In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, who shares a cattle industry perspective on an unusually early state budget agreement and what it could mean for agriculture.

Kelsey says the timing alone makes this budget deal stand out at the State Capitol.

“This is really early, in fact, since I’ve been here, this is the earliest it’s ever been,” Kelsey said. “I was over the capitol this morning talking to a couple of lobbyists that are pretty long in the tooth and they can’t remember a budget agreement before Easter. This is kind of unprecedented. We’re in new territory.”

With leadership aligned, Kelsey believes the process is moving quickly toward completion.

“It looks like we’re kind of on a fast track now to sine die, potentially a month early, which is just wild, if you think about it,” he said.

At a high level, Kelsey describes the proposal as relatively steady, with a few key areas drawing attention.

“There’s some education funding to increase some teacher salaries… and pretty broad based budget cuts, like 2% on higher education,” he said. “For the most part, somewhat of a flat budget.”

While there aren’t major surprises, Kelsey notes that the early timing is the biggest headline.

“I don’t see a bunch of huge surprises in a budget… other than it’s just so early,” he added.

One item not directly included in the budget bill is a priority for the cattle industry: a new agronomy facility at Oklahoma State University.

“OSU needs a new agronomy facility and we really need that,” Kelsey emphasized. “That agronomy facility there at OSU is responsible for the vast majority of our wheat varieties.”

He highlighted the direct connection to cattle production across the state.

“We know the value of wheat pasture to the cattle industry here in the state of Oklahoma, so we’re certainly supportive of OSU,” he said. “It’s about $40 million for that agronomy facility, and the state can certainly afford it.”

Because the funding would come through a standalone bill, Kelsey says there’s still work to be done—and possibly a need for grassroots support.

“We might need some of our rural folks to call in to their rural legislators and just reinforce it,” he said. “It’s a standalone… so we might need to do that.”

Still, he remains optimistic about its chances.

“I really do think it’s possible. It’s very, very important. We need to update that agronomy facility. It’s long time overdue,” Kelsey said. “I just can’t imagine what we can get done in terms of wheat research if we do that, based upon the fact that they’re working on a 1950s facility right now and producing some of the best genetics and best varieties that we have in the country.”

With a budget agreement in place so early, Kelsey says lawmakers could wrap up significantly ahead of schedule.

The deal could allow the legislature to “declare victory and go home to campaign” weeks early—potentially wrapping up by May 1, several weeks ahead of the normal timeline.

For cattle producers and agricultural stakeholders, that means key decisions could be finalized sooner than usual in what Kelsey describes as “new territory” for Oklahoma’s legislative process.

For cattle producers and agricultural stakeholders, that means key decisions could be finalized sooner than usual in what Kelsey describes as “new territory” for Oklahoma’s legislative process. Kelsey will cover several of the key issues that the cattle industry is tracking in part two of their conversation in the next Beef Buzz.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Early Oklahoma Budget Deal Signals Fast-Track Session, Says Michael Kelsey first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Andy Holloway, longtime Texas Panhandle Extension educator, who is helping lead preparations for the upcoming Hemphill County Beef Conference—an event that continues to draw national and international attention.

With just weeks to go, Holloway says excitement is already building for the late-April event in Canadian, Texas.

“We’re about a month away, and people are buying tickets from all over the nation already,” Holloway said. “It’ll be April the 28th and 29th… and it’s really become a phenomenon.”

That growth is something Holloway attributes not just to the program, but to the community itself.

“People come there to our little slice of the prairie… which I call the diamond of the Texas Panhandle,” he said. “The Canadian River runs right through there, and it’s just stunningly beautiful. But the people there… have rolled out the red carpet.”

This year’s conference theme focuses on regenerative agriculture and its role in modern beef production.

“Regenerative agriculture and how beef cattle fit into regenerative agriculture is our theme,” Holloway explained. “We’ve got an amazing group of speakers… from ranch pasture management issues… to even genetics on beef cattle and even marketing concepts.”

The goal, he says, is long-term sustainability across generations.

“We’ve got to have sustainability to sustain one generation to the next generation,” he said. “So we’re going to get into all that.”

The speaker lineup reflects a wide range of expertise across the beef industry.

“Troy Applehans from CattleFax… people come far and wide to hear the marketing reports,” Holloway said. “John Haskell… is brilliant as it regards helping people to squeeze more profit out of their ranching businesses.”

