Oklahoma State Senate Ag Committee Chair Backs State AG's Plans to Challenge WOTUS Rule

Oklahoma State Senator Eddie Fields on Friday said the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rules regarding what constitutes the Waters of the United States are another example of federal overreach from the agency.


"This is yet another example of the EPA trying to bypass the states and the policymaking process to implement extreme environmental policy," said Fields, R-Wynona. "This rule will limit the personal property rights of landowners and restrict the ability of state governments to respond quickly to critical water infrastructure needs. I am grateful that Attorney General Scott Pruitt has announced that he will challenge the EPA's rule, and I encourage state leaders to stand united against the overreach of President Obama's EPA. I also applaud our congressional delegation for their united opposition to this rule."


The EPA's final Waters of the United States rule broadens the definition of "navigable" waters under the Clean Water Act, to include tributaries to navigable, interstate waters.


"This redefinition means that streams, creeks and even small ponds are potentially subject to the EPA's burdensome and arbitrary regulatory apparatus," Fields said. "Oklahomans have a better understanding of our waters than any Washington bureaucrat, and we have a vested interest in maintaining and protecting our bodies of water. We have an obligation to fight this attempt to expand the regulatory reach of the EPA around the state governments and landowners."


Senator Fields serves as the Chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee in the Oklahoma Senate. 

Corn Planting Comes to a Close, As Oklahoma/Texas Wheat Harvest is Well Behind the Five Year Average

With U.S. corn planting 95 percent complete, the crop condition held strong, according to a report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With 74 percent of acres still rated in good or excellent condition, only two points behind this time last year, 84 percent of the corn crop has already emerged.


"Right now, farmers are relying upon best management practices and the prospect of favorable weather to nurture the crop along," said National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling. "Despite the implications of a swift and successful planting season, a record-setting crop is not guaranteed by any means. A long summer still lies ahead and, as in many years, the fate of the crop will largely be decided by propitiously timed rains in the middle of the summer."  

To view the full national crop progress report, click here.


Oklahoma had wettest month on record since 1941. The northeast district had the lowest departure at 43 percent above normal, while the southwest district recorded the highest departure at 134 percent above normal. The latest USDA crop progress report shows precipitation continued to delay progress with only 1.4 days suitable for fieldwork last week. Seedbed preparation continues to be delayed with 87 percent of the corn seeded by Sunday, down 11 points from normal. The wheat crop condition was unchanged over last week with 36 percent in good to excellent condition, 41 percent fair and 23 percent poor to very poor. The canola crop rated 61 percent good to fair, unchanged over last week. Pasture and range conditions were rated 77 percent good to fair. Click here for the full Oklahoma report.


Rains continue to saturate fields across Texas. This has caused planting and harvesting delays in many parts of the state. USDA reports nine percent of the state's wheat crop has been harvested, behind the average of 19.   USDA reports 51 percent of the wheat was in good to excellent condition, 32 percent fair, 17 percent poor to very poor. The crop dropped five points in the good to excellent rating since last week, possibly due to reports of lodging of wheat from flooding and high winds. Corn planting reached 83 percent, 14 points behind the five year average. Peanut planting gained 43 points in one week in reaching 75 percent complete. Sorghum was 73 percent done, soybeans were at 70 percent, and cotton planting has progressed to 46 percent planted. Click here for the full Texas report.


Cool temperatures and widespread rainfall continues to delay planting progress in Kansas. USDA reports there are concerns some areas will have to be replanted where flooding occurred. Corn planting was at 86 percent, 11 points behind the five year average. Soybeans were 21 percent planted, well behind the average of 63. Sorghum and cotton were at 11 percent planted. The wheat crop was nearly unchanged over last week with 30 percent rated good to excellent, 41 fair, 29 poor to very poor. Coloring was near average at 34 percent. Click here for the full Kansas report. 
 

Wheat Harvest Begins in Southwest Oklahoma- The First Oklahoma Wheat Commision Report for 2015

During the month of June, the Oklahoma Wheat Commission will be releasing regular wheat harvest reports. Today's report from Executive Director Mike Schulte is the opening report of the 2015 harvest season. Here is his report as of Monday afternoon, June first.


"Wheat harvest has begun in parts of Southwest Oklahoma for the 2015 season. We have had reports of grain being taken in at Grandfield, Ahpeatone, Frederick and Duke. The wheat that has been taken into these locations is coming from fields that had heavy grazing or were from thinner stands in general. Test weights were being reported from 56 lbs. per bushel to 59 lbs. per bushel. Elevator managers from all locations are hopeful test weights will get better once producers start getting into better wheat. Moisture on the wheat that has been brought in has ranged from 9.9% to 14% with most of the wheat coming in around 11 to 11.5%. We have had some protein on early samples reported to be coming in at 11 percent.


