Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Monday, December 7, 2020
Remembering Pearl Harbor- a Day Which
Will Live in Infamy- 12/7/1941
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- AFBF Stands-Up for Farmers in Predatory Shakedown
- Anti-Animal Ag Groups Ramp Up Attacks During Pandemic
- NAWG President Dave Milligan Explains How Wheat Producers Have Adapted to The Many Challenges This Year
- Ag Groups Cheer Election of David Scott as Chairman of the House Ag Committee
- Plains Cotton Growers Remind Producers You still have Time to sign up for CFAP 2
- Myths Debunked: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)
- John Deere Announces Contest to Meet Top Country Music Artists Performing at The Farm Must Go On
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AFBF Stands-Up for Farmers in Predatory Shakedown
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The American Farm Bureau Federation is standing-up for hundreds of dairy farmers being targeted by predatory lawyers representing the estate of Dean Foods, which is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Almost 500 dairy farmers who once sold milk to Dean Foods received letters threatening legal action unless they refund money legitimately earned prior to the bankruptcy filing.
“Shame on these predatory lawyers for bullying dairy farmers at a time when many are struggling to keep their farms running,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “It’s ludicrous to suggest the meager profits from regularly scheduled and routine milk sales - sales that are heavily watched and regulated by the federal government - were outside the regular course of business. Someone needs to have the farmers’ backs and I’m proud to say AFBF is stepping-in to do just that.”
AFBF sent a letter to the law firm managing the Dean Foods estate calling for an immediate reversal of their “predatory shakedown” and threatening potential legal action if the firm fails to withdraw the letters sent to farmers. In the letter, AFBF General Counsel Ellen Steen says the letters sent to farmers “are deceptive and constitute an abuse of process that attempts to extract funds that the Debtor (Dean Foods) is not entitled to under the threat of a lawsuit. Put plainly, your letters are a predatory shakedown, written in legalese.”
Many recipients of the Debtor letters are independent farmers already struggling through difficult economic times made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The letters put producers in an impossible position-either pay the amounts demanded or incur the cost of legal counsel to defend against the Debtor’s allegations.
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Established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union, AFR/OFU has been a champion for rural Oklahoma for more than 100 years. Today, the AFR/OFU Cooperative provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and AFR Insurance provides auto, home, farm and life insurance to both rural and urban Oklahomans.
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Anti-Animal Ag Groups Ramp Up Attacks During Pandemic
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The anti-animal agriculture crowd seems to never want to let a good crisis go to waste and that’s why groups like the Animal Agriculture Alliance are so important to get the true message of agriculture heard.
Hannah Thompson-Weeman, vice president of communications for Animal Ag Alliance, and I spoke recently.
Animal agriculture and the whole food supply chain has risen to the challenges wrought by COVID-19 despite the continued attacks by activists opposed to animal agriculture, she said.
This year has been crazy as animal rights activists have tried to tie the pandemic to livestock and meat consumption even though that has no scientific basis, she said. They are being opportunistic in taking advantage of every opportunity to blame agriculture for the pandemic, she said.
They are continuing to hold protests with a hundred people camping outside a meat processing plant, she said.
We’ve seen activists’ groups try to take advantage of dairy producers forced to dump milk, hog producers forced to depopulate herds and processing plants changing the way they operate, she said.
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NAWG President Dave Milligan Explains How Wheat Producers Have Adapted to The Many Challenges This Year
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Change is inevitable and 2020 has had more than our fair share of changes, forcing everyone, including wheat producers to adapt, said Dave Millligan, President of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).
Milligan was recently interviewed by Radio Oklahoma Agriculture Network Associate Farm Director and Editor KC Sheperd.
When the pandemic hit, wheat farmers were hurt as much as anyone, Milligan said.
The first COVID-19 relief package didn’t include all wheat classes so after working with our friends at the USDA and Congress we were able to get all wheat covered in the second round of relief, Milligan said.
Other issues that cropped up this year included a possible glyphosate restriction as part of Prop 65 in California.
NAWG took the lead in that lawsuit and fortunately the judge agreed with farmers, Milligan said.
We were glad to see sound science was used in that decision, he said.
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For our farmers who have either- always have had cotton on their farms- or those who have more recently have added the fiber crop to their operations- we have a new daily report starting to be heard on several of our Radio Stations- It's Called Cotton Talk- and we appreciate the Oklahoma Cotton Council for their support in making this a reality.
