Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
From: Ron Hays <ronphays@cox.net>
Date: 7/25/2018 5:45 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.
 

  
 
MarketLinksLet's Check the Markets!  



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 1,249 cattle on their showlist for the Wednesday, July 25th sale of finished cattle- details will be available after noon today by clicking here.
 
 
Steer and heifer calves sold unevenly steady on a light test Tuesday compared to last week at OKC West - click or tap here for a look at the July 24th 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, July 24th.
 
  
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,  July 25, 2018

Howdy Neighbors! 

Here is your daily Oklahoma farm and ranch news update. 
 









OneFeatured Story:


Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the USDA will take several steps to assist farmers suffering from trade damage due to unjust trade retaliation. USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs, which is in line with the estimated $11 billion impact of the retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods. These programs will help producers to meet the costs of disrupted markets.


A disproportionate number of the retaliatory tariffs were aimed directly at agricultural products. Perdue says this is a short-term solution that will allow the President more time to work on long-term trade deals to benefit agriculture and the U.S. economy.


"The President promised to have the backs of every American farmer and he knows the importance of keeping our rural economy strong," Perdue says. "USDA will not stand by while our agricultural producers bear the brunt of unfriendly tariffs enacted by foreign nations. The programs we're announcing today help ensure our nation's agriculture continues to feed the world."


The programs that USDA will use to assist American farmers include the Market Facilitation Program, a Food Purchase and Distribution Program, and a Trade Promotion Program. The aid doesn't require congressional approval but would be provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation.


Click here to read more about this story and listen to the Perdue speak at yesterday's media teleconference during which he made the announcement.


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.




For the past several months, the chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, Pat Roberts, has been among those working feverishly to develop the next farm bill to replace the existing one currently in place. His goal has been steadfastly to provide farmers, ranchers, rural citizens and other principal stakeholders with the certainty and stability they need to successfully operate in these volatile economic times.
The importance of that mission was reaffirmed, yesterday, after Secretary Purdue made his announcement revealing President Trump's plan to subsidize the financial losses incurred by the ag community due to the consequences of the ongoing trade war. Roberts released a statement following Purdue's announcement, which he said underscored the particularly tough situation at hand for producers - which should give lawmakers cause to hasten their efforts in finalizing the legislation.


"We need to work together to finalize and pass a Farm Bill for our producers," Roberts said. "The Administration's announcement underscores the tough times we face in agriculture with low prices, surpluses, and uncertain trade circumstances. It is all the more reason to put politics aside and provide farmers and ranchers with a Farm Bill to give them certainty and predictability."


Roberts also made a remark that aligned with the sentiments of the ag industry's collective reaction to the Administration's plan - first, thanking President Trump for the gesture, but also encouraging that a solution with more profundity be reached.


"Given the low prices farmers have been facing, the tariff situation is making things worse for producers as we speak," Roberts said. "Trade remains the single best solution to the tough economy in farm country. I will look closely at the President's assistance proposal, but I hope that the Administration is also working to quickly resolve the tariff situation and restore the export markets our farmers, ranchers, and growers rely on."


Roberts seemed to say that in the meantime, he would strive to do all he could for farmers and ranchers in his own capacity as a key player in the crafting of the farm bill - which could actually offer significant recourse through expanded use of such programs such as the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.


Click here to read the original story on our website for more on Sen. Roberts' reaction to the Trump Administration's plan to help the ag industry.



The Trump Administration announced a $12 billion plan to provide emergency aid to farmers who are struggling under an escalating trade war with China and other trading partners. While the groups were grateful for the aid, they all pointed out this is a short-term fix to a long-term problem.


U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers remarked in a joint release on their appreciation of how the Administration has acknowledged farmers' need for help, but still urged the Administration to end the "self-inflicted damage" and cease the trade war immediately.


John Heisdorffer,  American Soybean Association President, says the best idea is to expand other markets and develop new ones to buy soybeans that America isn't selling to China.


Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall commented that the USDA announcement is substantial but says they cannot overstate the dire situation that farmers face because of lost export markets.


National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Skunes added that the members of his organization would prefer to rely on the strength of free and open markets, "not an aid package," for their livelihoods.