He also highlighted cutting-edge research in regenerative systems.

“One of the people that I’m most excited about is Dr. Jason Roundtree… his work is all about regenerative agriculture,” Holloway added.

Holloway believes the conference’s continued success comes down to people and purpose.

“It’s succeeded because of a lot of passion of people,” he said. “The Hemphill County Ag Committee has put wind in my sails… and we just work on it year round.”

That effort has helped the event grow far beyond a regional gathering.

“Frankly, it’s become an international,” Holloway said. “We had people from Australia, Canada, Ireland and South Africa… and 24 U.S. states were represented.”

Beyond the educational sessions, Holloway says the experience itself keeps people coming back.

“We not only learn from these great speakers, but… there will be 130 trade show exhibitors, so a lot of networking goes on,” he said. “People like to just see their neighbors… they don’t even have time to talk to their neighbors.”

And, as he puts it, the hospitality doesn’t hurt either.

“We eat barbecue for lunch the first day… prime rib for the evening meal… and we have steaks right off the grill for our lunch on the second day,” Holloway said. “So we eat good, we network, we have fun, we learn a lot.”

The Hemphill County Beef Conference is set for April 28–29 in Canadian, Texas, offering cattle producers a chance to connect, learn, and explore the future of beef production through a regenerative lens.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Hemphill County Beef Conference 2026 Focuses on Regenerative Agriculture and Profitability first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Lee McGlamery of MP AgriLytics, who shares insight on key market forces shaping the cattle industry—from Mexico trade uncertainty to rising carcass weights and shifting demand. McGlamery was one of the featured speakers at the 2026 Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Convention in Ft. Worth, Texas. 

McGlamery says expectations for Mexican cattle imports returning to previous levels remain low, citing both political and economic factors.

“to me, I think there’s some political issues,” McGlamery said. “I also believe that some of the internal interests in Mexico certainly want to keep those cattle at home.”

He added that incentives within Mexico’s packing sector are also playing a role. “I think packing industries made a lot of money off those cattle not being able to move to the U.S., so I think there’s limited desire on their side to send those cattle.”

Even if trade resumes, he doesn’t expect a surge in numbers. “That would be our guess, because Mexico is in the process… of expanding some of their packing capacity… as well as building more feed bunks.”

McGlamery points to beef-on-dairy as one of the most significant structural changes in the industry.

“Yes sir, it’s been a huge game changer,” he said. “We’ve seen significant growth over the past five to seven years.”

That growth is now showing up clearly in feedlot data. “You’ve got upwards of probably 25% of what’s on feed has some sort of dairy influence right now.”

Consumer demand for beef remains a major supportive factor in the market, according to McGlamery.

“Yes, sir, it really even started prior to COVID, but COVID really seemed to launch it, they went parabolic,” he said.

He attributes that surge to lifestyle and economic shifts during the pandemic. “The consumer staying at home, having more discretionary income, we also had some government stimulus programs.”

More importantly, he says those habits have stuck. “Once it changed, we’ve not gone back, we’re just not willing to back away from beef at this point.”

While demand has remained strong, McGlamery believes the cattle market may be approaching its high point.

“My bias is we’re very close,” he said. “I obviously can’t call a date but I do believe we’re near the top right now.”

He explained that prolonged tight supplies have extended the cycle. “It’s been more of a ‘U bottom in supply’… than just turning around and having a V bottom that goes straight back up.”

Another major trend is the continued increase in carcass weights, which is helping offset lower slaughter numbers.

“Yeah, we’re running anywhere from 40 to 50 pounds above year ago right now,” McGlamery said.

Looking ahead, he says the increase could grow even more. “We could be potentially looking at carcass weights that are 80 to 100 pounds above year ago.”

However, there are limits—especially as summer approaches. “We’re very concerned about a summer situation, if we’re dealing with heavy, heavy animals… death loss becomes a problem.”

He adds that while feeding cattle longer has been profitable, it may not last indefinitely. “It feels like we’re going to reach the end of our rope at some point.”

McGlamery says a combination of supply constraints, strong demand, and operational challenges will continue to shape the cattle market in the months ahead, with several key variables still in play.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Cattle Markets Near the Top as Demand Stays Strong, McGlamery Says first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with meteorologist and atmospheric scientist Matt Makens, who is tracking a critical weather transition that could shape moisture patterns, drought recovery, and even pest risks for cattle producers across the Southern Plains.

