Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Thursday, December 17, 2020
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Secretary Perdue Applauds USDA's 2020 Accomplishments
- NAWG Shares Wheat Priorities with the Biden-Harris Transition Team
- Cattle Markets Mixed as we Wrap up The Year, Says OSU's Dr. Peel
- Alva Native Kent Martin Named Chairman of Sorghum Checkoff Board
- Soybeans Can be Used to Seal Concrete And Make Better Shoes, Says United Soybean Board Chairman Jim Carroll
- Farm, Biofuels, Trade Leaders Label Brazil Decision 'Devastating' For U.S. Ethanol
- Superior Livestock Holding Last Sale of 2020 Today
- Oklahomans Mourn the Loss of the Founder of Blue and Gold Sausage, Don Ramsey
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Secretary Perdue Applauds USDA's 2020 Accomplishments |
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the accomplishments made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the past year.
“While this was a tough year with the coronavirus, historic wildfires, and weather damage, USDA met these challenges with a multitude of programs and services to support Americans and keep our agricultural sector running and responsive to the country’s needs,” said Secretary Perdue. “We salute our mission areas and agencies for keeping our customers front and center, serving the American people, farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers.”
Farmers to Families Food Box Program:
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchased $8.6 billion in food for delivery to food banks, churches, schools, community organizations, tribal organizations, and international food aid organizations through various programs during Fiscal Year 2020. Using Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) funding, USDA announced the Farmers to Families Food Box Program on April 17, 2020. Through this program, USDA has been partnering with national, regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses, to purchase up to $4.5 billion in fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products and meat products from American producers of all sizes. Distributors then package these products into family-sized boxes and transport them to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits serving Americans in need. The Food Box Program has provided more than 125 million food boxes to Americans in need and will purchase nearly $4.5 billion worth of food by the end of the year.
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Dating back to 1891, Stillwater Milling Company has been supplying ranchers with the highest quality feeds made from the highest quality ingredients. Their full line of A & M Feeds can be delivered direct to your farm, found at their Agri-Center stores in Stillwater, Davis, Claremore and Perry or at more than 125 dealers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas. We appreciate Stillwater Milling Company’s long time support of the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and we encourage you to click here to learn more about their products and services.
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NAWG Shares Wheat Priorities with the Biden-Harris Transition Team |
Today, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) issued a letter to the Biden-Harris transition team which introduces NAWG, outlines pending policy issues needing immediate attention for the upcoming Administration, and provides a primer on the wheat industry. NAWG President and Cass City, MI wheat farmer Dave Milligan made the following statement in response:
“With inauguration quickly approaching, NAWG is seizing the opportunity to make the new Administration aware of its policy positions for the next four years and current issues facing wheat farmers.
“In its communication to the transition team, NAWG discusses the vital role farm support programs, like the federal crop insurance program, play in protecting the livelihoods of farmers when a disaster strikes. NAWG also touches on how wheat contributes to a healthy diet and the work wheat farmers are doing to end hunger at home and abroad.
“Further, as Congress and the Administration look to address climate change policy and engagement, NAWG stresses the need to factor in the impact to farmers for any policies developed.
“Lastly, with 50% of America’s wheat crop exported every year, trade continues to be a top issue for NAWG. NAWG is asking the new Administration to continue work to enhance and expand our international markets.”
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Cattle Markets Mixed as we Wrap up The Year, Says OSU's Dr. Peel |
Cattle market prices have been scattered all about the boards as we wrap up a year no one wants to remember, said Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Extension livestock market economist.
We’ve have had very strong markets since Nov. 1 for our calves and lightweight cattle, he said. The bigger feeder cattle have been a little flatter.
Peel attributed the lower markets to higher feed grain prices with full feedlots.
We’re kind of wrapping up the end of the year and see where we start the new year, Peel said.
As he looks back on 2020 the OSU economist said it has been “all those words I am tired of using” to describe it.
The good news is meat demand has been strong through all this, Peel said.
We’ve learned some things about this industry and how we can be better prepared for challenges in the future, Peel said.
It’s never fun to go through these things but we did learn a lot, 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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Alva Native Kent Martin Named Chairman of Sorghum Checkoff Board |
During the Sorghum Checkoff’s annual meeting-held virtually to adhere with COVID-19 guidelines proposed by the Center for Disease Control-five board directors were reappointed or sworn in on the checkoff’s board.
After being appointed by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, these directors will serve three-year terms starting December 2020 and commencing December 2023.
"We welcome new and returning directors to the checkoff with open arms," said Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez. "The Sorghum Checkoff board directors work to increase shared value, enhance opportunity for producer profitability and advance demand for sorghum producers."
New leadership was elected during the meeting, as well. Kent Martin from Alva, Oklahoma, will serve as chairman; Charles Ray Huddleston from Celina, Texas, will serve as vice chairman; Boyd Funk of Garden City, Kansas, will continue his tenure as treasurer; and Adam Schindler from Reliance, South Dakota will continue serving as the board’s secretary. Craig Poore from Alton, Kansas, will transition to the role of past chairman for the remainder of his term on the board.
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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
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau - a grassroots organization that has for its Mission Statement- “Improving the Lives of Rural Oklahomans." Farm Bureau, as the state's largest general farm organization, is active at the State Capitol fighting for the best interests of its members and working with other groups to make certain that the interests of rural Oklahoma are protected. Click here for their website to learn more about the organization and how it can benefit you to be a part of Farm Bureau.
