Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
From: Ron Hays <ronphays@cox.net>
Date: 8/30/2017 4:55 AM
To: ron@ronhays.com



 
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We invite you to listen to us on great radio stations across the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network weekdays- if you missed this morning's Farm News - or you are in an area where you can't hear it- click here for this morning's Farm news from Carson Horn on RON.
 

  
Let's Check the Markets!  
MarketLinks


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.
 
 
   
FedCattleExchange.com has a total of 1,777 cattle on their showlist for the Wednesday, August 30th sale of finished cattle- details will be available after noon today by clicking here.
 
 
Steer and heifer calves sold mostly 3.00 to 5.00 higher with much higher undertones noted compared to previous week at OKC West 
 Tuesday, - click or tap here for a look at the August 29th sale results. 


Today's First Look:
mornings with cash and futures reviewed- includes where the Cash Cattle market stands, the latest Feeder Cattle Markets Etc.
  
  
Each afternoon we are posting a recap of that day's markets as analyzed by Justin Lewis of KIS futuresclick or tap here for the report posted yesterday afternoon around 3:30 PM.
 
  
Okla Cash Grain:  
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- as reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture on Tuesday, August 29th.
  
  
Futures Wrap:  
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Network - analyzing the Futures Markets from the previous Day.
  
Feeder Cattle Recap:  
The National Daily Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
  
Slaughter Cattle Recap: 
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by the USDA.
  
TCFA Feedlot Recap:  
Finally, here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.
  


  
Our Oklahoma Farm Report Team!!!!
  
Ron Hays, Senior Farm Director and Editor

Carson Horn, Associate Farm Director and Editor
  
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
  
Dave Lanning, Markets and Production

Oklahoma's Latest Farm and Ranch News
 
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
   Wednesday, August 30, 2017
 
Howdy Neighbors! 

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 
 








Featured Story:

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association is directing cattle producers from Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey to relief assistance programs currently being made available. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall from NCBA's DC office, addressed members of the cattle industry yesterday, offering instructions on how to either apply for or donate to these relief funds.


"This is a significant disaster and as everybody is watching the news, you see the impact on the cities in South and Southeast Texas," Woodall said. "What isn't being reported is the impact on farmers and ranchers down there. So, we need to do everything we can to get the word out on the resources that are available to them."


The best way to do that right now, Woodall says, is to visit NCBA's website at www.BeefUSA.org where links to all federal and state relief programs have been set up in one central location.


"As part of the last Farm Bill, NCBA was successful in getting a permanent disaster program included at USDA," he said. "Those programs will be triggered with the disaster declarations that have already been announced for the counties in Texas."
 

 

 

Some Producers are looking to relocate cattle until floodwaters recede. The Texas Department of Ag has set up a resource on their website to help ranchers find facilities that are accepting cattle.


 


 

Click over to our website to learn more about these programs and others, and listen to Colin Woodall describe NCBA's hurricane relief efforts.



Sponsor Spotlight
 

It's great to have the Livestock Exchange at the Oklahoma National Stockyards as a sponsor for our daily email.  The eight Commission firms at the Stockyards make up the exchange- and they are committed to work hard to get you top dollar when you consign your cattle with them.  They will present your cattle to the buyers gathered each Monday or Tuesday at one of the largest stocker and feeder cattle auctions in the world.
 
Click here for a complete list of the Commission firms that make up the Livestock Exchange at the Oklahoma National Stockyards- still the best place to sell your cattle- and at the heart of Stockyards City, where you can go around the corner enjoy a great steak and shop for the very best in western wear. 


As flooding from Hurricane Harvey continues to force farmers and ranchers off their operations, and attempt to move livestock to higher ground, the Humane Society of the United State (HSUS) is not wasting any time taking advantage of the disaster to fundraise. The Animal Agriculture Alliance released a statement Tuesday, warning those interested in supporting farmers and ranchers in this time of need through a monetary donation, to beware of giving to HSUS.


"HSUS is not affiliated with local humane societies and uses only about one percent of its budget to help animals in shelters," said Kay Johnson Smith, president and CEO at the Alliance. "Instead, they use a significant amount of their funds to lobby against farmers and ranchers like the ones impacted by Hurricane Harvey."


Smith's claims are backed up with findings from an investigation on HSUS conducted after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. The organization raised more than $34 million for relief funding - yet only a sliver of that money was spent in relief aid. And, still there are more examples of misrepresentation.


