Utah Ranchers Search for 100 Cattle Lost in 30,000 Acre Wildfire

Ranchers in central Utah have rescued 350 cattle from a wildfire that started in early August, but 100 head are still missing.
Ranchers in central Utah have rescued 350 cattle from a wildfire that started in early August, but 100 head are still missing.
(U.S. Forest Service )

Ranchers in Utah have been searching for cattle that ran loose during a wildfire for the past month resulting in approximately 350 being found, but 100 head are still lost.

After a lightning strike sparked the Coal Hollow Fire on the northern side of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, roughly 70 miles south of Salt Lake City. The fire has burned nearly 30,000 acres and was at 90% containment on Sept. 4 with some hotspots still burning.

Following the fires start, members of the Lake Fork Cattleman’s Association began looking for 468 cattle that were unaccounted for because of the blaze.

The five ranchers who are part of the association gathered about 350 head within the first nine days of the Coal Hollow Fire igniting. An estimated 100 head are still on the mountain grazing allotments, unable to be gathered.

Cows that have been rescued so far are back on their home ranches. Rancher Andy Neves has been feeding his cattle hay, but it hasn’t helped much compared to the summer grazing that’s been lost.

“They’re not gaining weight like they would on the mountain,” Neves says.

The association rotates cattle onto five grazing allotments within the Spanish Fork Canyon and has grazing rights from June to October.

The central area of Utah where the fire is burning has been going through drought for much of the year. The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that it classified as exceptional drought, the worst rating on the index.

Coal Hollow Fire Map

A map showing the path of the Coal Hollow Fire.

“It’s huge; it’s devastating actually,” Neves says. “The only way we can make this work and profitable for ourselves is through that summer grazing time.”

With ranchers eating into already short hay supplies it could lead to a more difficult winter.

“At this point, we’re in survival mode,” Neves says. “We’re not looking to pad our bank accounts.”

The U.S. Forest Service and ranchers are working on a grazing plan. Right now the Forest Service has said that 30% of the cattle can be moved to the Blind Canyon allotment.

“The Forest Service has been working really well with us during this fire, helping us get through it,” Neves says.

There is no clear number on death losses at this point. However, the Manti-La Sal National Forest has reported that four cows and two calves have died. Neves believes up to 25% of his own cattle could have perished.

More information about how the Lake Fork Cattleman’s Association has been dealing with fire can be found on the Daily Herald website.

 

Latest News

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains
How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains

We can’t care for our livestock, resources and families without caring for ourselves first. That seems even harder during the busy seasons, but it isn’t impossible and even one thing a day makes a difference.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.

Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations
Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations

As horses are exposed to the environment, wildlife and mosquitoes that transmit the five core equine diseases, it’s important to follow the core equine disease vaccination protocol.