Oklahoma's Latest Farm
And Ranch News
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Your Update from Ron Hays of RON
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
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Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update.
- USDA Announces Pecan Federal Marketing Order Referendum Passes- Extends Order by Five Years
- OSU's Rosslyn Biggs Says Having a Good Relationship with Your Veterinarian is Important
- Biden Administration Intent on Dumping Trump Era Navigable Waters Protection Rule
- NASDA Calls on USDA to Protect Diversity of Meat Processing
- OSU Alumnus Marty Matlock to be Senior Advisor for USDA
- Noble Research Institute's Charlie Graham Receives Herman Hinrichs Pecan Citation Award
- USDA Revises Dates for Pasture, Rangeland and Forage and Apiculture Insurance Programs
- Take a Look at the New 2021 Oklahoma Wheat Seed Book
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USDA Announces Pecan Federal Marketing Order Referendum Passes- Extends Order by Five Years
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The annual meeting of the American Pecan Council was held via Zoom on Tuesday, August 31, 2021- primarily to review the marketing, research and data collecting plans and approve the Fiscal Year 2022 budget for the Council, which starts October 1, 2021.
At the end of the meeting, Pecan Council Members and other stakeholders got a big surprise from one of the USDA reps on the Zoom call. Abby Campos brought up the referendum vote held back in June for the continuation of the American Pecan Industry's Federal Marketing Order. Voting ended on June 28th- and according to Campos, the votes have been tallied and that a majority of the votes cast were in favor of continuing the Pecan Federal Marketing Order for five more years. No additional details were provided- but Council members were given the okay to start spreading the word about the positive vote.
I talked on Tuesday afternoon with the Chairman of the American Pecan Council, Mike Adams of Caldwell, Texas about the surprise announcement from USDA- as well as going into details with Hays about the domestic and international marketing plans that we given the green light for the new fiscal year starting October 1, 2021. Adams is the first and only Chairman that has led the American Pecan Council.
About the vote- Adams told Hays that "we are pleased that the activities and marketing efforts of the Council have been validated through the vote of the growers" adding that "It was exciting to get that announcement from USDA."
Read more and listen to our conversation with Mike Adams by clicking on the button below- One disclaimer- I have served on the American Pecan Council as their "Public Member" since it was organized in 2016-17. I was nominated to serve and then approved by USDA for first the Alternate seat- and then in 2020 as the actual Public Member.- it has been quite an education being on the inside of this FMO as it was started from scratch- thanks to Mike Spradling for nominating me and getting me involved.
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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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OSU's Rosslyn Biggs Says Having a Good Relationship with Your Veterinarian is Important
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From city dwellers and suburbanites to commercial cattle producers, everyone should have a good relationship with their veterinarian, Rosslyn Biggs, director of Continuing Education and beef cattle extension specialist at Oklahoma State University, told us.
Biggs works with Oklahoma’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), a program that helps beef cattle producers provide consumers with a safe, wholesome and healthy product.
“(BQA is) a commitment from beef cattle producers to our consumers,” Biggs said. “It is an entire program - for my specific focus, I am promoting herd-health protocols to beef cattle producers.”
For producers, having a good relationship with your veterinarian is the first step in ensuring herd health, said Biggs. Biggs said she views producers and veterinarians as team members in producing the best quality beef possible. A relationship needs to exist - especially now that rural veterinarians are few and far between - to be a good team.
“Veterinary practices are very busy - in all species, but certainly in the beef cattle industry,” Biggs said. “There are only so many hours in the day and you want to have that partnership established before you are in a train wreck.”
Aside from getting help in an emergency, a huge step in providing quality beef is making sure animals live healthy lives. Practicing safe handling techniques, treating illness, good record keeping and establishing protocols are all things a veterinarian can guide on, according to Biggs.
Biggs said the final product reflects everyone who had a hand in its delivery - from the hands-on cattle producer, team members, haulers and so on - everyone must be educated and committed to following best practices to maintain quality assurance.
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Biden Administration Intent on Dumping Trump Era Navigable Waters Protection Rule
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I sat down with Chief Environmental Counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Scott Yager again, talking about the back and forth of the Waters of the United States rule within the Clean Waters Act.
Yesterday on Beef Buzz, Yager said the efforts to rewrite the rule by the Biden Administration feel like he’s living in the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day. If you missed yesterday’s Beef Buzz, read and listen to it here.
The biggest concern for cattlemen and women with the announcement of repealing and replacing former President Donald Trump’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), according to Yager, is that a similar rule to the 2015 Clean Water Rule be brought forth.
“We need to make sure that we don’t have a rule come out of this process like the 2015 rule, which had the potential to put people out of business and impact just about every water feature in cattle country,” Yager said.
As the Biden administration moves forward with a proposal to repeal the 2019 NWPR, Yager said the proposal could come as early as this December. Once the repeal is finalized, which could be as early as spring of 2022, Yager said the nation falls back onto the 1987 regulations of the Clean Water Act.
“You might be asking, ‘why,’” Yager said. “The Trump administration appealed the 2015 rule, so we can’t go back to that - it’s no longer there - what’s before that are the 1987 regulations.”
That means cattle producers have a year before things begin to change again, according to Yager. Yager estimates any new rule from the Biden Administration won’t come into effect until late 2022, possibly 2023.
However- there is a fresh late breaking development. Monday, Judge Rosemary Márquez of the United States District Court for the District of Arizona threw out the Trump-era rule. This is a first for the 2019 NWPR. Previous court rulings have upheld the rule.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall responded to the ruling, check it out here. See Yager's official statement on the matter, here.