National Cotton Council Chairman Ron Craftechoed those same comments stating, "We support the Administration for taking this interim action to help at least partially offset impacts until better trade relationships can be restored and improved."


 
On Friday of last week, July 20th, the USDA released its mid-year Cattle Inventory report in addition to the monthly Cattle on Feed report. Upon its release, we caught up with Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Derrell Peel, for his analysis of those numbers. 


According to Peel, the July Cattle report confirms larger cattle inventories in 2018. The total U.S. cattle herd was reported at 103.2 million head, up 1.0 percent from last year and the largest July 1 inventory since 2008. The July 1 beef cow inventory is 32.5 million head, up 0.9 percent compared to one year ago. Beef replacement heifers were down 2.1 percent year over year at 4.6 million head. Dairy cow and dairy replacement heifer inventories were unchanged year over year. The 2018 calf crop was estimated at 36.5 million head, up 1.9 percent over the 2017 calf crop. The combined inventory of steers, other heifers and calves, adjusted for cattle on feed, leads to an estimated July 1 feeder supply of 37.1 million, up 0.5 percent year over year. Cattle supplies will continue to grow, but slower, through 2019 at least.


"It pretty much in my mind at least was as anticipated. Numbers are still growing a little bit. But, it's all within the realm of a herd inventory that is continuing to expand but at a slower and slower pace and at a moderating pace," he said. "So, I think when it's all said and done we may call 2018 an expansion year but at a very modest pace and we may be approaching a peak as we go into 2019." 



The modest increase in beef cows, combined with a smaller inventory of beef replacement heifers, suggests that herd expansion is slowing even more in 2018 after slowing in 2017. However, the ratio of July 1 to January 1 beef cow inventory is 102.4, a level that historically implies positive herd expansion in the current year. The ratio is down from 2015 and 2017 levels (No 2016 July Cattle report was issued), again indicating slow expansion for the current year and perhaps a peak in the cow herd inventory in 2019. 


Listen to Peel and I discuss the USDA's latest Cattle Inventory report for 2018, on yesterday's Beef Buzz - click here.

Sponsor Spotlight
 
 
KIS FUTURES specializes in Futures and Options for Institutions, Commercials, Hedgers, and Individual Traders and executes trades for its clients in the following markets: Livestock, Grains, Energy, Metals, Softs, Financials, Currencies, and Stock Index Futures. For more information, please give them a call Toll Free at (800) 256-2555. Click here for their website to learn more.


And- their iPhone App, which provides all electronic futures quotes is available at the App Store-
click here for the KIS Futures App for your iPhone.   



The central theme that the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association built its convention around this year, was the business side of the cattle business. And, naturally, any good business plan will generally include some variation of risk management, to be prepared when the unexpected happens. To speak to that fact, Vic Morrison, regional sales manager for Diversified Crop Insurance Services, was invited to lead a discussion on risk management and the tools available to producers during one of the convention's Cattlemen's College sessions. Our own Carson Horn caught up with Morrison this past week to ask which tools he recommends most often for producers looking to leverage their risk.


One of the primary programs Morrison offers through his company is part of the Federal Crop Insurance program, used to assure that certain production goals a producer has for his or her crop is met. This is a very standard program many farmers are familiar with and is often requested of Morrison. However, one of the lesser known programs offered, but equally beneficial, is the Livestock Risk Protection program, or LRP. Like all the policies he offers, the LRP is totally customizable to each producer's individual needs. Essentially, this program locks in a price at which a producer will sell their cattle at the end of cycle - guaranteeing the amount of income they are expecting and require to sustain their operation in case the market turns for the worse before the cattle are sold.


In addition to this, Morrison also recommends securing a Pasture, Range and Forage policy, or PRF. For producers who rely on grassland pastures to keep their cattle fed, this is one of Morrison's personal favorites as it is very affordable and relatively inexpensive. In fact, the federal government even pays a large percentage of the premium. If a producer finds him or herself in the throes of a drought, for instance, and their pastures fail to produce much forage... this policy helps offset the resulting feed costs that will be incurred to supplement the herd's nutritional requirements.


