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A flood for the ages is happening this morning as the Washita River topped out at 48.7 feet(as of 4:30 AM)- which happens to be more than three feet above the previous record.  The National Weather Service offers this description of the Washita at this level- just above where it dumps into the already more than full Lake Texoma- "Expect catastrophic flood depths of 23 feet or more to wreak havoc in the Washita River valley- from Murray County to near Dickson in Carter County to the shores of Lake Texoma. Many homesteads are flooded and may be cut off for days. Over 10 thousand acres of agricultural lands are covered. Major highways and railroads are threatened. Flood levels are nearly 3 feet higher than the flood crest of May 30, 1987."

This includes some crop land- river bottoms could be covered for a couple of weeks- but a lot of that 10,000 acres is pasture land- with ranchers scrambling to move cattle out of harm's way.  

Once the flood waters drop- ranchers will be able to determine the condition of fencing, stocks of hay that were lined up in some of these fields and more.   

It's not just south central Oklahoma- but multiple locations in eastern Oklahoma have suffered at the hands of Tropical Depression Bill, who has now moved on to Missouri and northern Arkansas.

MEANWHILE- we did see some sunshine in parts of north central and northwestern Oklahoma- and a limited amount of harvest activity on Thursday.  We are expecting a lot more today as drier weather is now the order of the day- and for the next several days.  It will be hot.   

Plains Grains reports very little harvest activity this week- with their latest report released last night showing Oklahoma now 41% done with harvest- and Texas at 49% complete.  You can read the full report from Mark Hodges and Plains Grains by clicking here. 

A bill that may clear the way for President Obama to wrap up a 12-nation Pacific Rim trade deal could be headed to his desk by the end of next week after bipartisan talks broke a House impasse.   

The House approved the Trade Promotion Authority bill, 218-208, on Thursday following days of negotiations involving Obama, the GOP congressional leadership and pro-trade Democrats. The Senate could have a final vote on the measure as soon as next  Wednesday, putting this Fast Track authorization itself on a fast track to completion.   

Congressman Tom Cole supported the legislation. "Trade Promotion Authority represents the authority that today's president and future presidents should be allowed to exercise in trade negotiations on behalf of the United States," said Cole. "Not only does this vote for TPA grant the president the authority to negotiate, but it also allows Congress to be more involved from start to end of those negotiations. To be clear, TPA does not support or oppose specific trade agreements being negotiated now or in the future. TPA simply arms and guides the president with a list of objectives from Congress for deal-making, allows lawmakers to have access to progress with international partners, requires that any deal is made available to the public for 60 days and demands final approval from Congress."  Click here to read more from Cole.   

A whole host of agricultural groups weighed in with support for the House vote and a call on the Senate to get this done ASAP.  At the state level- Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen says the group appreciates the House vote with "Special thanks to Representatives Cole, Lucas and Mullins for their yes vote which shows their strong commitment to promoting Oklahoma agriculture.  

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman responded, saying "American farmers and ranchers lead the world in food production thanks to ceaseless hard work and innovation. Expanding access to international markets continues this story of growth and prosperity."  Click here to read more.  

 

"Trade Promotion Authority gives Congress the ability to set definitive goals for the President in negotiations, and then requires any deal be brought back for final approval," said Philip Ellis, National Cattlemen's Beef Association President. "TPA does not give the President free rein to make trade deals. Without TPA, it would be virtually impossible to negotiate future agreements with other countries, which would hinder our ability to gain greater access into foreign markets."  Click here to read more from NCBA.

National Association of Wheat Growers President Brett Blankenship praised the vote.  "Trade Promotion Authority is undeniably important to the U.S. wheat industry and American agriculture. On behalf of U.S. wheat growers, we applaud the House for their commitment to increasing trade opportunities for our growers."  His full statement is available here.   

Other groups that released comments include the National Pork Producers Council, the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association.   

The National Farmers Union was the only ag group that expressed dismay over the vote- as they oppose TPA for the Obama Administration.  

House Hearing Shows Bipartisan Momentum on National Food Labeling Efforts

The National Association of Wheat Growers and National Corn Growers Association Thursday applauded the House Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee for holding an important hearing on the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act and demonstrating the urgent need for legislation that would establish uniform, science-based food labeling standards.


"The current situation of individual states having unique labeling requirements is not workable or sustainable. NAWG supports facilitating interstate commerce by having a common labeling rule set by Congress. We are pleased the bill is receiving bipartisan support," said NAWG President, Brett Blankenship, wheat grower from Washtucna, Wash. "In a time of limited bipartisan agreement, support for this showcases the fact that common sense, consumer-friendly legislation can still advance through the legislative process. NAWG will continue to support this important piece of legislation as it moves towards final passage."  Click here to read more from NAWG.

