From: Ron Hays [ron@oklahomafarmreport.ccsend.com] on behalf of Ron Hays [ron@oklahomafarmreport.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 6:17 AM
To: Hays, Ron
Subject: Oklahoma's Farm News Update
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Oklahoma's latest farm and ranch news
Your Update from Ron Hays of RON for Thursday July 14, 2011
A service of Producers Cooperative Oil Mill, Midwest Farm Shows and KIS Futures!
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-- U.S. Pork and Beef Exports Continue Well Ahead of Year Ago Levels
-- Hay Harvesting Tips for Failed Corn Acres
-- Sustainability in Beef Production Moving Forward with Global Roundtable
-- Soybean Checkoff Supports Conservation Legacy Awards
-- Caddo County Hosting Groundbreaking Commemorating Conservation Projects
-- Top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee Proposes Dairy Reform
-- Grass to Grid Customer Appreciation Sale Set for This Saturday
-- Let's Check the Markets!

Howdy Neighbors!

Here's your morning farm news headlines from the Director of Farm Programming for the Radio Oklahoma Network, Ron Hays. We are proud to have KIS Futures as a regular sponsor of our daily email update. KIS Futures provides Oklahoma Farmers & Ranchers with futures & options hedging services in the livestock and grain markets- Click here for the free market quote page they provide us for our website or call them at 1-800-256-2555- 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.

We are also excited to have as one of our sponsors for the daily email Producers Cooperative Oil Mill, with 64 years of progress through producer ownership. Call Brandon Winters at 405-232-7555 for more information on the oilseed crops they handle, including sunflowers and canola- and remember they post closing market prices for canola and sunflowers on the PCOM website- go there by clicking here.

And we salute our longest running email sponsor- Midwest Farm Shows, producer of the springtime Southern Plains Farm Show as well as the Tulsa Farm Show coming this December- December 8th through the 10th. Click here for the Midwest Farm Show main website to learn more about their lineup of shows around the country!

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 Ron Hays on RON.

If you have received this by someone forwarding it to you, you are welcome to subscribe and get this weekday update sent to you directly by clicking here.


U.S. Pork and Beef Exports Continue Well Ahead of Year Ago Levels
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U.S. pork and beef exports in May exceeded year-ago levels by a considerable margin and kept year-to-date results on a very strong pace, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork exports totaled 181,469 metric tons valued at $481.2 million, an 11 percent jump in volume and 15 percent in value over May 2010 levels. Volume was steady with the April 2011 results, while value declined by about 1 percent. Year-to-date through May, pork exports were up 16 percent in volume (916,763 metric tons) and 22 percent in value ($2.35 billion) over 2010, and results were 11 percent higher in volume and 26 percent higher in value than the all-time record pace set in 2008. Exports equated to 28.7 percent of total U.S. production with a per-head value of $56.81 compared to 27.9 percent and $53.10 per head in May 2010.

May beef exports were 21 percent higher in volume (109,741 metric tons) and 30 percent higher in value ($453.9 million) than a year ago. It was the second-strongest month of 2011 in terms of both volume and value, trailing only the all-time record results posted in March. Year-to-date through May, beef exports reached 509,489 metric tons valued at $2.09 billion - surpassing last year's pace by 28 percent in volume and 44 percent in value. Exports equated to 14.8 percent of total U.S. production with a value of $205.07 per head of fed slaughter. This compares to 12.6 percent and $160.30 per head in May 2010.

North Asian markets remain red hot for U.S. pork
Pork exports continued to post exceptional results in Japan, South Korea and China. Exports to Japan are coming off a record-setting value year in 2010, yet export value through May is up 18 percent to $790.6 million. Exports to Korea, which has been making concerted efforts to accommodate more imported pork in order to stabilize rising pork prices, have more than doubled in volume (113,565 metric tons, up 168 percent) and tripled in value ($275.4 million, up 213 percent) over last year's pace. In fact, exports to Korea have already exceeded the totals achieved in the entire calendar year of 2010. Access to China was limited in the early months of 2010, but this year exports are comparable in volume (99,405 metric tons) to the record pace of 2008, while delivering a value of $152 million.

Beef exports to Korea cool off, but global results extremely strong
After several consecutive months of remarkable results, beef exports to South Korea experienced an expected correction in May. Export volume in May (10,455 metric tons) was about even with last year while export value ($46.6 million) fell by about 8 percent. For the year, however, beef exports to Korea have still more than doubled the 2010 pace in terms of both volume (76,209 metric tons) and value ($330.6 million).