Makens says producers can expect a wetter pattern eventually—but not right away.

“The long-term outlook does get wetter. Oklahoma, the whole region, does get wetter, but we have to wait for it to get that way,” he explained. “In the short term… we’ve got fire issues, we’ve got a lot of drought… and recent wind events that have dried things out even more.”

That transition from La Niña to El Niño is underway, but timing remains uncertain.

“This is the transition that we’ve chatted about for months, and the speed of it… we’re still watching,” Makens said. “The oceans are rapidly warming, and what does that do? It drives the atmosphere to make a change.”

Even as ocean temperatures signal a shift, Makens cautions producers not to expect immediate relief.

“It will not be an immediate change. It takes time for the atmosphere to look at the ocean… and finally get into that position,” he said.

For 2026, that means the more favorable moisture pattern likely won’t fully develop until later in the year.

“For this season, we’re not looking for those changes to really set in until perhaps late summer, but more likely fall,” he said. “People will hear the term El Niño… and expect, ‘why is it still dry?’”

Makens says confidence in the forecast continues to increase as more data comes in.

“It increases day to day, because we’re able to see the ocean truly warming up as much as some of the modeling indicated,” he said. “We’re seeing all of these clues or puzzle pieces coming together.”

That includes the possibility of a stronger-than-normal event.

“There’s a high likelihood for El Niño, and there’s a substantial element of that for a super El Niño,” Makens said. “Just meaning a super strong event.”

Stronger events typically improve precipitation odds, especially later in the year.

“The stronger the El Niño can theoretically spread a lot more moisture across us, especially in the fall and winter months,” he added.

Despite the long-term outlook, Makens says meaningful moisture in the near term may depend on a less predictable factor.

“That would be what we would need… to really help the spring or even early summer,” he said, referring to tropical systems moving inland from the Gulf.

However, he notes those odds are declining.

“How the oceans have been warming up… is reducing the odds of getting such a tropical system,” Makens said. “There’s never going to be a zero percent… but we’re reducing it greatly for this spring and summer.”

Beyond rainfall, Makens has also studied how weather conditions could influence the spread of the New World screwworm if it re-enters the U.S.

“If the fly arrives, do we have an environment… that favors its spread?” he said. “The super long story short is… yes.”

Makens explained that temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns all play a role.

“They love certain temperature thresholds, certain amount of rainfall… and yes… the fly could theoretically be along a huge area of the U.S., mostly the southern U.S., but in theory could go well northward.”

A key concern is the North American Monsoon, which could help carry the pest deeper into cattle country.

“These flies seem to love to use that to their advantage—like wind at their backs—to push them north,” he said. “We have to watch out the monsoon season very closely.”

Historical patterns reinforce that concern.

“We can track the northward spread during the monsoon because of those seasonal wind flows,” Makens said. “And what we’ve seen here the last several months is reports… getting closer and closer to the border.”

With seasonal winds soon shifting, Makens says vigilance will be key.

“We’re about to change that seasonal wind flow to come more out of the south,” he said.

As producers navigate drought, fire risk, and uncertain moisture in the months ahead, Makens emphasizes that while relief is likely coming, patience—and close attention to weather patterns—will be essential.

The post El Niño Transition Brings Hope for Rain but Near-Term Drought Concerns Persist first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays features comments with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who is signaling a possible shift toward reopening the U.S.–Mexico border to feeder cattle imports while continuing aggressive efforts to contain New World screwworm. The Secretary spoke with the media following her Saturday address to cattle producers attending the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers.

Rollins made it clear that while the border has remained closed up to this point, conversations are intensifying about a limited reopening strategy. “Up to this weekend, we’ve had no plan to reopen the U.S.-Mexico border to allow Mexican feeder cattle to come back into the United States.”

Now, that stance is evolving as USDA evaluates risk and geography. “We’re currently evaluating a potential phased-in strategy.” “We obviously will not be opening all four ports anytime soon.”

She pointed to the westernmost port as the most likely candidate for an initial reopening due to its distance from current screwworm activity. “There is a realistic conversation that’s currently happening that’s looking at that port that’s about 800 miles from the closest case.”

That westernmost port of entry is at Agua Prieta, Sonora which crosses into Douglas, Arizona. It was one of two ports that were open from February to May of 2025 under the multi step protocols designed to keep New World Screwworm out of the United States.  No Mexican cattle have been allowed since then into the US.