Click on the Button below to listen to our most recent report
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Ag Groups Cheer Election of David Scott as Chairman of the House Ag Committee
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Congressman David Scott (D-GA) was chosen as the next chairman of the House Agriculture Committee for the 117th Congress, overwhelmingly elected yesterday by the full House Democratic caucus.
“On behalf of the chicken industry, I want to congratulate Congressman Scott on being named the next Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, a historic achievement as the first African American and first Georgia House member to ever hold the position,” said NCC President Mike Brown. “As a veteran of the committee, and a long-time member of the Congressional Chicken Caucus, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of agricultural issues to the chairmanship. We look forward to working with him in the 117th Congress on matters of importance to our industry.”
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) released the following statement of congratulations for the newly selected Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA-15): "GT has served as my deputy on the House Agriculture Committee for the past six years. He was instrumental in crafting the 2018 Farm Bill, and I know he’ll continue to bring his strong work ethic and steadfast commitment to America’s farmers and ranchers to this new role.”
He responded with this, "House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K. Michael Conaway (TX-11) released the following statement of congratulations for the newly selected Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman David Scott (GA-13): “David has a long history of serving this nation, both in the Georgia State Legislature and in Congress. He has proven himself to be a champion for rural America. I wish him the best of luck as he takes on this important new role.”
The following statement may be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall:
“We at the American Farm Bureau Federation congratulate Representative Scott on his selection to be the next chair of the House Agriculture Committee. For almost two decades Congressman Scott has worked on behalf of farmers and ranchers. His legislative experience, a childhood working on his grandparents’ farm, and being the first African American chosen to lead the committee all give him a unique perspective needed to tackle the challenges facing rural America.
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We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network weekdays-
if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it- click below for this morning's Farm news from Ron Hays and KC Sheperd on RON.
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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. (held in June 2020 earlier this year- due to COVID 19)
After a lot of deliberation, Midwest has decided to also reschedule the Tulsa Farm Show from December to February 25, 26 and 27, 2021.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the upcoming Tulsa Farm Show. To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here.
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Plains Cotton Growers Remind Producers You still have Time to sign up for CFAP 2
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Shawn Wade writes in the PCG email cotton newsletter today about CFAP 2 Benefits. He writes,
"If you have not signed up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP2), you still have time. The deadline for signing up is one week from today, Friday, December 11, 2020.
When it comes to understanding the CFAP2 program and how it was setup it is important to note that first and foremost CFAP2 was designed to offset a portion of the market price declines that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and impacted the 2020 crop.
As a result, payments will be based on the previously reported payment rates and calculated using a weighted average of a producers’ 2020 approved crop insurance APH yield. The weighted average yield will incorporate all of a producers’ reported crop acreage and weighted across all practices. The resulting yield will then be multiplied by the eligible 2020 planted or failed acres of each participating crop on the farm.
For many producers on the High Plains of Texas, and elsewhere, the 2020 production season has been a tough road to travel and many acres were destroyed early and subsequently planted to a second crop, including acres that may have been subsequently failed due to unfavorable weather conditions during the season.
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Myths Debunked: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)
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USDA is now accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for farmers and ranchers whose operations have been impacted by the current pandemic. Signup closes on December 11. Have you submitted your application? Let’s debunk some common myths that may be holding you back.
Myth 1: I cannot apply for CFAP 2 because I didn’t apply for the first round of CFAP.
CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of CFAP, now referred to as CFAP 1. There is no requirement to participate in CFAP 1 in order to participate in CFAP 2.
Myth 2: I applied for CFAP 1, therefore I cannot apply for CFAP 2 as they’re the same program with one funding pool.
Again, CFAP 2 is a separate program from CFAP 1 and has its own unique funding. The programs function separately and require separate applications and signups, but with very similar eligibility requirements.
I enrolled in CFAP 1, so I’m automatically enrolled in CFAP 2.
Producers who applied for CFAP 1 are not automatically signed up for CFAP 2 and must complete a new application in order to be eligible for assistance.
Myth 3: CFAP 2 is only for farmers or ranchers who’ve had COVID-19.