"The times we're living in, there's so much vulnerability and risk in what we're doing. One disaster can literally wipe an operation out," Morrison said. "So, something I'm proud of is providing risk management tools that can help us withstand some of those things. I want to see people succeed, not fail, and these tools can help us do that."


Most importantly, Morrison advises people to visit with their crop insurance agent to learn about the specifics of each of these programs and to do it early enough to give themselves adequate time to think things through. Luckily, the closing date to sign up for these programs isn't until November 15th - so make your appointment today to speak with your adjuster.


Click here to read more or listen to Morrison offer more of his professional advice.


OklaFFAOklahoma FFA Setting Up for a Great 2018 National Convention with Two American Star Finalists in Play

Several times in recent years, Oklahoma has grabbed two of the top 16 spots in the annual American Star Finalist lineup- and you can add 2018 to that list. 

On Tuesday- the National FFA Organization released the names of their 16 Star Finalists- and Adrienne Blakey of Stillwater and Brady Womack of Morris made the cut. 

Blakey will compete as a finalist in the American Star in Agriscience, while Womack is a finalist to become the American Star in Agribusiness. 

The American Star Awards represents the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. The award recognizes FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through the completion of a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. A required activity in FFA, an SAE allows members to learn by doing. Members can own and operate an agricultural business, intern at an agricultural business or conduct an agriculture-based scientific experiment and report the results.

The Four Stars will be selected during the 2018 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis- and the national winners will be announced on stage Thursday, October 25th.

Click or tap here to read more- and to see the full list of 16 Star Finalists for 2018.



Officials with Oklahoma Forestry Services are asking citizens to use caution as record high temperatures and lack of rain are creating the potential for increased wildfire danger across the state. While the entire state is drying out, southern Oklahoma is already seeing increased fire activity.



OFS Fire Control Officer Aranda Chamberlain says there has already been "a big increase in fires in southeastern Oklahoma over the weekend, with 19 fires burning 743 acres compared to 23 fires in the entire month of June."


Citizens are asked to delay any burning until conditions improve, avoid dragging chains on vehicles, making sure that campfires are completely out, using extra care when grill outdoors and using caution with anything that can cause fire. Additionally, citizens are asked to report any new fires or suspicious smoke to the closest fire department. 



Read more about how the OFS works daily to monitor wildfire conditions around the state and check out a running list on their website to see if your county is under any fire watches or bans, by clicking here.

Want to Have the Latest Energy News Delivered to Your Inbox Daily?
 

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.

 

SevenOklahoma's Lingering Heat Dome Poses Threats to the Health and Efficiency of Cattle Under Stress


In this week's Cow/Calf Corner, OSU's Glenn Selk brings attention to the potential impact heat stress resulting from the lingering high pressure heat dome over Oklahoma can have on the health and efficiency of cattle this summer, referring back to research conducted by Dr. Dave Sparks in 2011.


According to Selk, "in hot weather the first thing to suffer in your herd is reproductive efficiency. Reproductive problems can range from poor fertility to no fertility. In some males high core body temperature causes suppression of libido, but that is only the beginning of the problems. In male mammals the testicles cannot produce or maintain sperm cells at body temperature. The scrotum is designed to keep the testicles several degrees cooler than the body's core temperature by means of special muscles that lower the testicles away from the body as air temperature rises and pull them back closer as air temperature decreases. Also, the pampiniform plexus is a heat exchange unit that cools the blood entering the testicles. When these mechanisms are overcome by the environmental temperature problems occur. Sperm cell formation, or spermatogenesis, starts to decrease when the testicular temperature rises as little as 1/2 degree and sperm cells start to die if the testicular temperature rises as much as 2 degrees above optimum. This can be significant because if extremely hot weather causes the death or deformation of sperm in the male system it can take as long as 6 weeks for new cells to be formed and mature. This can result in a temporary sterility. Research has shown that in females, high body temperatures can result in lowered conception rates and embryonic death."



Click here to read the complete article for more of Selk's insights on the impacts of heat related stress in cattle.


 
Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, P & K EquipmentAmerican Farmers & Ranchers, Livestock Exchange at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Stillwater Milling Company, National Livestock Credit CorporationOklahoma 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 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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