U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways and Means Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) Friday introduced bipartisan, bicameral Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation that establishes concrete rules for international trade negotiations to help the United States deliver strong, high-standard trade agreements that will boost American exports and create new economic opportunities and better jobs for American workers, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs.  The Bipartisan bill includes improvements to the 2002 TPA law that are key to establishing the groundwork for progressive trade negotiations and outcomes for U.S. farmers and businesses. 

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement on the Introduction of Legislation to Support Trade Promotion Authority:


"U.S. agriculture applauds the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority legislation today. We look for quick action by Congress to provide the President with the authority to pursue agreements that open markets for America's farmers, ranchers and agribusiness. Over 70 organizations representing America's farmers and ranchers support trade promotion authority because trade is vital for U.S. agriculture. Last year, agricultural exports totaled more than $150 billion and for many of our products, foreign markets represent half or more of total sales. Those exports supported approximately 1 million U.S. jobs last year. The economy is strengthened in rural communities and throughout the entire country from the additional economic activity that flows from the expanded farm and processing business. Standing still is not an option. Not only do we face barriers in important foreign markets, but we are currently being hurt as these countries negotiate agreements that lower barriers for our competitors. U.S. agriculture's interests are best served by ensuring America is at the table with strong negotiating authority." 

House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement on the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation.


"TPA will provide our negotiators with the credibility necessary to conclude the most effective trade agreements possible, by making it clear to the rest of the world that Congress and the Administration are serious about this endeavor," Chairman Conaway said. "Trade is crucial for a growing and dynamic American agricultural sector that must maintain and increase access to the world's consumers, 95 percent of whom live outside of our borders. We cannot sit idly by and allow others to fill consumer demand around the world. That being said, the details of trade agreements are of utmost importance. The Agriculture Committee will do its part to ensure they are favorable to U.S. agriculture. At the end of the day, even with TPA in place, it is Congress who decides if trade agreements will be ratified. But, passing TPA is an essential part of getting to that point." 

Click on the name of the group for their complete statement-  

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) said TPA streamlines negotiations and strengthens our position at the bargaining table.

National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) thank Senators Hatch and Wyden for their efforts.  

National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) said TPA assures the President and Congress will negotiate present and future trade agreements with common objectives.

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said U.S. pork industry needs TPP to continue growing our exports. 

National Chicken Council (NCC) hailed the bill's introduction. 

National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) encourage the swift enactment of TPA

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said trade benefits American corn and livestock farmers, workers and consumers.

American Soybean Association (ASA) praised the introduction of this bipartisan bill.

USDA Reminds Farmers to Certify Conservation Compliance by June 1 Deadline

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers that the 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015, in order to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support.


Most farmers already have a certification form on file since it's required for participation in most USDA programs such as marketing assistance loans, farm storage facility loans and disaster assistance. However farmers, such as specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium support, but may not participate in other USDA programs, also must now file a certification form to maintain their crop insurance premium support.


"USDA employees are working very hard to get the word out about this new Farm Bill provision," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "While many producers will not need to take action, we want to help make sure that those who are required to act do so by the June 1 deadline. We want all eligible producers to be able to maintain their ability to protect their operations with affordable insurance." 

Producers should visit their local USDA service center and talk with their crop insurance agent before the June 1, 2015, deadline to ask questions, get additional information or learn more about conservation compliance procedures.  Click here to read more.  

K-State Researchers Determine Why Feedyards Not Buying E.Coli Vaccine

It was back in 1993 when an e-coli outbreak was traced back to hamburgers purchased at Jack in the Box restaurants. The state of Washington accused Jack in the Box with having responsibility for the contaminated meat. Three children died from E. coli 0157:H7 poisoning - the strain linked to Jack in the Box. The fast food chain made changes in how they handled meat and this lead to the development of the fast-food industry's first comprehensive food-safety program, the Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points system, commonly referred to as HACCP.


Researchers also developed a vaccine to help prevent another e-coli outbreak. Unfortunately this vaccine has had limited industry acceptance. Kansas State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor and Center for Risk Management Director Dr. Ted Schroeder have done research trying to determine why the cattle industry is not utilizing e-coli vaccine at the feedlot level. Together they looked at the economic impact of additional use of the vaccine. If every feedlot animal in the U.S. was administered an e-coli vaccine, Tonsor said they estimated there would be a $1 billion to $1.8 billion dollar loss for the U.S. beef industry. With use of the vaccine, he said it was assumed there would no additional demand for those fed cattle, so that's why acceptance has been limited.


