Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
|
|
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
|
|
|
|
Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- Census Data Shows Rural Oklahoma's Voice Will Be Heard, Says Brent Kisling, Oklahoma Commerce Department
- OSU's Derrell Peel Believes Drought, High Feed Costs Tempering Cattle Market Optimism
- Wyatt Jensen of Altus FFA Wins State FFA Prepared Speech Contest
- EPA Announces $6.5 Billion in New Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects
- Farm and Ag Groups Send Climate Letter to US Trade Representative
- Oklahoma poultry project named as a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) FY20/21 Classic Award Recipient
- Oklahoma State Recommendations for Checking Potential Freeze Damage in Wheat
- TUNE IN to KGGF AM- The Mighty 690
|
Census Data Shows Rural Oklahoma's Voice Will Be Heard, Says Brent Kisling, Oklahoma Commerce Department
|
The U.S. Census Bureau released initial numbers this week and the data shows 3.96 million people now reside in Oklahoma.
Brent Kisling, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, says this is a 5.5 percent increase since 2010, which gives us a rank of about 26th in the nation in percentage growth.
We grew faster than any of the neighboring states except Texas and Colorado, Kisling said.
Census data is used in part to determine congressional representation.
We did not lose a Congressional seat like New York and California, he said, noting those populations are moving this direction and in the next 10 years we are going to see some massive increases.
Kisling said he and his staff worked hard to get the most accurate census data and added the process actually started three years ago.
We focused a lot on the data, making sure the census bureau had all the addresses in Oklahoma, he said.
I think the team did a spectacular job, he said.
|
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 2021 Oklahoma City Farm Show.
The Tulsa Farm Show is Oklahoma’s premier agricultural and ranching event which returns to the River Spirit Expo (Expo Square) December, 9-10-11, 2021.
Now is the ideal time to contact the Midwest Farm Show Office at 507-437-7969 and book space at the 2021 Tulsa Farm Show. To learn more about the Tulsa Farm Show, click here.
|
OSU's Derrell Peel Believes Drought, High Feed Costs Tempering Cattle Market Optimism
|
Optimism of a strong cattle market in 2021 is being tempered somewhat by drought and higher feed costs said Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Extension livestock market economist.
I haven’t given up on it, but you look at the feed market and it has been stronger than anybody expected, Peel said.
I am still cautiously optimistic, especially for the calf market towards the end of the year, he said.
The OSU economist is closely watching the draught.
We’ve got huge drought issues out west and this is a critical time, he said.
There are some parts of the country that aren’t going to grow any forage unless moisture arrives in the next 3 to 6 weeks, Peel said.
When you look at the drought expansion in North Dakota and Texas where there are lots of cattle, we could see some broader market impacts if there is more liquidation there, he said.
It’s been dry for many months in the southwest but there is just not a high density of cattle in Arizona and New Mexico, he added.
For Oklahoma things are in better shape and there is hope to grow some forage this year but Peel said.
|
Wyatt Jensen of Altus FFA Wins State FFA Prepared Speech Contest
|
The 2021 Oklahoma State Prepared Speech Contest Finals were held in the new OKC Convention Center on Tuesday afternoon at the Oklahoma FFA Convention- and the state champion was Wyatt Jensen of the Altus FFA chapter (right), and the first runner up was Braden Burns of the Kingfisher FFA chapter (left)
Wyatt will represent Oklahoma in the national contest this fall.
Between Braden and Wyatt is AFR/OFU president, Scott Blubaugh, whose group sponsored the Speech Finals on Tuesday.
Jensen's speech focused on soil carbon sequestration- and how farmers and ranchers can be a significant part of the solution in the climate change arena.
Today is the second and final day of the 2021 state FFA Convention- and one of the highlights of the convention today will be the Stars Over Oklahoma announcement- as the top FFA members in four categories will be honored on stage- we have been introducing you to the Area finalists in those areas here during April- and we will profile the four State Stars tomorrow morning here in our email report.