Secretary Rollins says Producers won’t have to wait long for clarity. “More to come on that, I expect an announcement either way on that perhaps within the next two to four weeks.”

Rollins acknowledged that the New World screwworm continues to push north, but emphasized that containment efforts have exceeded expectations. “Against all odds, I mean every model showed the New World screwworm being in Texas last summer.” “So against all odds, we have been able to keep it, with a few exceptions, right around 200 miles south of the Texas border.”

However, she didn’t downplay the ongoing risk. “There’s no question, when you look at the heat maps, that it is in large proportion moving up.”

USDA is responding in real time with constant monitoring and adjustments. “We have the new dispersal facility… moving around and adjusting as day to day as we get new data coming in.” “So we’re looking at it every single day.”

She also highlighted how distance varies by region. “The closest the screwworm has gotten to the Arizona border is about 800 miles.” That being the reason, the USDA is considering opening that port.

Rollins credited the border closure with strengthening accountability and cooperation between the U.S. and Mexico. “I think they would have been good partners… whether we closed the ports or not.” “But I know for sure they have been much better partners because those ports have been closed.”

She said that pressure has translated into measurable expectations. “They have to meet a certain number of metrics and goals. We’re holding them to that and accountability.”

The U.S. has also stepped in with direct support to bolster the response. “We’re obviously deploying USDA resources. They don’t have the resources we do.” “It became very clear that to protect Texas, we were going to have to use our own resources in Mexico.”

“Our staffing, our tools in Mexico… our traps, etc.”

Even with that support, she emphasized the partnership has been productive. “So they have been good partners.”

A major part of the long-term strategy is a new sterile fly production facility in South Texas, and Secretary Rollins says USDA is ready for an official groundbreaking ceremony.  “We are actually looking for a date right now. We expect it to be mid-April.”

“Obviously, it’s not slowing the work down. The contract has been signed. We are ready to go.”

She stressed that the investment is significant, especially in the current political climate. “This groundbreaking is pretty unprecedented at a time when our administration… is working to cut costs, cut taxes, shrink government.” “We’re investing a billion dollars in that particular effort in South Texas.”

The goal is to eliminate reliance on foreign infrastructure. “So we’re no longer or ever again reliant on a facility in Panama that clearly isn’t producing nearly enough flies.”

Rollins says her repeated visits to the southern border are intentional and necessary to maintain focus on the issue. “That will be maybe my fourth trip to the border, which is more than I think I’ve been anywhere.” “That McAllen trip for me is really important.”

She said those visits help keep producers informed and engaged. “It helps us bring attention to the story every time that I am there.” “It helps us get the message out to our producers, our ranchers… on what we’re working to achieve.”

Ultimately, the goal remains containment—but with readiness for any scenario. “Our goal… we feel fairly confident, at least to this point, we’ve been able to contain, keeping it out of America, keeping it out of Texas.” “But if it ends up in Texas, we’re ready for that as well.”

Oklahoma Farm Report shared Secretary Rollins’ comments in Ft Worth with Texas Cattle Feeders President & CEO Ben Weinheimer, who offered this reaction: “TCFA continues to be supportive and appreciative of the comprehensive approach that Secretary Rollins and the team of animal health experts at USDA-APHIS have worked intently to implement in response to NWS in Mexico.

“TCFA’s position has been aligned with Secretary Rollins, inclusive of new sterile fly production and dispersal facilities; close coordination with federal and state agencies for research, response protocols and treatment options; importation of feeder cattle from Mexico subject to strict inspection and treatment; and science-based domestic zoning and regionalization.”

“It is encouraging to hear Secretary Rollins report on the progress being made to fight NWS in Mexico and mention the possibility of revisiting a staged reopening of the border ports in the coming weeks. While cattle markets and freight largely determine the final destination of Mexican feeder cattle in the U.S, in the past it has been common for cattle to originate from any of the ports along the border and ultimately be fed in TCFA member feedyards.”

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Brooke Rollins: USDA Signals Potential Shift on Mexican Cattle Imports While Battling Screwworm Threat first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with OKC West Auctioneer Jon Cooper, who shares insight on the strong cattle market at OKC West and what’s driving higher prices across the region.

For many of you, Jon is a familiar face and voice at the world’s Largest Junior Livestock Show, the Oklahoma Youth Expo- serving as lead auctioneer for both the Night of Stars Gilt Sale and the Sale of Champions. 