"In order for us to have additional adoption, there has to be an increased value of fed cattle that pulls use of the technology into the feedyard," Tonsor said. 

Click here to read more or to listen to this Beef Buzz feature.  

OSU 's Brian Arnall Finds Precision Nutrient Management Pays Dividends

Technology is helping farmers reduce their application of nutrients to fields, while reducing input costs, which has become increasingly important with low commodity prices. Grid sampling has been used widely in the Midwest and that technology has become more widely available for Oklahoma farmers. Oklahoma State University Precision Nutrient Management Specialist Dr. Brian Arnall said he is seeing an increasing number of grid samples and as more farmers buy more advanced equipment they are adopting variable rate seeding and fertilization capability.


With Oklahoma's variable terrain, Arnall said fields change in soil texture, slope and soil type. With the low crop prices, he believes this is the optimal time for farmers to maximize the benefits of their inputs. With grid sampling, he said they are able to identify those areas that need lime, phosphorus, potassium, etc. After the cost of soil sampling, he has seen farmers save $1,500 - $6,000 over a single field.


 I interviewed Arnall this past week at a Canola Field Day in Kingfisher. Arnall said OSU continues to evaluate the micronutrients for canola. He said sulfur is a primary nutrient for the crop. In areas with ph levels of 7.5 and higher, he said they are see more response to zinc, iron and manganese.  Click here to read more or have the opportunity to listen to our conversation.  

Besides Canola- we also talk about wheat fertility- so click or tap on the link and check it out.   

AFR/OFU Announces Winners of Annual Livestock Judging Contest

American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) sponsored the Redlands Community College Interscholastic Livestock Judging Contest April 14. Held at Redlands Royse Ranch in El Reno each year, the contest attracts students from across the state.


The annual event tests participants' ability to recognize high-quality livestock traits in the show ring. In the contest, 4-H and FFA members employ their knowledge of desirable livestock traits as they judge animals of each show species-sheep, goats, pigs and cattle. 


"Contestants' ability to identify superior breeding animals and their ability to explain their choices will benefit them immensely throughout their future careers," said AFR/OFU President Terry Detrick. "We are proud to sponsor a competition that not only furthers the leadership skills of our state's youth, but also encourages those youth to pursue a career in production agriculture."

Top-scoring teams and individuals in three age divisions are recognized.  Click here to read the full results.  

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.

Curt Pate Shows Cattle Handling Skills This Thursday at Newly Renamed Bob Totusek Animal Science Arena in Stillwater

Ranchers and farmers have the opportunity to fine tune their cattle handling skills with one of the nation's most sought after clinicians, Curt Pate on Thursday, April 23, 2015 in a seminar hosted by Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the Oklahoma Beef Council at the OSU Bob Totusek  Animal Science Arena (2270 W. McElroy, Stillwater, OK).

The clinic will focus on low-stress cattle handling techniques with the intent of enhancing profitability by working with the natural instincts of cattle.

For more than a decade Curt has conducted demonstrations and clinics on stockmanship, colt starting, horsemanship and safety.  His personal experience incorporating effective stockmanship principles supports a "for profit" mindset; he fully understands the increased economic benefits of handling stock correctly. Just as important, as livestock production comes under increased scrutiny, is the understanding Curt has of the impact that improved handling practices create for the longevity of the cattle industry.

Thanks for Stopping By and Seeing Us at the 2015 Oklahoma City Farm Show- and Congrats to Several Winners

We appreciate one and all for stopping by and saying hello to us at the 2015 Oklahoma City Farm Show- I would call the show a rousing success- as there was really excellent crowds all three days- the new flow with the Travel and Transportation Building leveled and not available seemed to go well- and the weather stayed more dry than not.

Congrats to a couple of winners that we drew out of those who registered for the Priefert Round Pen that was used during the show by horse trainer Scott Daily.  Bonnie Bradley of Harrah was our Grant Prize winner of the Round Pen, while Harold Davis of Hugo won a five gallon bucket of Liquitube- a premium tire sealant.   

A big winner on Friday was the Fellowship of Christian Farmers, who received a Emergency Disaster Trailer for their ministry after disasters hit- such as tornadoes, floods (I'll explain what a flood is some other time) and more.  

Giving were the Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma and Co-Bank.  Here are several of the Execs from Farm Credit in Oklahoma showing off the new trailer, which has six showers and a washer-dryer set up to allow those disaster relief workers who go and work long hard days as they help folks at their time of need- to give them a way to get a hot shower at the end of the day.

Good Job!