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The Radio Oklahoma Ag Network hosted an Ag Townhall Meeting featuring a conversation between yours truly and the Chairman of the House Ag Committee, Frank Lucas.The  Chairman looked at the evolution of the 2012, 2013 and finally the 2014 Farm Bill- which eventually was passed into law earlier this year as the Agricultural Act of 2014.


Congressman Lucas summarized the three year journey of developing a new five year farm bill, offering some insights of the highs and the lows he felt as the House Ag Committee passed a bill that was not considered on the floor in 2012, passed a bill that was defeated in June 2013 on the floor of the US House- and then finally a measure was approved in the House, went to Conference Committee where common ground was found and sent back to the House and Senate for a final vote- then signed into law by President Barrack Obama.


Lucas talked about many aspects of the bill, including the federal farm safety net, the crop insurance aspects of the measure, conservation and nutrition. Questions and comments were also put to the Congressman by representatives of the Oklahoma Wheat Growers, the Oklahoma Cattlemen, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and American Farmers and Ranchers.  

Click here for our webstory where you can go and listen to the entire hour plus of the Ag Townhall- Chairman Lucas offered some great stories and some great information about the process of getting the bill turned into law and the process of getting it implemented- now underway.  

Keith Good at FarmPolicy.Com has compiled a transcript of the first part of the Ag Townhall where Chairman Lucas gave an overview of the evolution of the Agricultural Act of 2014- and some of the keys of the law as it begins to be implemented- click here to read that transcript. Thanks Keith!!!

We have a couple of the highlights of the morning in our Monday morning farm news, which you can listen to by clicking here- that includes Lucas on Livestock Disaster Assistance and then Lucas on the EPA and Fish and Wildlife as they try to put strictly rules onto the backs of farmers and ranchers.

Legislation Headed to the Desk of the Governor to Move Toward a State Beef Checkoff  

The Oklahoma Legislature has been moving a bill this session that would allow the beef industry in Oklahoma (as well as other federally authorized checkoff programs) the right to petition for a state level checkoff. In the case of the Beef industry, this state beef checkoff could run parallel with the federal dollar a head beef checkoff.



Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association is pleased that the measure has passed both the state House and Senate and will soon be sent on to the Governor for her expected signature.


He explains what the measure is, why it is needed and how the process of getting a vote by cattle producers of such a checkoff would work. Kelsey offers this explanation on today's Beef Buzz.   

Click here to read more and to LISTEN to Michael Kelsey explain the measure and what can result if the bill is signed into law- a process that could eventually lead to cattle producers voting yes or no on a state beef checkoff assessment.

Farm Transitions Workshops Help Producers Pass Farms Down More Effectively

Planning for a passing a farm from one generation to the next often occurs in the context of estate planning. Oklahoma State University's Dr. Shannon Ferrell says such a transition is not a very effective way to ensure the survivability of that farm. Ferrell is an attorney and is a faculty member in the Department of Agriculture Economics. He is conducting a series of workshops across the state to help farmers and ranchers transition their operations to the next generation in a more effective manner.   

"Research shows that about 30 percent of the farms and small agribusinesses that get transferred at death, only 30 percent of them make it to that next generation," Ferrell said. "And, so, nearly two-thirds of them aren't. And the reason for that is that we don't have a really good sense of communication between the generations about what their goals and objectives are. And then, secondly, you're sort of thrusting that next generation into a management role when they really haven't had a chance to grow into it."

He said the farms that have a succession plan in which management and ownership shift over time drastically increases the odds of that those businesses will survive far into the future.

You can read more of this story or listen to my conversation with Shannon Ferrell by clicking here.
 

PCOM Crushes Canadian Canola to Replace Dwindling Cottonseed Supplies

The continuing drought across cotton country in southwest Oklahoma continues to take its toll on farmers, but it has also put the squeeze on everyone down the line including Producers Cooperative Oil Mill in Oklahoma City. Gene Neuens of PCOM tells me they are now finishing processing on the cottonseed they did have and are beginning to work on canola.

"We've had a short year on cottonseed again. We started the year with nothing. And so, probably at the end of this month, the end of April in this area, we'll start up on canola."

As producers in the southwest are once again facing drought conditions, Neuens says his facility is also feeling the pinch.

"It's a big deal. Our biggest area, which is Altus, 50,000 acres of irrigated cotton is in its third year now where they won't get any water. And, so, we're going to be hurting for next year, too, unless we do get some decent rain out here."

As PCOM gears up for canola season, Neuens said this is the eighth year they have been crushing it. Their canola volume has grown along with production across Oklahoma.

You can hear my interview with Gene Neuens or read more of this story by clicking here.

Agriculture Secretary Announces More than $300 Million in Rural Schools Payments

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Friday that over $300 million will be paid to 41 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in support of local schools and roads as part of the Congressional reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The disbursement includes $30 million in Title II funding to complete special conservation projects on Federal lands proposed by resource advisory committees. Funding is provided through the U.S. Forest Service.

"The Forest Service's century-long support of America's public schools and roads is one of many ways in which USDA contributes to rural communities becoming self-sustaining and prosperous," Vilsack said.

The payments from the Forest Service may be used for supporting public schools and public roads, for projects to help maintain and improve the health of forests, and for county projects including "Firewise Communities" programs, reimbursements for emergency services on national forests and development of community wildfire protection plans. These forest projects were reviewed and recommended by resource advisory committees made up of local residents working together to improve the environment and help provide jobs in rural communities.

Click here to read more of this story.

 

Hunting Leases Provide Many Benefits for Landowners

Landowners have a great opportunity to gobble up some extra cash through hunting leases as spring turkey season inches closer in Oklahoma. The season begins April 6.

"Leasing for recreational hunting has become a major source of revenue for landowners," said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. "In fact, in many areas, revenue generated for hunting leases has surpassed lease rates for more traditional agriculture production."

While leasing land for hunting seems very simple, there are some precautions that need to be considered by landowners to have a successful lease.

It is important for a landowner to carefully screen and select good lessees to reduce liability. To do so, it is advised that landowners take time to visit with potential lessees.

Read more of this story by clicking here.

This N That- Congrats to the Winner of the Round Pen and Extension Ready to Whistle Stop This Coming Saturday 

We want to say congratulations to John McAlexander of Kingfisher- whose name was drawn from the entries for the Priefert Round Pen that the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network gave away at the 2014 Oklahoma City Farm Show.  

Click here to see a picture of our winner after his name was pulled from over a thousand entries on Saturday afternoon after the final Horse Training Session at this year's OKC Farm Show.

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


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.


Guests will be able to visit a variety of tents and booths offering demonstrations and hands-on activities representative of Extension programs. 

Click here to learn more about the historic day of celebration.