Oklahoma Agencies Hosting April 24 Wildfire Info Meeting in Woodward

The aftermath of wildfires brings questions, and often lots of them.
The aftermath of wildfires brings questions, and often lots of them.
(Todd Johnson, Oklahoma State University)

Agricultural producers affected by the recent wildfires should attend an April 24 fire informational meeting sponsored by the USDA Farm Service Agency and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

The 1 p.m. meeting will take place at Woodward’s High Plains Technology Center, located at 3921 34th St., north of Hanks Trail. There is no cost to attend. A noontime lunch sponsored by the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association will precede the meeting.

“Think of the meeting as a one-stop learning experience in that we’ve tried to gather expert speakers who can address as many key questions producers may have as possible,” said Dana Bay, Woodward County Extension agricultural educator.

Scott Biggs, state executive director for Oklahoma FSA, and Bowdy Peach, Woodward FSA executive director, will open the meeting and provide a general overview.

Individual topic sessions will follow:
● Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, will share information about the OCA Foundation Relief Program, which is handling monetary donations;
● Bay will provide updates about the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service’s collection and dissemination of agricultural-related supplies to producers victimized by the wildfires in Dewey, Custer, Harper, Roger Mills, Woods and Woodward counties;
● FSA’s Peach, Tawni Domer and Tayla Dunn will share what producers need to do to best take advantage of FSA programs and FSA emergency loans; and
● Representatives from the state offices of the National Resources Conservation Service will be on hand to share insights about what producers can and cannot do relative to NRCS programs.

“Additional speakers and topic sessions may be added,” Peach said. “We know everyone is busy but think of the meeting as an investment ensuring you’re doing what you need to do as effectively as possible.”

As an organization Oklahoma FSA strives to strengthen the stability of rural communities while providing a safety net to agricultural producers.

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is one of two state agencies administered by Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and makes available research-based expertise to help Oklahomans solve issues of importance to them, their families and their communities.

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

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.