"America's corn farmers are pleased that the bill is receiving support from both political parties and from Members of Congress representing broad and diverse constituencies," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair John Linder, a farmer from Ohio. "We understand that, in this era of limited bipartisan agreement, the fact that support for this bill continues to grow is unique, and we believe this type of support indicates this common sense, consumer-friendly legislation can still advance through the legislative process. From farmers to food manufacturers, 400-plus organizations from all 50 states, representing every part of the food value chain, have publicly voiced ardent support for this bill. The time to move forward, for the sake of farmers and consumers alike, is now."  Click here to read more from NCGA. 
 

Got Milk? June is National Dairy Month

June is Dairy Month, so it's time to celebrate all things dairy from milk to ice cream. Dairy MAX, which represents more than 900 dairy farm families across Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and southwest Kansas have held numerous events this month to promote dairy.


This month, dairy farmers are giving back through their "Passion for Pints" blood drive. Dairy MAX will support over 200 blood drives in the month of June for the four-state region. Dairy MAX spokesperson Susan Allen said for each person that donates blood, Dairy MAX is providing milk and dairy products to donors. Each pint of blood donated can save three lives.


Dairy MAX has also been working with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in helping provide milk to the needy. Allen said milk simply is one of those items that is rarely donated to food banks because it's perishable and it's bulky. That's why the dairy industry created the "Great American Milk Drive". By donating at least $5 dollars, that donation is sent to a local food bank, which provides those in need with a coupon for a gallon of milk at the grocery store.

To listen to my full interview with Susan Allen, click here.  

Oklahoma State University's Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center has the advantage of an oversight committee to offer counsel and ensure the center accomplishes its mission and objectives.


"FAPC is fortunate to have an advisory board that is invested in the future of the center," said Roy Escoubas, FAPC director. "The committee members understand the importance of FAPC and are continuously looking for ways the center can grow and better serve the food and agricultural industries."


More than 600 companies make up Oklahoma's food-processing industry, which accounts for almost 2 percent of the state's employment base, according to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Small companies make up the majority of Oklahoma's diversified food industry.


Click here to read more about the new FAPC's Industry Advisory Committee members and the impact of Oklahoma food businesses.  

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.

Kim Anderson Provides Canola Price Outlook and Adjusts Wheat Marketing Strategy

There is speculation there will less canola going into the market this year. On this weekend's edition of SUNUP, Oklahoma State University Crop Marketing Specialist Kim Anderson said this may translate to higher prices for canola producers.


In looking at canola prices around the world, Anderson said the Canadian futures price is at about $440 - $493/metric ton. In converting that to bushels and U.S. dollars, that equivalent to about $9.20. He finds prices in the European Union are running about $9.77 in U.S. dollars. Currently Oklahoma prices are ranging from $6.44 to $6.90 a bushel. With wheat prices at about $5 a bushel, canola is about $1.70 higher than wheat.


In looking at the outlook for wheat prices, Anderson said the market continues to be influenced by the surplus of wheat in the United States and the world.

"Of course, Russia lifted their export tax on their wheat, they've been aggressively selling export wheat in the market," Anderson said. "Their selling below the world price and right now, U.S. wheat prices are above world export prices."  

Click here to read more about factors impacting wheat prices and  Anderson provides his marketing strategy for the 2015 wheat crop.  

You can also find a complete rundown of this weekend's SUNUP program to be seen on OETA.  

Remembering Dean Kleckner, Canola Crop Meeting Dates Set and NFU Dead Set Against Monsanto-Syngenta Merger

Dean Kleckner, an Iowa farmer who was president of the American Farm Bureau Federation from 1986 until 2000, died June 15 in Wayzata, Minnesota, from complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 82.  

Kleckner, who raised corn, soybeans and hogs near Rudd, Iowa, was president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation for 10 years before his election to head the AFBF. He was an outspoken advocate for expanded global farm trade, serving on advisory committees for trade negotiations under the Reagan, Bush and Clinton administrations.

"NFU will oppose any proposed acquisition of Syngenta by Monsanto for the damaging  Impacts it may have on farmers and rural America. NFU continues to advocate for enforcement of antitrust laws and competitive market places for."

If you are familiar with NFU and their special orders of business that they often do at their national meetings- they will usually have a long list of "whereas" statements that preceed the actual resolution- this is no different- you can read all of the where as statements in this case by clicking here.