USDA Announces Efforts to Expand Support for Small and Mid-Sized Farmers and Ranchers 

In remarks at the National Farmers Union National Convention yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new and expanded efforts to connect small- and mid-sized farmers and ranchers with USDA resources that can help them build stronger businesses, expand to reach new and larger markets, and grow their operations.   

"The recent Census of Agriculture shows that there is tremendous growth potential for small and mid-sized producers in the American agricultural landscape," said Vilsack. "USDA is taking a hard look at our existing resources to ensure that they work for producers of all sizes. We've adjusted policies, strengthened programs and intensified outreach to meet the needs of small and mid-sized producers. These producers are critical to our country's agricultural and economic future."

Efforts include improved access to USDA resources, revised risk management tools that better fit the needs of smaller producers, additional support for hoop houses, and expanded collection of valuable market news information. USDA is also introducing a series of education tools focusing on opportunities for farmers engaged in local and regional food systems. In addition, USDA field staff will be boosting their outreach efforts to small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers.

More information about tools and resources available to small and mid-sized farmers will be rolled out in the coming months, including information about access to capital, risk management, food safety, and locating market opportunities.

Among the initiatives announced yesterday:

--Funding for producers under the popular microloan program. USDA launched the microloan program to allow beginning, small and mid-sized farmers to access up to $35,000 in loans using a simplified application process. 

--Developing tools to help small and midsized farmers and ranchers make sound financial decisions as they plan for their future. 

Click here to read the rest of this story and to listen to Tom Vilsack's remarks to the NFU. 

Latest WASDE Report: U.S. Corn Exports Higher on Stronger World Demand

The USDA released its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand report Monday, with corn exports projected 25 million bushels higher on stronger world imports and the rising pace of shipments in recent weeks. Continued strong export sales also support the higher figure.   Projected corn ending stocks were lowered 25 million bushels.

U.S. soybean supply and use projections for 2013/14 include higher imports and exports, reduced crush, and reduced ending stocks compared with last month's report. Soybean exports are raised 20 million bushels to a record 1.53 billion reflecting continued strong sales and shipments through February.

U.S. wheat 2013/14 ending stocks were unchanged in Monday's report at 558 million bushels compared with USDA's previous estimate of 558 million bushels. Analysts had a expected a figure of 568 million bushels.

Click here for a link to the full report and for a video analysis from Allendale's Rich Nelson.    

Another winter storm brought snow, sleet and freezing rain to Oklahoma last week. North Central Oklahoma received the most snow, with localized reports as high as 5-7 inches in parts of Grant and Alfalfa Counties. According to the most recent Drought Monitor, Oklahoma drought conditions are holding steady compared to the previous week because of the small amounts of moisture received. However- of convern- we are substantially drier in our top soil ratings this week compared to one year ago.

All small grains were rated mostly fair to poor. Seventy percent of the winter wheat crop was in fair to poor condition.  Jointing reached five percent by Sunday, 12 points behind the five year average.  There's also a lot to worry about with the 2014 winter Canola crop- with 86% of the crop in Fair to Very Poor Condition.   

(Click here for the full Oklahoma Crop Weather report.)

In Texas, wheat suffered from the effects of cold temperatures in the Northern Low Plains and in the Cross Timbers area.  Sixty-five percent of the crop was listed in fair to good shape.  (The Texas report is available by clicking here.)

Eighty percent of the winter wheat crop in Kansas was listed in fair to good shape after a week of below-normal temperatures and snow and ice in wheat-producing areas.  (Click here for the full Kansas Crop Progress report.)

Derrell Peel Says Slaughter Cow Market Following Seasonal Pattern...Only More So

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist writes in the latest Cow-Calf Newsletter:

Boning cow prices in Oklahoma City were reported at just over $102/cwt. in the first week of March. This level suggests that March slaughter cow prices will exhibit a more than seasonal price increase. Cull cow prices typically advance from November lows to a May peak that averages nearly 19 percent higher than November price levels. Slaughter cow prices in January averaged $89.06/cwt. (OKC), close to the average seasonal increase of nearly 6 percent over November prices. February cull cow prices averaged $97.19, a slightly more than seasonal increase of nearly 15 percent over the November price. March appears to be continuing the uptrend with current prices already well above seasonally projected price levels for March compared to November.   

All of this follows unusually strong cull cow prices in the second half of 2013. Relative to the 2013 annual average price of $84.38/cwt. for boning cows in OKC, prices from August through the end of the year were all above seasonal levels. The November price of $84.63/cwt. was not the seasonal low for the year (January was the low at $80.63/cwt.) and was some $8/cwt. above typical seasonal November lows compared to the annual average price. There have been times in the past when a stronger than expected fall cow price is offset by a weaker than expected seasonal price increase into the following spring. Such is not the case this year with cull cow prices increasing at or above seasonal levels so far in 2014. 

You'll find the rest of Derrell's analysis by clicking here. 

OSU Cooperative Extension Celebrates 100 Years with Historic Whistle Stop Reenactment

Oklahoma will experience a blast from the past with a modern twist April 12 with the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service's Centennial Whistle Stop and Festival in Wellston.

"In the early 1900s, trains were the modern way to travel and early Extension agents were allowed to 'ride the rails,' going from town to town presenting demonstrations and showing people how they might improve the quality of their lives by making use of the latest science-proven advances, practices and products," said James Trapp, OCES associate director.

A train coming into town was sometimes referred to as a "county fair on wheels." As part of its centennial celebration, Extension is conducting an historic reenactment of the type of whistle stop tours that took place in 1914.

The 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. outdoor event is open to the public and free of charge. It will take place at the Rock N Rail yard, located off Highway 66 east of Wellston. Lunch will be provided to the first 500 guests.

Click here for more information.  

Diamond Hats Have Big Plans for 2014 OYE

Beth Norvell is the current President of the Diamond Hats- a ladies support group for the young people who show livestock at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Beth and the ladies of the Diamond Hats have multiple irons in the fire at this year's OYE- and she dropped us an email the other day which offered me a reminder about how busy these ladies are- and I wanted to share it with you.

First off- Beth tells us about the seventh annual "This One's For the Girls." She says "our focus this year is to "Give Bullying the Boot".  We will have Miss Oklahoma 2011 and Miss America 1st Runner Up, Betty Thompson Richey join us as well as State Representative Lee Denney.  Miss Richey will speak to the girls as well as do an interactive portion of the program entitled "Stomp Out Bullying" in which she teaches the audience members a portion of her Irish Dance.  Representative Denney has a particular interest in our theme as she has authored and supports anti-bullying legislation in the Oklahoma Legislature.

NFU President Roger Johnson Reelected- Kansas Farmers Union President Picked as National Veep

Johnson is NFU's 14th president, a position he has held since 2009. Johnson hails from a family farm near Turtle Lake, N.D., and grew up as an active member of Farmers Union. Prior to his post at Farmers Union, he was the North Dakota Commissioner of Agriculture.

"I am so humbled by the faith and trust the delegates have shown by electing me vice president," said Teske. " I'll do my best to help President Johnson move the organization forward under the direction of the grassroots policy formed here today.

Teske was elected from a field of three candidates, and replaces former NFU Vice President Claudia Svarstad, who did not seek re-election.

Teske has served as Kansas Farmers Union president since 2000 and is a fifth generation farmer in northeast Kansas.

Policy debate is underway at the meeting in Santa Fe- and will conclude later today at their 112th annual convention.