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Soybeans Can be Used to Seal Concrete And Make Better Shoes, Says United Soybean Board Chairman Jim Carroll |
Our highways and driveways could soon be sealed with a soybean oil product and that has Jim Carroll III, Brinkley, Arks., farmer and Chairman of the United Soybean Board, excited about the prospects.
Carroll was recently interviewed by Radio Oklahoma Agriculture Network Associate Farm Director and Editor KC Sheperd.
Just as with checkoff funds for beef, dairy and eggs, soybean farmers invest a portion of their product revenue to research and promote new products.
I am always looking for something new and the Soybean Board has been looking at new industrial uses for soybean oil, Carroll said.
A concrete sealer using soybean oil holds great promise.
They’re using it because it is environmentally safe and does a good job, he said.
Carroll said they are also looking at consumer goods, shoes and tires, but the sealer is really something special, he said.
I think it is the most positive thing we’ve had in a long time, Carroll said.
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Farm, Biofuels, Trade Leaders Label Brazil Decision 'Devastating' For U.S. Ethanol |
Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy; Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of U.S. Grains Council; Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of Renewable Fuels Association; and Jon Doggett, CEO of National Corn Growers Association issued the following statement in response to the Brazilian government’s decision to let the current tariff rate quota (TRQ) expire, replacing it with a 20 percent tariff on all imports of U.S. ethanol:
“Brazil’s decision to impose a 20 percent tariff on all U.S. ethanol imports is devastating for the U.S. ethanol industry, the future of cooperation and coordination between our nations. Not only does this decision risk destroying the great progress our two nations have made as global leaders in ethanol production, it marks a dramatic turn in our bilateral trade relationship.
“Today, Brazilian ethanol receives unfettered access into the U.S. market, while U.S. producers are denied reciprocal market access due to a restrictive import tariff designed solely to make U.S. product less competitive. This unjust imbalance must be addressed. We urge the incoming Biden Administration to respond with strength, leveraging various U.S. government tools and authorities to make it clear that protectionist barriers are unacceptable. However, it seems clear from today’s decision that Brazil is more focused on keeping US ethanol out of Brazil than true two-way trade.
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Superior Holding Last Sale of 2020 Today |
Superior Livestock will be holding their last sale of the Year today, starting at 7:30 am with Superior Sunrise. the sale itself starts at 8:00 AM Central.
OFFERING 25,760 HEAD
110 HOLSTEINS
6,250 YEARLING STEERS - 4,590 YEARLING HEIFERS
11,075 WEANED CALVES - 465 CALVES ON COWS
2,845 BEEF DAIRY CROSSES - 425 BRED STOCK
HOLSTEINS 9995
REGION 3/4/5/6 FEEDER STEERS 9996 - 10057
REGION 3/4/5/6 FEEDER HEIFERS 10058 - 10089
REGION 1 & 2 FEEDER STEERS & FEEDER HEIFERS 10090 - 10104
BEEF DAIRY CROSSES 10105 - 10122
REGION 1 & 2 WEANED CALVES & CALVES ON COWS 10123 - 10143
REGION 3 & 4 WEANED CALVES & CALVES ON COWS 10144 - 10189
REGION 5 WEANED CALVES & CALVES ON COWS 10190 - 10199
BRED STOCK 10200 - 10204
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE ESTIMATED TIME A LOT WILL SELL OR TO PREVIEW THE VIDEO ON A SPECIFIC LOT VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.superiorlivestock.com OR CALL (800) 422~2117.
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Oklahomans Mourn the Loss of the Founder of Blue and Gold Sausage, Don Ramsey |
“I believe in the future of agriculture…” is how the FFA Creed begins, and there is not another person that believed in that more than Donald (Don) Eugene Ramsey.
It's likely that if you are reading this- you sold a stick or two or more of Blue and Gold Sausage as a fund raiser for your local FFA Chapter- and if you have not- perhaps you have bought Blue and Gold Sausage from a FFA member or a member of a Boy Scout Troop or member of a school band in Oklahoma and Surrounding states. If you have, Don Ramsey touched your life. Ramsey passed away earlier this week- leaving behind a legacy of impacting youth and the organizations they are members of. (The picture here is of Don Ramsey at the 2009 Oklahoma Youth Expo Premium Sale- Ramsey and his company, Blue and Gold, have been supporters of the OYE and the spring stock shows that preceded it since Blue and Gold was established in 1970)
At the button below- you can read the OBIT that has been released that tells about Ramsey's life and his impact on so many people.
Services are planned for tomorrow- and the family is asking in lieu of flowers that folks donate to the Don Ramsey Memorial Fund established at the Oklahoma FFA Foundation as a part of their I Believe campaign. Click on the link and then hit the DONATE button on the right hand side of the page- note that your are giving to the Don Ramsey Fund.
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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 continue to go lower- Choice Beef was down $1.60 and Select Beef was off 11 cents on Wednesday.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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OKC West in El Reno had 6,464 head this week.
This will be the final week of sales for the OKC West Livestock auction in 2020. Sales resume Monday 01/04/21
Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers traded 1.00-3.00 higher. Demand good Steer and heifer calves sold 2.00-4.00 lower, with exception of truly long weaned cattle selling fully steady. Demand light to moderate as a heavy snow storm came across the trade area over the weekend and all day Tuesday keeping buyers interested in long weaned cattle with multipole rounds of shots.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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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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