, Noble Research Institute, Ardmore, OK), who indicated he was starting to see more diseases late last week.
"By contrast, Dr. Brett Carver (Wheat Breeder/Geneticist, Oklahoma State University) visited one of his trials near El Reno in central OK and found nothing but green, lush wheat - no diseases.
"Around Stillwater, no leaf rust has been seen, but a very few leaves infected with stripe rust were observed on 6-Mar-2020 by Dr. Amanda de Oliviera Silva in her variety demonstration strips just west of campus. These are early-season infections of young wheat plants, and at this incidence do not indicate severe stripe rust is on the horizon.
Bottom line according to Dr. Hunger- "it appears that foliar diseases including powdery mildew, leaf spot diseases (especially in no-till fields with wheat residue), and stripe rust are present in Oklahoma.
"Their increase during the coming weeks will depend on a favorable environment with mild temperature and moisture. Leaf rust has not yet been reported, but likely will make an appearance in the not-to-distant future as it is now beginning to be observed in south Texas."
Read the complete report as compiled by Dr. Hunger by clicking or tapping here.
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AND FINALLY- Excellent Info to Keep Cattle Rustlers Off Guard on Your Ranch- Courtesy of TSCRA
The coronavirus pandemic's impact on the cattle market has been dramatic already. But that's not the only threat to ranchers' livelihood, according to Scott Williamson. The executive director of law enforcement, brand and inspection services for Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association said thefts and scams targeting cattlemen are on the rise, too.
"Economic and industry distress always increases the number of desperate people that will take fraudulent, dishonorable and criminal actions," he said.
He offers multiple ideas on how to take control of the situation and lessen the chance that a cattle thief will make off with some of your cattle or equipment.
Lock gates.
Brand cattle and horses. In Oklahoma- register your brand with the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association.
Put driver's license number on all saddles, tack and equipment.
Videotape horses and tack. Keep complete and accurate descriptions on file. Establish an organized, easy-to-find proof of ownership file to save valuable time in recovery process.
Count cattle regularly.
Don't establish a routine when feeding. Vary the times you feed.
Be cautious about who gets keys and combinations.
If possible, park trailers and equipment where they are out of view from the roadway.
Keep tack rooms and saddle compartments on trailers locked.
Don't feed in pens.
Participate in neighborhood crime watch programs.
Don't build pens close to a roadway.
Never leave keys in tractors or other equipment.
Williamson also has some great tips on beating fraud- click or tap here for the complete story.
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Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, AFR Insurance, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Great Plains Kubota, Stillwater Milling Company, National Livestock Credit Corporation, Oklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma AgCredit, Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Inc., the Oklahoma Cattlemens Association and KIS Futures for their support of our daily Farm News Update. For your convenience, we have our sponsors' websites linked here- just click on their name to jump to their website- check their sites out and let these folks know you appreciate the support of this daily email, as their sponsorship helps us keep this arriving in your inbox on a regular basis- at NO Charge!
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God Bless! You can reach us at the following:
phone: 405-473-6144
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