What to Expect When You’re Expecting...to Start a Farm in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a long history rooted in agriculture and it’s not difficult to find people who have owned their family’s farm for many generations. Maybe that’s what’s inspired you to consider starting your own. Becoming a farmer in Oklahoma opens up a world of opportunities, but there are some things you should know before you get started. Even if you’ve already got a few years of operation under your belt, learning more about what’s going on in your state can help you become more efficient and engaged.
Check out some of the tips that we here at Mike Cooper Tractors have provided you and let us know what else we can do to improve your agricultural operation. Contact us today at our location in Fort Gibson, welcoming all those from Tulsa and Muskogee. We’re open for business and ready to serve you!
Oklahoma Agriculture Fast Facts
Top Crops
Oklahoma’s most valuable crop is wheat, and we even rank as one of the top wheat producers in the country and are listed first in the production of rye. After that, some of the state’s other profitable crops include:
Hay
Cotton
Soybeans
Corn
Peanuts
Of course, these aren’t the only things you can grow here, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to start with crops you know will work pretty well.
Top Livestock Production
Oklahoma is also known for its prominent beef and dairy industry. Hogs and broilers, or young chickens, are also important livestock products, along with:
Eggs
Sheep
Turkeys
Farm-raised catfish
Other Fun Facts
75% of the state’s land is used for farming to the tune of 34.2 million acres, ranking eighth largest in the country.
As of 2019, there are 77,300 farms in the state.
The Oklahoma Climate
There are many in the country who still think of Oklahoma as a dust bowl. It’s true to say there are certain parts of the state that are drier than others, the driest areas being in the panhandle. But this is far from the whole truth.
It’s often easier to discuss climate by breaking it down between the western and eastern parts of the state. Western Oklahoma is situated in a semi-arid climate, meaning it’s quite dry, while eastern Oklahoma experiences more rain in its humid subtropical climate, which means you’ll also experience hot and humid summers with cold to mild winters.
Keep in mind, this still doesn’t quite paint the entire picture. You can break things down even further by looking for local weather history to get an idea of past trends. You’ll also need to keep in mind the ways the climate may change in the future and affect weather trends vital to your operation, like rain, heat, and snow.
Frost Dates
Frost kills crops. There are some crops tough enough to survive one or two cold nights, but the majority of crops need to be planted after the last frost of the year and before the first one. This will ensure fruitful yield with minimal loss.
First and last frost dates can change from city to city, so you’ll need to look up your most reliable set of frost dates using The Old Farmer’s Almanac, or another reliable resource. For example, here in Fort Gibson, the growing season usually lasts from April 12 to October 25, but our neighbors in Tulsa have a slightly longer growing season, from April 4 to November 1. Other cities have even shorter growing seasons, while others still have even longer ones.
Keep in mind, these dates are predictions and you should always keep an eye on the weather forecast for a more accurate reading of when the frost may be coming and going. But marking your calendar for these general time frames can help you plan what to grow and when to get some of your equipment ready.
Starting a farm in Oklahoma means you’re joining a long legacy of agricultural workers that contribute to our nation’s supply of food and goods, as well as international trade. No matter how big or small your operation is, Mike Cooper Tractors is here to help you get started. Stop by today to ask about farm equipment you’ll need, or to connect with your local communities to glean more insight about working the land. We welcome all those from Muskogee, so visit us today!