Energy/Business Briefs

• The Biden administration is reimposing sanctions on Venezuelan oil, it said Wednesday. The administration said it would renew sanctions that it temporarily lifted in October after Venezuela did not make sufficient progress toward a fair election.

U.S., Oklahoma rig counts made gains last week

The nation saw a gain of active oil and gas rigs over the past w eek as the rig count grew by two to reach 619, according to the Bak er Hughes rig count released Friday.

Retail demand, priorities shown in latest Meat Demand Monitor

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Kansas State University Extension Livestock Market economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor recently shared the results of KSU’s Meat Demand Monitor for March. Tonsor highlighted a promising increase in retail beef demand for March as opposed to February.

Commodity trading continues in a narrow range

From staff reports STILLWATER – Oklahoma State University Extension grain market economist Kim Anderson recently told SUNUP that crop prices are still trading in a relatively narrow range. Wheat prices have been trading sideways, Anderson said, from $5.00 to $5.50 in the last couple weeks.

Winter wheat conditions fall 8 points from last week

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s winter wheat conditions have fallen once again, from 68% excellent to 60%, and increasing in fair and poor to very poor conditions.

Lighter runs, high-quality cattle reported

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Ben Hale of Western Livestock Auctions, a multi-generational, family-owned business, gave his latest take on the markets. Hale noted that on Tuesday, at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, around 7,000 head of cattle sold compared to 9,000 a year ago.

Lower wheat prices affect cattle market

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Bob Rodenberger, a partner with Stockman Oklahoma Livestock Marketing, said last week’s cattle runs were larger than the week prior, but prices were lower. “It is the time of year where seasonally we are starting to get cheaper,” Rodenberger said.

Wildfire recovery funds available to Oklahoma farmers

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is launching a $1 million special disaster fund through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, for Oklahoma producers affected by recent wildfires.

Ag emissions fall to 10-year low

From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY — American farmers are leading the way in greenhouse gas reduction. The EPA recently released the Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022.

Significant bill for Oklahoma Ag, HB 4118 edges closer to a Senate vote

From staff reports It may well be one of the most significant bills for Oklahoma agriculture this session. HB 4118 passed the Oklahoma House two months ago.