Woods County OSU Extension

08/27/2026

Kids Night at the Woods County Fair!
Thursday, September 10th 6-8pm
🎈🍀

08/26/2026

Viewers get to experience yearling shipping day at the Osage Nation Ranch, a 43,000-acre operation in the heart of Osage County in Oklahoma. SUNUP host Lyndall Stout interviews Katie Yates Free, Osage Nation asset manager and Rick Clovis, OSU Extension director and agriculture educator for Osage and Pawnee Counties.

(Aug. 15, 2026) Viewers get to experience yearling shipping day at ...

08/25/2026

Oklahoma’s Usage of Livestock Risk Protection in 2026, Part 2

Scott Clawson, Oklahoma State University NE Area Extension Agricultural Economist

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) has found its place as a price risk management tool for the Oklahoma cattle business.

For the data discussed, 2026 refers to policies initiated from 7/1/2025 to 6/30/26. The previous year’s data works on the same calendar for their respective years.
(see image 2)

There were 475,567 head of cattle in Oklahoma were price protected with LRP policies initiated in 2026. LRP usage in Oklahoma has leveled off at just under half a million head annually over the past three years. While LRP has existed since the early 2000s, the adoption was minimal. However, usage has grown rapidly since 2020 when only 5,860 head were covered. This is likely a reflection of two issues. In 2020 a series of changes were made to increase the usability and affordability of LRP. This, combined with the stronger cattle prices in recent years, has created an environment for LRP to gain footing with producers.

The most popular application of LRP has been in Weight 2 Steers and Heifers (600-1,000 lbs.). This category made up almost 85% of cattle covered in OK. The Unborn Steers & Heifers and Weight 1 (up to 600lbs.) categories follow distantly with 6.13% and 5.47% respectively. This highlights two growth areas where LRP could benefit producers more. The Unborn Steer & Heifer option is viable to reduce the price risk when buying or developing bred females in our higher price level environment. The Weight 1 option fits well in the cow-calf sector where producers are selling at weaning.

Two last notes regarding coverage level and length of coverage.
(see image 3)

Oklahoma producers that are implementing LRP generally select high levels of coverage. In 2026, 84% of insured cattle were covered at a level at or above 97% of the Expected End Value. Only 3.66% of cattle were insured at a level under 90%. Additionally, shorter term policies are more common than longer term selections.
(see image 4)

One of LRP’s biggest strengths is that it is adaptable to almost every beef cattle business in Oklahoma. Implementing LRP can eliminate a portion of the downside price risk that is lurking in the background and let us get the most out of our current markets.

Data is from the USDA-RMA Summary of Business which can be found at https://www.rma.usda.gov/tools-reports/summary-of-business.

08/23/2026

Oklahoma’s heat is no joke, and staying safe takes more than just drinking water. 💧🌡️

When temperatures climb, keep these tips in mind:

• Give your body time to adjust. Heat tolerance builds gradually, so ease into strenuous outdoor work or activity after time away.
• Don’t rely on thirst alone. Drink fluids regularly when spending extended time in the heat.
• Watch for changes in behavior. Confusion, irritability or poor coordination can be signs of serious heat illness.
• Keep an eye on each other. Heat can affect judgment, making it harder for someone to recognize their own symptoms.
• Consider humidity and direct sun. Both can increase heat stress beyond what the temperature alone may suggest.

Know the signs, check on those around you and take precautions before heat becomes an emergency.

08/21/2026

Nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning can pose serious risks for cattle under certain conditions. In this video, Paul Beck, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, explains the conditions that can increase the risk of nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning in cattle.

(Aug. 1, 2026) Nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning can pose...

08/20/2026

Woods County Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE) begins a new program year on November 1. New year brings a new membership process. New membership process equals new membership opportunities.

OHCE is a statewide organization with members in 77 counties. It empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact on their communities. OHCE works to make families more resilient, teach safe and healthy meal preparation, promote family finance and relations and so much more.

Contact the Woods County OSU Extension office for more information on joining one of our groups. If you need assistance in registering online, contact Susan Holliday at the extension office at (580)327-2786.

08/19/2026

Woods county commissioners are issuing a 14 day burn ban for all of Woods County, we ask the public to please adhere to these rules and regulations for the safety of all of Woods County.

The resolution, outling exemptions, is in the comments.

08/19/2026

The Basics of Livestock Risk Protection, Part 1

Scott Clawson, Oklahoma State University NE Area Extension Agricultural Economist

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) has gained popularity in the cattle community over the past several years. Hopefully, this can help answer some of the fundamental questions surrounding it.

What is it?

LRP is an insurance product from USDA-Risk Management Agency. Think of it as the cattle producer’s version of crop insurance.

What does it do?

LRP protects against price declines in the cattle market. This product addresses price risk only. Production risk (mortality, gains, etc.) is still with the producer.

How does it work?

A producer will look at the length of coverage (13-52 weeks) and the coverage price (75%-100%) offered that day. The producer will select the length that closely matches how long price protection is needed and a coverage price (“price floor”) that they feel is appropriate. At the end of the insured period, if the actual ending value is ABOVE the coverage price, no indemnity is paid. If it is below, the producer will receive a payment to offset the loss.

How is the ending value determined?

The ending value is linked to the CME Feeder Cattle Index, not the actual price that the cattle are sold for. The CME Feeder Cattle Index is then adjusted if needed to fit the cattle that were insured based on their s*x, weight, etc. which are all known upfront. Fortunately, Oklahoma’s cattle numbers provide a sizeable contribution to the CME Feeder Cattle Index which means our Oklahoma prices are well represented in the index.

What are the benefits versus using options or hedging?

One significant benefit is it being a per head product. It can be used on a variety of classes of cattle from lightweight calves to heavier yearlings. There is also a fed cattle and an unborn option. Another feature is that should prices continue to rise, a producer will still benefit from the upward price move. Lastly, the premium is paid at the end of the policy so it will not tie up operating capital.

What should someone do that is interested in implementing LRP?

Gather more information. Contact insurance providers that sell this product and discuss your specific situation. Also, there is an abundance of information from cooperative extension services across the country, and LRP price quotes are publicly available daily. A quick online search will satisfy those.

In my discussions with Oklahoma cattle producers, I regularly hear references to the strong prices of 2014 and the decline in 2015. This is the tool that can prevent us from fully realizing that price risk. However, even in these record price years we have experienced periods of retreat in the markets that have had serious negative financial impacts on ranches. LRP is the mechanism we can use to protect equity and cash flow should the market turn, temporarily or cyclically.

Part 2 will address how Oklahoma producers used LRP in 2025/26.

08/19/2026

BQA Training coming up in Cherokee!
There will be a lot to learn, hands on demos, and a yummy meal!
Register to 580-596-3131

08/18/2026

Amy Hagerman, OSU Extension agricultural policy specialist, provides a drought assistance update and discusses details on program changes affecting row crop and forage producers. Dr. Hagerman also underscores the importance of good year-round record keeping.

(Aug. 8, 2026) Amy Hagerman, OSU Extension agricultural policy spec...