“Agriculture and environment” was the topic Oct. 17 at a Leadership Kingfi sher County class held at Dover Town Hall.

Thefeaturedspeakerwas Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne, who addressed the group on a number of legislative topics (See Oct. 19 edition for full story).

The group also heard from Michael Kelsey, the executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.

“We’re in a really tough spot in the beef cattle industry right now,” Kelsey said.

He noted the state is “right in the center” of the drought that has affected a lot of the United States.

Such conditions have put cattle farmers in a tough spot.

Though the state legislature has provided farmers and ranchers some drought relief, Kelsey said other measures are necessary.

“It’s beneficial, but it’s not enough,” he said.

Meaning farmers and ranchers are needing to sell off at least parts of their herds.

“I think we’ll reduce the cow herd in Oklahoma by 20 percent this year,” he said.

That’s not just a shortterm issue as Kelsey noted people are essentially selling off generations of genetics built up in their herds.

Also, the average age of the Oklahoma farmer is 55 and isn’t going down.

Some people, he said, are getting out of the business of farming.

“There are conversations going on at kitchen tables right now that aren’t very pleasant,” he said.

Kelsey began his talk explaining part of the OCA’s role in Oklahoma agriculture.

Now, he said, is one of those times to prove its value.

“It’s critical we help you get back in the business,” he said. “Our goal is to help you come back because you help feed people.”

The demand for beef, he said, is going nowhere as Kelsey noted cheeseburgers are still the No. 1 menu item for lunch in America.

A high demand coupled with decreased supply means one thing for cattle prices in the near future.

“Next year cattle prices are going to be strong considering the lower supply of cattle and given the strong demand for beef,” he said.

“There is a grand opportunity because people love our products.”

Kelsey said opportunity knocks for farmers. It may just take some time to answer.

“I think we’ll see some dynamic shifts in our industry. It might be hard the next two years, but after that, this industry can be very profitable,” Kelsey said.

“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s going to be tough to get there.”

Joining Kelsey at the meeting was Dover’s Byron Yeoman, the current president of the OCA.