Cooper says the strength of the market starts with supply. “The reason why this market is so good is you’re just seeing less and less cattle each week,” he said.

He also pointed to the quality of cattle coming through the sale barn. “What I’m seeing in the sale barn is just the quality of these cattle. These producers are breeding just the high end, these good black hide and Angus cattle, or even Red Angus cattle and baldies.” “That’s where the premiums are,” Cooper added. “They just get such a premium on these cattle this time of year.”

He credited producers for their progress. “I just want to give it up to these producers for how good a job they are doing making these cattle better and better each and every year.”

Despite expectations for a downturn, Cooper says the market has held firm. “Everybody just keeps thinking this market is just going to gradually go down, but it’s actually done the opposite. It has stayed up.” “We’ve had some weaker weeks back in February, but it’s bounced back. The market has stayed good,” he said.

He emphasized the positive impact on producers. “These producers are really doing a good job and getting some extra money in their pockets, which is outstanding.”

Looking ahead, moisture will be key. “We just need some rain. We get some rain, this market will continue to stay good throughout the whole year.”

Dry weather is starting to influence decisions in the country. “It’s getting awfully dry. Wheat pasture cattle are coming off wheat,” Cooper said.

He expects more cattle could be marketed soon. “If we don’t get a rain, I think there’s lots of cattle coming to the market, and they’re going to take advantage of this market.” “I don’t blame them,” he added. “It’ll be really good for them.”

Cattle continue to flow into OKC West from multiple regions. “Lots of cattle coming from the Texas region. Lots of cattle coming from Mississippi,” Cooper said. “We’re getting them from all over.”

Those cattle are also moving out across the country. “They’re going back to Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, South Dakota. They’re going everywhere.”

He highlighted the facility’s advantages. “We’re right off I-40. We’re just 15 to 20 minutes away from I-35, so those truckers can get on and off just real easy.”

Cooper also emphasized demand and management. “You just ought to see the buyers in here each and every week. It’s a packed house.” “One of our main selling points is the buying power, and also the line bunk feeding program that we can get the shrink back in those cattle.”

Cooper says that several cattle producers called him over the Christmas break and asked if they should bring cattle to market right away or wait a few weeks. He told them, “If you got them ready to go, don’t hesitate, pull the trigger. Let’s sell cattle and put some dollars in your pocket,” he said.

“That first couple of weeks of January was just an outstanding market,” he added. “Buyers from all over the place were coming here trying to buy those lightweight calves.”

With strong demand, tight supplies, and quality cattle, Cooper says the market continues to reward producers willing to sell.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Jon Cooper: Tight Cattle Supplies Fuel Strong Prices at OKC West first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays continues his conversation with Kent Bacus of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who discusses USDA’s rollout of the Voluntary Product of the USA label and the push to better educate both producers and consumers about the program.

Bacus says USDA is making progress in getting the word out, but more direct engagement is still needed. “They’re definitely pushing this out on social media, trying to connect, really get this out to the countryside,” he said, adding, “What we would also like to see are more workshops, more engagement directly with those stakeholders, with those small and medium processors.”

He emphasized that early outreach efforts have been helpful, noting, “USDA has done a good job of starting that initial outreach,” and pointed to valuable conversations with regulators: “It was good to have that kind of engagement addressing a room full of producers that had a lot of questions.”

Bacus stressed that continued dialogue is critical. “There’s always going to be questions… so having that kind of engagement is great,” he said, adding that NCBA plays a key role because “we’re the largest organization that represents the interests of U.S. cattle producers and we have that grassroots network.”

“This is an issue that NCBA cares very passionately about. We want to give our members the tools that they need,” he added. “This is going to be a big opportunity.”

Here’s the promotional video shown by USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on Ag Day 2026.

Bacus contrasted the new voluntary label with past mandatory Country of Origin Labeling efforts (MCOOL), which he says created more harm than good.

“The painful lessons of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling is that it wasn’t optional,” he said. “It created a one-size-fits-all approach it disenfranchised a lot of cattle producers.”

He added that “the cost of compliance was so high that they were unfortunately passed down to the cattle producer,” without improving returns.

“That’s not what we need at this point,” Bacus said. “You can’t do that by creating a system where only the big can be successful.”

Instead, he believes the voluntary approach offers a better path forward: “This is a good alternative a good opportunity, and I’m glad that USDA is taking this approach.”

When it comes to how the label applies to products like ground beef, Bacus made it clear that verification is key.