Also happening this evening is the announcement of the Officer Elections- and the introduction of the 2021-2022 State Officer team- and we will have that for you tomorrow morning as well.
|
|
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
|
|
EPA Announces $6.5 Billion in New Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects
|
At an address to water associations, utilities, and their workers to mark Water Week, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the 2021 notice of funding availability under the agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and state infrastructure financing authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. These lending programs accelerate investment in critical water infrastructure through innovative and flexible financing that can support a wide range of projects in both large and small communities.
“EPA’s $6.5 billion in water infrastructure funding will provide more than $13 billion in water infrastructure projects while creating more than 40,000 jobs,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s announcement illustrates the multiple benefits of investing in water infrastructure-better public health and environmental protection, job creation, and economic development. These benefits would be taken to new heights under President Biden’s American Jobs Plan.”
EPA’s WIFIA loan program has become one of the most effective tools used to upgrade our nation’s infrastructure. To date, EPA's 49 WIFIA loans are providing over $9.3 billion in credit assistance to help finance nearly $20 billion for water infrastructure while creating approximately 49,000 jobs and saving ratepayers over $4 billion. This round of WIFIA funding will provide up to $5.5 billion to support $11 billion in water infrastructure projects and prioritizes five areas:
· Supporting economically stressed communities.
· Protecting water infrastructure against the impacts of climate change.
· Reducing exposure to lead and addressing emerging contaminants.
· Updating aging infrastructure.
· Implementing new or innovative approaches including cybersecurity and green infrastructure.
|
|
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.
|
Sponsor Spotlight
Union Mutual was chartered in 1938 to write property and casualty insurance in the state of Oklahoma. Over the years, Union Mutual has maintained the attitude that started the company and continue to be that company that understands Oklahomans’ insurance needs when they contact any member of the UMIC team.
In poor economic times, in times when national insurance companies either stopped writing or completely left the state, Union Mutual has been there for Oklahomans. Today, Union Mutual writes insurance in all 77 counties of Oklahoma through almost 300 agency locations. These agents provide prompt and reliable quotes for most lines of insurance. Just recently, UMIC launched a new product in the preferred market space that has seen unprecedented growth with our rural customer base and falls in line with our Company mantra of “Protection not Politics”, when meeting the needs of our consumers and agents.
Monica Collison took over as CEO of Union Mutual in May of 2019. Under her leadership and through the hard work of her Union team, the company has continued to see positive results and productive growth with profit throughout the state of Oklahoma. Union Mutual offers a wide variety of coverage options for Oklahomans. For 82 years, Union Mutual has led the way to protect all of Oklahoma.
|
|
|
Farm and Ag Groups Send Climate Letter to US Trade Representative
|
A dozen farm and agribusiness groups today sent a letter to Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, to discuss the role that American agriculture can play in helping meet climate goals and the influence this will have on trade negotiations in the future.
The letter comes in response to remarks that Amb. Tai made recently on “Trade Policy, the Environment and Climate Change.” Signing onto the letter were the Agricultural Retailers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Seed Trade Association, American Soybean Association, CropLife America, Farm Credit Council, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers Council, USA Rice, and the U.S. Dairy Export Council.
“As an industry, agriculture does not always get the recognition it deserves for the practices already put in place, but we continue to be committed to improving production practices to reduce our impact on the environment,” the letter states. “This has become more valuable than ever as supply chain partners field questions from consumers who are increasingly interested in helping the environment; as the United States enters into climate agreements with global partners to reduce GHG emissions; and as the data and technologies to help reduce emissions and sequester carbon become better and more accessible.”
|
Oklahoma poultry project named as a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) FY20/21 Classic Award Recipient
|
Oklahoma poultry project named as a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) FY20/21 Classic Award Recipient
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) has learned that the Oklahoma poultry project has been named as a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) FY20/21 Classic Award Recipient.