Lamb exports climbing higher after slow start in 2011
After getting off to a sluggish start this year, U.S. lamb exports continued to gain strength in May. Led by Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, May exports nearly tripled last year's total in terms of volume (1,813 metric tons) and jumped about 150 percent in value ($2.8 million). For the year, exports totaled 7,925 metric tons valued at $12.7 million - increases of 58 percent and 23 percent, respectively, over the first five months of 2010.

Click here for more export information from the USMEF


Hay Harvesting Tips for Failed Corn Acres
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With the current drought, some producers are interested in baling failed corn crops as hay. While this is certainly feasible, there are some challenges associated with swathing and baling corn residue. Anyone who has baled corn stalks into round bales knows the challenge of forming and tying a good bale. Starting with a standing corn crop creates additional challenges as compared to traditional hay crops in Oklahoma.

You can swath the crop with most mowers, but a disc-mower is preferred. Stalk strength might be challenging for mowers with a sickle and you should consider operating slower with a sickle-mower. If you use a sickle, make sure you have sickle sections, guards, and pickup teeth on hand in the field because you are sure to break a few. You may want to consider tilting the cutterbar up a little to avoid the tough brace roots on corn plants. This may require some "trial and error" to find the adjustment that works best.

Some type of conditioning is necessary to help get the crop dry enough to bale. It should be less than 20% moisture, preferably 15%, when it is baled. If you have access to a mower-conditioner with double conditioner rolls (4 rolls total) it may do a better job on the tough corn stalks than the standard two roller systems. In either case, make sure the conditioner is adjusted properly. On standard two roll conditioners, this includes the space between rolls and proper spring tension. The corn crop will likely create a thicker mat of material passing between the rolls than is typically seen in hay crops. It also has much stronger stalks. Thus most mower conditioners used in Oklahoma are not set correctly to pull into the field and harvest corn for hay.

If you are placing the corn in a windrow, set the windrow width to 12" less than my baler pickup, so it is easier to pick up with the baler. If you are cutting the material now and the crop is on the small side, it should be ready to bale within 5 days without turning. If you have a moderate size crop, you might consider turning the material after about 3 days.

Click here for more information on baling hay, especially checking for alfatoxin contamination.

Click here for more tips on haying corn this crop season.


Sustainability in Beef Production Moving Forward with Global Roundtable
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We wrap up our look into the issue of sustainability as it relates to beef production. Bryan Weech, Director of Livestock Agriculture for the World Wildlife Fund, says it is imperative for the industry to move forward and it is starting with a global effort. At a recent global conference on sustainable beef, over 300 participants from all of the world worked on finding a solution.

The global conference was held in Denver, Colorado, and participants discussed what some of the key impacts are between sustainability and beef production and what they can do to work together on those issues. One solution was the idea of a global roundtable focusing on sustainable beef. The global roundtable has a vision of to become an action-oriented, internation coalition of beef stakeholders committed to a sustainable, global beef system.

Weech says the main points of the global roundtable are to identify better management practices, support regional and local initiatives, provide producer education and appropriate standards and certification. Weech also says the global roundtable will serve as a catalyst to regional and local science-based projects and initiatives on sustainability.

Click on the LINK below to hear more from Bryan Weech with the World Wildlife Fund on the the global roundtable for sustainable beef, and how it will continue to move forward.

Click here for more information on the global efforts for sustainable beef


Soybean Checkoff Supports Conservation Legacy Awards
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Soybean checkoff-funded research shows U.S. soybean farmers remain committed to sustainably increasing production in order to meet growing global demand for food. The United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff will co-sponsor the American Soybean Association's (ASA's) Conservation Legacy Awards as a way of recognizing U.S. soybean farmers who demonstrate outstanding environmental and conservation achievements.

The awards honor farmers whose practices are both environmentally friendly and profitable at the same time. USB invites U.S. soybean farmers to register for the award by Aug. 5.

David Wilson, team lead of USB's Sustainability Initiative and a soybean farmer from Lincoln, Ala., believes the majority of U.S. soybean farmers operate sustainably now. He says awards like this one can help highlight those efforts to people outside of agriculture.

"To me, this is one of the most important awards given out every year, because it highlights farmers' efforts to people outside of agriculture, not just to our fellow farmers," Wilson says. "Sustainability should be the first thing on every farmer's mind, from conservation to crop protection products to tillage to the crops and the rotations that he or she plants."

USB created its Sustainability Initiative to help improve the environmental footprint of the entire U.S. soybean industry. That task begins with raising awareness among U.S. soybean farmers on why sustainability is important.