“If you’re going to call it a Product of USA, then you have to be able to verify… that it is from an animal that’s born, raised, harvested and processed” in the U.S., he said.

That means blended products with imported components won’t qualify. “That’s not going to be labeled that way,” he explained, noting those products “will have other ways that they can market.”

He also pointed out that much imported beef—especially lean trimmings—ends up in foodservice. “You’re not seeing an origin source label on… the hamburger you’re buying at fast food,” he said, while grocery store products are where consumers will more often see labeling distinctions.

For Bacus, the bigger issue isn’t just labeling—it’s ensuring imported beef meets U.S. standards.

“The big concern for us is… is that product safe? Does that product deserve to be here?” he said, raising concerns about “questionable history” and “integrity issues” in some exporting countries.

NCBA’s focus, he explained, is protecting the reputation of U.S. beef. “Making sure that any product that is sold here… is not going to do anything to compromise the health and the safety and the reputation that our cattle producers have built.”

At the same time, he sees a strong opportunity ahead. “We’ve got some of the best beef we’ve ever produced… we don’t want to do anything to compromise that,” Bacus said.

Ultimately, he believes the voluntary label can help producers stand out. “This Product of USA label is going to be a really good opportunity… to diversify and really set their products apart here at home.”

More information from the USDA can be found here.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Kent Bacus Believes Voluntary Approach for Product of USA Label Best Path Forward  first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Kent Bacus of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who shares why cattle producers are encouraged by USDA’s renewed push behind the voluntary “Product of the USA” label.

Bacus says the updated rule represents years of industry work to correct misleading labeling practices. “We are excited to see USDA really stepping up efforts to promote the Product of USA label,” he said. “It was NCBA that really initiated changes with USDA, because we had concerns about imported products being able to carry that Product of USA designation.”

He emphasized the significance of closing that gap: “Now they’ve closed that loophole that allowed imported beef from carrying that designation and now it’s an opportunity for U.S. producers, for U.S processors, to really promote that U.S. product.”

Rather than a mandate, Bacus highlights that the label is strictly optional—but powerful for those who choose to use it. “The key thing there is this is voluntary, so you can opt in to do that,” he explained. “If a retailer or a packer wants to use that designation… they have to be able to justify and verify that that is from an animal that was born, raised, harvested, and processed.” Here in the states.

He added that the rule creates new opportunities: “We think that it’s going to be an opportunity to differentiate our products in the marketplace and hopefully capture some of that demand.”

Bacus stressed that the label is not about food safety, but about connecting with consumers and adding value.

“This is not a food safety or a health label. This is a marketing label,” he said. “It creates some incentive to capture some of that demand and brings more integrity into the marketplace.”

He noted that it also fits into growing consumer trends: “Consumers want that high-quality product. They want to know it’s safe, they want to be connected to that producer. They want to be part of that story.”

While the rule requires verification, Bacus says it still preserves producer independence. “You’ve got to be able to show your receipts, you’ve got to be able to prove it,” he said, acknowledging the documentation involved. But he quickly added, “There are other ways you can market your product; they are free to do that.”

He underscored the broader philosophy: “One thing the cattle industry thrives on is independence and the ability to market our product… the last thing you need is really the heavy hand of the federal government telling you how you have to market every single thing that you do.”

Overall, Bacus believes the updated “Product of the USA” label strikes the right balance between clarity and flexibility.

“What this does is it creates opportunities and some integrity,” he said. “This Product of USA label is going to be a good opportunity all around—we’re excited to see USDA stepping up the efforts to promote it.”

OCA Appreciates USDA’s Work on the Voluntary Label

The state affiliate of the NCBA in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, is in full agreement with NCBA.  Their Executive Vice President, Michael Kelsey, offered this statement supporting the plan- “OCA member based policy has long supported the common sense announcement made by USDA regarding the Product of US label. Simply, if a label is to be applied then it must match what the label says.  In this case, a Product of US label can only be applied to beef that originates from cattle born, raised and processed in the US.  We greatly appreciate Secretary Rollins leadership to solidify this appropriate application. “

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Kent Bacus: ‘Product of USA’ Label Creates New Opportunities for Cattle Producers first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dr. Derrell Peel, who discusses rising carcass weights, drought concerns, and managing risk in a volatile but strong cattle market.