Through RCPP, conservation partners work in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners throughout the nation to implement systems that conserve water and soil resources, improve the health of wildlife habitats and increase climate resilience.
RCPP partners offer value-added contributions to amplify the impact of RCPP funding. These projects offer impactful and measurable outcomes. Throughout its history, RCPP has leveraged partner contributions of more than $1 for every $1 invested by USDA, resulting in nearly $3 billion collectively invested in natural resource conservation on private lands.
NRCS is investing $330 million in 85 locally driven, public-private partnerships to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability. Projects are awarded through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
|
Oklahoma State recommendations for Checking potential Freeze Damage in Wheat
|
Freezing temperatures that hit much of Oklahoma in mid-April may have wheat growers racing out to their fields to check on potential damage to their crop, but time is on the side of agricultural producers in this instance.
“The extent of the damage likely will not be identifiable until a week or so following such an extreme weather event,” said Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Oklahoma State University Extension small grains specialist. “Be aware recommendations about temperatures and time durations are rules of thumb and not an exact science. I’ve seen instances where conventional wisdom should indicate complete crop loss and we skate through with minimal damage.”
However, there are some factors to consider:
· Every freeze event is unique, and freeze injury needs to be checked on a field-by-field basis.
· Healthy wheat heads will remain turgid with a green color.
· Damaged wheat heads will be bleached, yellow or brown, and will break easily when pushed against.
The amount of injury observed will depend on the growth stage of the plants, how low the temperature got and how long it stayed at those cold temperatures. Crop elevation, residue cover and moisture content also can play significant roles.
|
TUNE IN to KGGF AM- The Mighty 690
|
We continue to spotlight some of our key radio partners across the southern plains- and one that can be heard in a a good hunk of both Kansas and Oklahoma is KGGF radio in Coffeyville, Kansas. The map above shows their signal during the day- and a good listenable signal is between those red and purple lines- and you can also listen to KGGF anywhere on the TuneIn App- available here.
Our programming on KGGF includes three longer form segments- at 6:05 to 6:30 am, 11:30 to 12:00 noon and 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.
These segments include in depth markets, farm and ranch news, our daily beef industry news and feature interviews.
Take a listen to our daily reports on KGGF and the other 45 radio stations that carry our Radio Oklahoma Ag Network updates.
|
|
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.
|
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.
|
Wholesale Boxed Beef Prices continue to go sharply higher- Choice Beef was up$5.79 and Select Beef was up $5.18 on Tuesday April 27th.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
|
Oklahoma National Stockyards ended up with an actual sale total of 6,163 on Monday April 26th.
Compared to last week: Feeder steers steady to 3.00 lower. Feeder heifers 4.00 - 6.00 lower. Steer and heifer calves lightly tested and few sales 6.00 - 9.00 lower. Demand moderate, despite much higher corn prices. Quality average to mostly attractive.
Click below for the complete closing report.
|
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..
|
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.
|
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
|
|
Rural Oklahoma is full of some of the greatest success stories throughout the entire state and is the 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 affecting rural America.
The Road to Rural Prosperity is here to tell stories about rural America, for rural America.
Host KC Sheperd sat down with Dr. Brett Carver, Regents Professor
Wheat Genetics Chair in Agriculture, Wheat Breeding and Genetics in his office on the Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater and talked about a variety of subjects- all relating back to his passion for breeding wheat. He offered his take on how the 2021 wheat crop has handled the historic freeze the southern plains dealt with in February of this year, reviewed the wheat varieties that have come out of his program and looked ahead to what might be coming next.
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:
|
|
Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K Equipment, 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, Union Mutual Insurance, 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.
|
|
God Bless!
Reach Out To Us:
|
|
Tim West
President/General Manager
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
2401 Exchange Avenue,
Suite F
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
405.317.6361
|
|
Ron Hays
Director of Farm Programming
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network
405.473.6144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|