Click here for more on the Conservation Legacy Awards and how to apply


Caddo County Hosting Groundbreaking Commemorating Conservation Projects
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The South Caddo Conservation District in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, the North Caddo Conservation District and the West Caddo Conservation District, have begun construction on the first of many conservation infrastructure projects planned for installation in Caddo County. Currently nearly $20 million worth of improvements to the county's conservation infrastructure are in various stages of design, contracting, and construction.

To commemorate these investments - in which each dollar of state and local funds garners enough federal match to install $4.33 worth of conservation to the vulnerable soil of Caddo County - a groundbreaking ceremony will be held Friday July 15, 2011. Participants for the event will meet at Anadarko's Randlett Park and depart at 10 a.m. to the site of construction for the flood control structure designated as Sugar Creek L-44.

"The Oklahoma Conservation Bond is making responsible investments in Oklahoma's future," said state Sen. Ron Justice. "Proper conservation of our water and of our soil resources is beneficial to all of the current and future residents of Oklahoma," he added.

Caddo County soils are of the Pond Creek type, which is very erosive. Early agriculture and attempts to reduce flooding on Sugar Creek actually created more problems for the stream. Today Caddo County is home to 710,000 acres of cropland and 30,000 people. And the county is also home to more than 100 flood control structures that were built by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (now called the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) and area conservation districts. These structures, installed primarily in the 1950s and '60s, help to reduce flooding through greater water storage, thus preventing damage to fields, roadways, and communities.

Click here for more on funding of conservation projects


Top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee Proposes Dairy Reform
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U.S. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., made the following statement after releasing a dairy reform discussion draft that would offer protection, create stability and inspire growth in the dairy sector. The draft language is based on reform proposals put forward by the dairy industry.

"I released this discussion draft now because we need to act before the next farm bill. If we have another dairy crisis like we had in 2009, we could lose half our dairies. The discussion draft allows us to keep the ball moving while continuing to have a dialogue with the dairy industry.

"Current dairy programs aren't working; they're not keeping up with the challenges facing today's dairy industry. This proposal addresses these challenges. The proposal creates a strong safety net that will provide the support all sectors of the diverse industry need during tough times."

As Peterson released his statement and proposal- the Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Congressman Frank Lucas, offered a brief statement on Dairy policy concepts advanced by his ranking member- ""It is important for the entire dairy industry to continue discussions regarding possible dairy legislation. Rep. Peterson's discussion draft is a step in the process."

Peterson's proposal consists of three main components - a margin protection program, a Dairy Market Stabilization Program and reforms to the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. These proposals would provide a safety net based on margin protection, rather than price; and replace both the Dairy Product Price Support Program (DPPSP) and the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program.

Click here to read all of Peterson's statement- as well as links to the full draft dairy proposal and other background materials.


Grass to Grid Customer Appreciation Sale Set for This Saturday
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We remind you that this Saturday, July 16- Griswold Cattle plans a Grass to Grid Customer Appreciation sale at the Red River Livestock Market just south of Ardmore. Selling will be 800 Commercial Bred Cows, Bred Heifers and Open Heifers. Featuring 150 Clubby Bred Females The entire offering carries the service of GCC Genetics or Grass to Grid Bulls. Call Jeff Bourquin at 806-886-3145 or jump over to their website by clicking here for more details.


Our thanks to Midwest Farms Shows, PCOM, P & K Equipment/ P & K Wind Energy, Johnston Enterprises, American Farmers & Ranchers 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- FREE!

We also invite you to check out our website at the link below to check out an archive of these daily emails, audio reports and top farm news story links from around the globe.

Click here to check out WWW.OklahomaFarmReport.Com


Let's Check the Markets!
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We've had requests to include Canola prices for your convenience here- and we will be doing so on a regular basis. Current cash price for Canola is $12.92 per bushel, while the 2012 New Crop contracts for Canola are now available are $12.80 per bushel- delivered to local participating elevators that are working with PCOM.

Here are some links we will leave in place on an ongoing basis- Click on the name of the report to go to that link:
Our Daily Market Wrapup from the Radio Oklahoma Network with Ed Richards and Tom Leffler- analyzing the Futures Markets from the previous Day-
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.
Previous Day's Wheat Market Recap- Two Pager From The Kansas City Board of Trade looks at all three US Wheat Futures Exchanges with extra info on Hard Red Winter Wheat and the why of that day's market.
Daily Oklahoma Cash Grain Prices- As Reported by the Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture.
The National Daily Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
The National Daily Slaughter Cattle Summary- as prepared by USDA.
Finally, Here is the Daily Volume and Price Summary from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association.



God Bless! You can reach us at the following:
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phone: 405-473-6144
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