No. CFAP 2 is available to any individual or legal entity who shares in the risk of producing eligible CFAP 2 commodities. The program is intended to provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have continued to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. There are more than 300 commodities eligible for the program ranging from livestock to row crops, specialty crops to aquaculture. Virtually all farmers and ranchers are potentially eligible for this program.
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John Deere Announces Contest to Meet Top Country Music Artists Performing at The Farm Must Go On
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John Deere (NYSE: DE) and top country artists Dustin Lynch, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Travis Denning and Tyler Farr are coming together to raise money for farmers in need. On December 9, these musicians will be performing at The Farm Must Go On by John Deere virtual benefit concert. Fans can join John Deere in its support for Farm Rescue with the chance to win exclusive virtual meet and greets with the performing artists.
To enter, fans can show support by donating a minimum of $10 here
· Contestants may enter up to 10 times to win a one-on-one virtual meet and greet with one of The Farm Must Go On by John Deere performing artists.
· Upon entering, contestants select which artist they would like to meet.
· Winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email following the concert to be notified of the exact time and provided access details.
· See full contest rules for more information.*
All donations raised through the virtual meet and greet will support Farm Rescue a nonprofit partner that helps farmer families suffering from illness, injury, or natural disaster to plant, hay or harvest their crop. To learn more about the concert visit TheFarmMustGoOn.com.
ABOUT THE FARM MUST GO ON BY JOHN DEERE
John Deere is committed to ensuring all farmers have access to the vital resources they need to leap forward and sustain their farms for generations to come. Farm Rescue is a nonprofit organization, that helps farmers and ranchers overcome adversities and continue their farming and ranching operations. John Deere is the official equipment partner of Farm Rescue. Working together with its dealers, John Deere provides Farm Rescue with free access to its latest machines and technologies so that Farm Rescue’s work can continue and grow.
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OKC West is our Market Links Sponsor- they sell cattle three days a week- Cows on Mondays, Stockers on Tuesday and Feeders on Wednesday- Call 405-262-8800 to learn more.
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Today's First Look:
Ron on RON Markets as heard on K101
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
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Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices went sharply lower on Friday.
Choice Beef was down $4.17 and Select Beef was down $2.42 on Friday 12/04/2020.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 10,159 head last Monday with good action much of the day.
Compared to last week: Feeder cattle sold steady, steer and heifer calves trad 3.00-6.00 higher. Demand moderate to good. Quality mostly average, few attractive. Slaughter cattle prices moved higher on shorter numbers last week this as beef prices continue to improve.
Click below for the complete closing report from last Monday to help get you ready for today's action in Stockyards City.
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Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futures - click below for the latest update on the Livestock and Grain Futures Trade..
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Okla Cash Grain:
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture- The report available after the close of the Futures Trade for that day.
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Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor
KC Sheperd, Associate Farm Director and Editor
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production
Sam Knipp, Farm News Editor
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
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Rural Oklahoma is full of some of the greatest success stories throughout the entire state and are a main reason Oklahoma is on track to become a top 10 state.
The Road to Rural Prosperity will dive into these stories each week bringing you insight into the great things happening in and to rural Oklahoma. We will bring you stories covering rural life, agriculture, energy, healthcare, tourism and politics all affecting rural America.
The Road to Rural Prosperity is here to tell stories about rural America, for rural America.
Host Ron Hays travels the Road to Rural Prosperity with mixed feelings as he talks with Roy Lee Lindsey of OkPork- who has just announced his resignation as Executive Director as the head of the group representing hog farmers in Oklahoma- as he prepares to take a similar position with the North Carolina Pork Council- North Carolina the second largest pork state in the US.
Today's Road to Rural Prosperity is being sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Rural Water Association.
To find out more about our full series of Podcasts on The Road to Rural Prosperity- click or tap here.
To hear this Podcast you can click here or tap below:
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Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, AFR/OFU, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Ag Mediation Program, Great Plains Kubota, Stillwater Milling Company, Oklahoma Cotton Council, National Livestock Credit Corporation, Oklahoma Beef Council, Oklahoma AgCredit, 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!
We invite you to check out our website at the link below too that includes an archive of these daily emails, audio reports and top farm news story links from around the globe.
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God Bless!
Reach Out To Us:
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Tim West
President/General Manager
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
2401 Exchange Avenue,
Suite F
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405.317.6361
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Ron Hays
Director of Farm Programming
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
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