Peel says the industry continues to push cattle to heavier weights, noting, “We put about 50 pounds on steer and heifer carcass weights in 2024 and 2025, and starting off 2026 like we’re going to do that again.”

He acknowledges some uncertainty about how long that trend can continue, adding, “at one level, I kind of wonder if we can keep doing that,” but points to strong incentives and advancements in production: “the way genetics have evolved and managing cattle has evolved, we can push these cattle to bigger weight.”

Even so, he emphasizes the bigger picture: “that offsets part of the tight supplies and declining feeder numbers, but it doesn’t change the fact that beef production is still falling.”

When it comes to herd expansion, Peel points to weather as a major roadblock. “The drought map is increasingly scary,” he says, noting dry conditions across the Plains.

He adds, “it doesn’t look terribly favorable… it’s dry in quite a few places,” highlighting concerns from the Southern Plains up through Nebraska and parts of the Northern Plains. Because of that, Peel believes progress on rebuilding will be slow: “that alone is going to be kind of a limiting factor, there’s still just not a lot of indication that producers are very aggressive” about retaining heifers.

Peel describes the current cattle market in simple but powerful terms: “for several months now, I’ve kind of described cattle markets as scary good.”

He explains producers are balancing optimism with caution: “they’re very excited about markets, but also kind of nervous about markets.” That uncertainty comes from multiple directions, as he notes “geopolitical events… animal health and border issues… and infrastructure issues in the U.S.,” all adding to the volatility.

Despite strong prices, Peel urges producers to stay disciplined. “You don’t want to miss the opportunities that are here… but you do have to be aware of the volatility,” he says.

He encourages flexibility, explaining, “sometimes just a couple of weeks allows a market to bounce back from a headline.” At the same time, he stresses the importance of protection tools: “those more formal risk management tools become very important, even though we’re in a generally bullish market environment.”

Peel’s bottom line to cattle producers is clear—take advantage of strong markets, but don’t ignore the risks. As volatility continues, the key is balance: staying flexible, using available tools, and keeping perspective in what he calls a “scary good” market environment.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Dr. Derrell Peel Talks Carcass Weights, Drought Challenges, and High-Priced Cattle Markets first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.

In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Dr. Derrell Peel, who breaks down the latest Cattle on Feed report and what it signals for the cattle market moving forward.

Peel says the latest numbers came in mostly steady, but not without some unusual month-to-month shifts. “The cattle on feed inventory for March… was down point 2%, so almost even with a year ago. Placements in February were up 3.7%, marketings down 6.8%.”

He explains that those swings were largely driven by winter weather that disrupted normal movement patterns. “Most of what’s going on in this report you can explain with the winter storm… There was a lot of disruption there from one month to the next.”

“When you take it in the context of smoothing it out over the two months, I don’t think it’s really a big surprise we just got some month-to-month variation going on here.”

Despite the variability in recent reports, Peel says the overall market direction remains unchanged. “If you look at January and February together, placements are still down somewhat. I don’t think we really changed the trend in this market at all.”

He adds that the industry anticipated some of this fluctuation. “We could sort of see that there was going to be some movement between the two months. Once you put it in that context, it sort of makes sense.”

Looking ahead, Peel emphasizes that supply fundamentals remain tight and will likely remain so.

“The January one cattle inventory report, we calculate the estimated feeder supplies out of that from various categories; And that number was actually bigger, but it was bigger because the cattle on feed total that we subtract from that was smaller, what it said was there was less cattle, less feeder cattle, out in the country, but more of the ones that were out there were still out there on January one. And so all of that adds up to the fact that going forward, we’ve still got tight feeder cattle supplies. We’re going to continue to see these numbers tighten up”

That reality could eventually push the industry toward rebuilding. “We could be beginning to retain some heifers if we’re able.”

Peel points to strong consumer demand as a major driver supporting current price levels.

“Beef demand has been an incredible key to where we’re at; consumers have been incredibly resilient even at these record high prices.”

However, he cautions that external pressures could challenge that strength. “The one thing that could tear that up would be something macroeconomic… that would impact consumers’ ability.” “If this situation persists, I do think we have reason to be somewhat concerned.”

While recent reports show some short-term variability, Peel makes it clear the fundamentals haven’t changed—tight cattle supplies continue, but outside economic forces will be key to watch in the months ahead.

The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR above for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.

The post Dr. Derrell Peel: Cattle on Feed Report Shows Tight Supplies first appeared on Oklahoma Farm Report.