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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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NASDA Calls on USDA to Protect Diversity of Meat Processing
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The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture expressed its recommendations for a resilient, diverse and secure meat processing system. Specifically, NASDA commented that flexible funding for solutions to workforce shortages and processing infrastructure investments for small to mid-sized meat processing facilities is critical to ensuring our food system is built to handle future challenges.
Twenty-seven state departments of agriculture operate state meat and poultry inspection programs covering approximately 1,900 small or very small establishments. State agriculture departments hold a unique position as they are the only entities certified to inspect meat other than the USDA. Nationwide, NASDA members report small establishments are facing significant challenges with shortages of inspectors and workers.
“Having re-assembled our food supply chains in response to each hurdle the COVID-19 pandemic has presented, NASDA members deeply understand the connection between diversity in production and food system resiliency,” NASDA CEO Dr. Barb Glenn said. “We must do all we can to support our small meat processors now and invest in their ability to stand on their own into the future.”
To reduce the impact of labor shortages and recruit more workers, NASDA recommends using USDA funding to offset employment costs, invest in workforce training programs and offer apprenticeship programs for small processing plants.
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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
Oklahoma Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization working to improve the lives of all Oklahomans by supporting our state’s agriculture community. As Oklahoma’s largest general farm organization, OKFB advocates for farmers and ranchers at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C., to ensure our way of life continues for generations to come. With leadership events, supporting our state’s agricultural youth and connecting consumers with agriculture, Farm Bureau promotes and sustains Oklahoma agriculture in numerous ways. Join with OKFB today by becoming a member at okfarmbureau.org/join. Together, we are rural Oklahoma.
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OSU Alumnus Marty Matlock to be Senior Advisor for USDA
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently named Oklahoma State University graduate Marty Matlock to a key position in the USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
Matlock, who received his doctorate in biosystems engineering and masters in botany at OSU, will serve as senior advisor for food systems resiliency.
Matlock is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and his placement in the USDA program speaks to the value of his work, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said.
“Marty Matlock served on our Environmental Protection Commission for over a decade overseeing the Cherokee Nation’s environmental programs, and his wealth of expertise in agriculture and food sustainability will be an immeasurable resource for the USDA,” Hoskin said. “Also, anytime our top federal government agencies add leaders who are tribal citizens or bring a tribal perspective to shape decisions and policies, it advances all of Indian Country.”
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Noble Research Institute's Charlie Graham Receives Herman Hinrichs Pecan Citation Award
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Noble Research Institute Senior Pecan Specialist, Charlie Graham, was given the Herman Hinrichs Pecan Citation Award for work he has done to support the Oklahoma pecan industry.
The annual Herman Hinrichs Pecan Citation Award recognizes a professional who has made a significant contribution to the Oklahoma pecan industry. The winner is chosen by the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association and is awarded during their annual meeting.
“Charlie has been a great asset to the Noble pecan team as a consultant and researcher. He will be instrumental as we focus on regenerative agriculture, especially for the pecan industry across the US,” Charles Rohla, pecan and specialty agriculture systems manager, said.
Graham has been at Noble for over three years, where he works with pecan growers across the state of Oklahoma and has helped lead numerous field days, workshops and webinars.
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USDA Revises Dates for Pasture, Rangeland and Forage and Apiculture Insurance Programs
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Agricultural producers now will have until December 1 to make coverage decisions and complete reporting activities for the Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Pilot Insurance Program (PRF) and Apiculture Pilot Insurance Program (API).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) is making this change and other updates to these two policies based on feedback from stakeholders.
PRF and API are both Rainfall Index crop insurance policies designed to aid agricultural producers in case of a lack of precipitation that affects available forage for livestock and honeybees. The plans consider a decline in rainfall by comparing it with the historical average precipitation for the same area during the same period of time. PRF is designed to help protect a producer’s livestock operation from the risks of forage loss. API provides a safety net for beekeepers’ primary income sources of honey, pollen collection, wax, and breeding stock.
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Take a Look at the New 2021 Oklahoma Wheat Seed Book
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Wheat seed cleaning in Oklahoma Wheat Country is about wrapped up and now is the time to decide planting variety strategies and where to find seed close to your farm.
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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 were slightly lower on Tuesday, August 31st. Choice Beef was down 67 cents while Select Beef was off 52 cents.
Click on the Button below for the latest report from USDA Market News
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Oklahoma National Stockyards had 7,521 head of cattle on their final sale day of August, 2021.
The Oklahoma National Stockyards will be closed next week 09/6-7/2021 for the Labor Day Holiday..
Compared to last week: Feeder steers and heifers unevenly steady. Steer calves 5.00 - 8.00 higher. Heifer calves 1.00 - 2.00 lower. Demand moderate to good. Quality mostly average but flesh conditions in buyers favor with many in medium to thin flesh conditions. Weigh-ups showing the complete range of gaunt to full. Weather continues hot and dry with very little rain in the forecast.
Click below for the complete closing report.
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OKC West in El Reno had 1,500 head for their Calf run on August 31sr.
Compared to last Tuesday: Steer and heifer calves sold 1.00-3.00 lower. Demand remains moderate. Several nice attractive were on offer today.
Click on the button below for details of the trade as compiled by the USDA Market News Service.
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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
Pam Arterburn, Calendar and Template Manager
Chelsea Stanfield, Farm News and Email Editor
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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.
KC Sheperd talks with Oklahoma's 17th Lt. Governor, Matt Pinnell. Pinnell is also serving as the first Oklahoma Secretary of Tourism & Branding. Pinnell says lots of exciting things have Oklahoma on an upward trajectory- and he shares several highlights in today's conversation. Today's Road to Rural Prosperity Podcast is powered by Banc First, Loyal to Oklahoma and to you.
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, 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.
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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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