"The wheat is not fully ripe in all locations but many managers from this Southwest region of the state feel the wheat in this area will be ready on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. Mud in many parts of the region from the heavy rains this past month will still be a hindrance as we move forward this week. The forecast for the coming week looks dry and producers are hoping the forecast will stay this way so fields will be able to carry the combines. All wheat that has been brought in so far shows no sprout damage, which is much welcomed considering we have had the wettest May on record in this region. Climatological spring (March-May) ended as the second wettest in state history with a statewide average of 21.62 inches, 10.5 inches above normal. The first five months of the year were the third wettest on record with an average of 24 inches, 9.49 inches above normal. That's compared to 2014's January-May total of 7.39 inches, the fourth driest on record. (Weather data taken from the Oklahoma Mesonet.)"


Schulte reports that the Wheat Commission will release it's next report on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. For more information about the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, click here for their website.

Tips, Tricks Save Cattle Producers Time and Energy

Written by Noble Foundation Planned Construction Manager Deke Alkire, Ph.D.


I have always enjoyed reading tips and tricks in various publications, and I have picked up many useful time- and labor-saving ideas. However, it is not as common to find tips specifically for cattle producers. A few of my favorites are listed below.


Four-Wheeler Cattle Guard

Most people do not like to open and shut gates. This has led to countless escaped animals, arguments and reprimands. Cattle guards are common along pasture roads that are frequently traveled, but they can be expensive. There are places where it would be handy to cross a fence but a full-size cattle guard is not justifiable. For cattle producers who use a four-wheeler, a smaller version of a cattle guard is a good idea. These only need to support the weight of your four-wheeler, so they can be can be constructed for much less than a full-size version. Elevating the tire path helps prevent cows from jumping across it.


Above is a picture of Noble Foundation cooperator Jan Lee's design, but there are many others online. Search for four-wheeler cattle guards.


Electric Cattle Guard

If you already have an electric fence nearby, another option is an electric cattle guard. These are inexpensive and easy to build. Devlon Ford wrote a great article in the July 2013 Ag News and Views describing how to build one: Electric cattle guard saves time - click here to read more. 


Click here to read more about Automatic Gate Opener, Syringe-Holster Cooler and Wire Ties. 

Voting Underway for Beef Checkoff ROI Video Contest

It's been almost a year ago, when the most recent study on the return on investment of the beef checkoff was unveiled. At the Summer Cattle Industry Convention, a study showed for each dollar that is invested in the beef checkoff, $11.20 was returned. Earlier this spring, a campaign was developed to keep the buzz going on the value and importance of that investment to the beef industry.


Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers who has become famous for video parodies showcasing agricultural life has become a spokesperson for the effort. "The Rev it Up My ROI Checkoff Challenge" contest is entering the final round. He said video inspired contest allows producers to show the importance of the beef checkoff.


"Yeah, so a big thanks to everyone who participated in the Rev It Up My ROI Checkoff Challenge," Peterson said. "It's going to be time to vote soon. The eight finalists are working on submitting their videos, each one sharing one thing about how the checkoff has brought the most value to their operation. Now it's your turn to cast your vote on the My Beef Checkoff Facebook page. And the winner will drive away in a donated Yamaha 4x4 valued at nearly $22,000!"


In order to participate and vote for one of the eight finalists, voters have to go to the MyBeefCheckoff Facebook page. Peterson encourages everyone to go vote DAILY from June 1 to 7.  Click here to read more or have an opportunity to listen to this interview with Greg Peterson.   

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.

Pork Checkoff Launches Summer Grilling Promotion

Grilling season is heating up, and the Pork Checkoff is encouraging Americans to spice up this year's grilling celebrations with the unexpected flavor of lean, heart-healthy pork cuts through a multi-platform summer promotion.


"We know that Americans love to grill, but our research showed that many people aren't sharing and talking about flavor as much as they could be," said Randy Brown, chair of the Pork Checkoff Domestic Marketing Committee and a pig farmer from Nevada, Ohio. "We're going to tackle Americans' 'flavor shyness' this summer and show them that getting bold flavor is as simple as choosing juicy, tender pork."


The Checkoff officially launched its flavor mission May 19, with an unexpected cookout "crash" in one of the country's top 10 states most in need of a flavor infusion. The Checkoff created a little fun for one unsuspecting couple in Illinois. Improv actor and comedian Anthony Courser posed among their grill-out guests, humorously sneaking pork chops on the grill to feed the unsuspecting crowd.


As part of the Checkoff's multicultural outreach, the promotion includes a targeted program to African Americans. The Checkoff is teaming with four celebrity chefs for "DJ Grill Crashers." The campaign aims to inspire African-American consumers by encouraging them to cook and enjoy pork in creative, healthier ways. 

Click here to read more about this summer campaign.