The Alliance encourages people that truly want to help the desperate animals in the Southeast this week to choose to support the State of Texas Agricultural Relief (STAR) Fund, the American Humane Association or local organizations that are actually concerned about helping animals and rebuilding communities.


The Texas Department of Agriculture established the STAR Fund to receive donations that will be redirected 100 percent back to livestock producers who need the help. A few local organizations include: Houston Food Bank, United Way of Greater Houston, Food Bank of Corpus Christi, Houston Humane Society and the San Antonio Humane Society.

Click here to read more about the Alliance's stance on the fundraising efforts of HSUS .
USFRAUSFRA's Randy Krotz Calls on Rural Community to Unite in Defense of Modern Agricultural Practices

Randy Krotz, CEO of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, published the following op-ed piece this week, regarding the threat presented by groups and individuals opposed to the modern, science-based production methods utilized in the agriculture industry of today, and proposes the rural community stand united to defend industry practices.


"There are real threats to farming and ranching in America.


"Many well-funded forces want to drive as much animal agriculture out of business as possible - and with it, row crop production throughout our heartland. There are those who want consumers to turn their backs on the science and technology that improves food production because they are afraid of the unfamiliar, because 'it isn't the way our grandparents farmed.' This jaded view of agriculture, this unacquainted and cynical view of our farms and ranches has become mainstream. Perpetual and growing voices accuse farmers of harming the environment, and use half-truths and sensationalism to spread fear. Notably, there are food companies making decisions counter to what is best for our land, our animals, our society because of activist pressures.


"And yet, our strong and independent farming and ranching families work hard every day to evolve. We adapt and strive for improvement, especially when it comes to sustainability and animal care. We put science first and look to the future, not the past. Yet, as the backbone of our rural communities, we are often misunderstood, stereotyped and disadvantaged by distance from food concerned populations and urban media.


"American farmers are fiercely independent. It is what makes us competitive and strong. We are entrepreneurs and small business owners who manage through thin profit margins and unpredictability. Our land, and in some cases our farm animals, are vulnerable to Mother Nature and we oftentimes find ourselves at her mercy. Our hearts and prayers are with those in Texas that are currently experiencing such catastrophic effects from the weather. 


"But is it possible that this independent spirit also has a downside when it comes to telling our story? Do we splinter because we want to 'do it our way' even when that means fewer resources to defend our practices and fight for the right to use technology? We seem hesitant to raise our voices together, as one."
 
 
To continue reading, click or tap here, for the complete article by Krotz posted on our website.

The Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board wants more than ever to meet and connect with consumers where they are at - in this case, that happens to be on the world wide web. I met up with Polly Ruhland, CEO of the Cattlemen's Beef Board during the NCBA Summer Conference, to discuss some of the success stories of this year in beef promotion as well as her vision for future endeavors in advancing the product's image as well.


"We are heavy into the digital environment as far as the consumer goes and we're really excited. But, we're becoming more sophisticated, dealing with the consumer in that environment," Ruhland said, noting the significance of social media's role in the Checkoff's digital strategy. "Facebook is becoming so much more sophisticated and we're able to use it in so many more ways than we used to."


Ruhland reports that the Checkoff has been extremely successful utilizing the Facebook platform along with related applications that allow for increased exposure and engagement with consumers online. The effort here has been so successful, in fact, that the Beef Checkoff Facebook page, has recently reached 1 million 'Likes.' She says this is a reflection of a shift being seen in our culture regarding its view of beef. She insists beef is popping up everywhere throughout our culture - in the media, in the health community and elsewhere - all with positive narratives.


"Beef is becoming popular again," she remarked. "That kind of thing doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen without a lot of work."


Ruhland announced only recently, that she will leave the CBB as its chief executive officer at the end of October and will begin a new chapter of her career as the CEO of the United Soybean Board, November 1.


Learn more about the Checkoff's digital strategy and the success that has been measured already, by listening to our conversation, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.

Sponsor Spotlight

 
We are pleased to have American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual Insurance Company as a regular sponsor of our daily update. On both the state and national levels, full-time staff members serve as a "watchdog" for family agriculture producers, mutual insurance company members and life company members.

Click here to go to their AFR website to learn more about their efforts to serve rural America!

 Innovative Farm-to-Food Bank Project

Over the last several months, we've kept up with the Oklahoma Conservation Partners' cover crop pilot project, intermittently updated on its progress by Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts President Jimmy Emmons of Leedey, Okla.


To refresh your memory, Emmons and a handful of other Oklahoma farmers have planted a cocktail mix of cover crops on a small portion of land on their respective operations this year. In partnership with the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, the fruiting cover crops have been gleaned a few times over the summer and off of Emmons' land alone - more than 3,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables have been harvested, donated to the Regional Food Bank and distributed to more than 2,000 hungry Oklahoma families.


Emmons and the Conservation Partners hope this model will be proven an overall success (which it seems to be so far) and will be adopted by other states as a way to help feed hungry citizens while at the same time improving soil health.


This project finally caught the attention of state leaders, Congressman Frank Lucas and State Representative Mike Sanders, who attended one of the group's "Farm to Food Bank" events, recently to see for themselves the difference being made and to offer congratulatory remarks.


"Everybody in this partnership is doing the right things for the right reasons. Hopefully, what has started in Leedey, Oklahoma can spread across the United States," Congressman Lucas said.


According to a release by the OACD, one in six Oklahomans has inconsistent access to food, which can lead to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic diseases.


"This pilot project is a win-win. For the health of the soil and the health of our needy neighbors," said Dave Wattenbarger, manager of regional giving for the, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. "Projects like Farm to Food Bank help us meet the demand for fresh food in Oklahoma." 


Read more about Congressman Lucas and Rep. Sanders' visit at the recent Farm to Food Bank event, by clicking here.
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Award winning broadcast journalist Jerry Bohnen has spent years learning and understanding how to cover the energy business here in the southern plains- Click here to subscribe to his daily update of top Energy News.

 


While China has lifted its 13-year ban on US beef, it not only allows American beef producers to increase their tonnage beef exports - it allows them to build their brand presence.


Geof Bednar, Certified Angus Beef's international director, described this unique opportunity that he sees happening as the Chinese beef market matures for the US, in a recent story provided by CAB.


As Bednar tells it, Chinese consumers have developed a taste for U.S. grain-fed beef, but haven't had a direct link to get it. For many years U.S. beef was sold into China, only after making a stop in Hong Kong first.


"As it opens up, it allows us to get in the market first hand, protect the brand from a trademark protection standpoint. But it also allows us now, to not only bring that high-quality beef to the market, but also now to brand it to that consumer, where they gain that trust and loyalty to the brand," Bednar said. "So, from a tonnage standpoint, in sales, it's phenomenal the opportunity."


And while like anything, this deal comes with its own challenges, mostly on the regulatory side, but the opportunity abounds, says Bednar. Particularly when you consider the fact that the Chinese market is likely to be a huge customer for the beef products not typically popular in America, like tongue for example. They will actually pay good money for these cuts
that would otherwise be underutilized in North American markets.
 
 
"The beauty of it is even though we're typically the highest priced beef in any one market that we're established in," Bednar noted, "we are the preferred beef."
 
 
 
To watch a video clip featuring Geof Bednar, international director for Certified Angus Beef LLC, talking about what the Chinese market could mean for sales of high-quality U.S. beef,
click or tap here.

The University of Missouri received a $460,000 grant from the USDA this week, to fund the institution's research of an infectious blood disease in cattle, called Anaplasmosis, caused by bacteria transmitted by ticks.


The University plans to study a new approach to interfering with the pathogen in the tick vector.


Building on existing research, Bill Stich, professor of parasitology in the University's College of Veterinary Medicine,and his team will work to develop immunizations with extracts from tick tissues to fight the disease.


The targeted disease infects the red blood cells and causes severe anemia, fever and weight loss in cattle, sometimes can be fatal.


"Understanding how pathogens are maintained in the ticks that transmit them, including the bacteria that cause anaplasmosis, is key," Stich said. "Our lab and team will examine just how the tick molecules are involved with the development of bacteria and how we can create immunizations targeted at those tick molecules. The overall goal is to develop sustainable ways to treat the disease to keep cattle and herds healthy."
 
 
Learn more about this disease and how researchers are working to curb its affect on the beef industry with funding provided by the USDA, by reading the full story, found here.

Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K EquipmentAmerican Farmers & Ranchers, Livestock Exchange at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Oklahoma Farm BureauStillwater Milling CompanyOklahoma AgCreditthe 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 also appreciate our Market Links Sponsor - OKC West Livestock 
 
 
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! You can reach us at the following:  
 
phone: 405-473-6144
 

 



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