Oklahoma

After Wildfire: Livestock Care, Documentation and Recovery

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:21:19 GMT

Recent wildfires have left many cattle producers across the country facing urgent management decisions.

Once humans are safe, producers should focus on three priorities:

Stabilizing livestock through health checks and access to clean water and feed
Documenting losses and engaging with insurers or assistance programs
Developing a grazing recovery plan that protects rangeland health going into the next grazing season.

Cattle Care

Cattle should not be allowed back into recently burned areas. Ashes, smoldering fence lines, hay piles and hot spots can cause significant injury to hooves and soft tissues.

If producers evacuated before all livestock were accounted for, make sure neighbors or first responders know where animals may be. In addition to brands, temporary identification such as paint or chalk marks, can help reconnect animals with owners later.

Plan to evaluate livestock multiple times over the coming days and weeks. Burn-related hoof damage, in particular, may take time to show up.

As you assess cattle, take time to examine the areas most vulnerable to heat and smoke damage:

Hooves, udders, sheaths and testicles for burns or swelling
Eyes and muzzle for soot, abrasions or ulceration
Respiratory signs such as coughing or rapid breathing

On days when smoke drifts across the area, avoid working or exerting cattle unnecessarily. Respiratory irritation from smoke can worsen with handling.

Cows in late gestation and pairs may need extra monitoring. Post-fire stress can weaken maternal behavior or reduce milk production. Burned or singed udders may prevent calves from nursing.

Consult your veterinarian early for burn treatment, pain management, antibiotics if needed and guidance about which animals are likely to recover. In some cases, humane euthanasia may be the best choice. Severely injured animals may also be unable to move safely or may not be accepted at packing plants, so evaluate transport options carefully.

Water and Short-Term Nutrition

Water access is critical. Displaced and stressed cattle often require more water. Animals that have gone without may overdrink when water becomes available again. When possible, cattle that have been without water for more than a day should be slowly adapted back to water by providing them with access to small amounts of water every half hour (3 to 5 gallons for cows and bulls, 1 to 2 gallons for growing cattle) until the cattle are no longer thirsty. Offering clean water from several access points helps avoid crowding and reduces digestive issues linked to sudden intake.

Forage losses may require temporary feeding support. Having forage available maintains rumen health. However, if no forage is available, a low-protein (12% to 14% CP), low-starch (8% to 12% crude fiber) commercial feed product can be used for four to five days to minimize weight loss until hay and/or grazing can be secured. If hay supplies have to be stretched, a combination of limit feeding hay and feeding a 28% to 32% range cube may help maintain body condition. Consult a nutritionist or your local extension educator for help with developing a feeding plan in these scenarios.

Documentation and Working With Insurance and Assistance Programs

Before moving carcasses or starting repairs, take clear, date-stamped photos of carcasses or injured animals; damaged fences, tanks and infrastructure; and burned hay or feed.

Record tag numbers, brands, and locations where possible. Contact your insurance provider early for instructions.

Carcasses should be handled according to state-approved disposal methods. Timing of disposal often depends on insurance and regulatory guidance. Follow local directives closely and take steps to prevent contamination around disposal sites or damaged feed areas.

Producers may qualify for several USDA programs, but it’s important to contact the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office promptly. These programs can help with livestock mortality, water and feed transport and grazing losses.

Coordinate any fencing or grazing changes with the FSA and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) beforehand to ensure documentation and eligibility requirements are met. To locate your local USDA Service Center, visit https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

Keep veterinary statements and sale receipts for animals that decline or die in the weeks following the wildfire, as these may still qualify for compensation if linked to the event.

Burned pastures need time to recover. Plan for deferred or rested grazing and reevaluate stocking rates as you track regrowth through spring and early summer. Infrastructure such as fences, tanks and pipelines should be inspected and repaired before turnout. Temporary fencing can help keep cattle away from sensitive areas undergoing recovery.

The stress of wildfire recovery shouldn’t be overlooked. Here is a list of contacts that provide confidential support for emotional, financial and legal concerns associated with disasters:

Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258)
AgriStress Helpline: 1-833-897-2474
988 Lifeline: Dial 988
Kansas: Visit KansasAgStress.org or call 785-532-6011
Texas: Call or Text the SAgE/AgriStress Helpline at 833-897-2474
Oklahoma: Contact OSU Extension at 405-744-5398 or visit farmstress.org .

CattleZen Calming Pheromone Available to Cattle Producers Facing Wildfires

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:18:34 GMT

In the wake of recent wildfires in Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, many cattle producers are managing heightened cattle stress caused by relocation, environmental disruption and changes in routine. To help support cattle during this transition, Solvet will be providing CattleZen at no cost to producers impacted by the fires. Designated area veterinarians have CattleZen on hand to distribute as needed. To find your participating veterinarian or determine how to receive product, email Dr. Doug Shane, Solvet veterinary technical support, at douglas.shane@solvet-us.com .

“The unfortunate wildfire conditions create significant stress for cattle, which can cause lasting effects on cattle health,” Shane says. “CattleZen is designed to stimulate a natural calming response, helping support cattle and handler safety through stressful events such as this.”

Shane adds that the resilience of cattle producers during these events does not go unnoticed.

“We hope offering this product will help producers with one aspect during a challenging time. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the producers, veterinarians and first responders working tirelessly to protect livestock and livelihoods.”

Your Next Reads:
After the Fire: The Need for Feed, Fence and Prayers
Tips for Care Following Wildfire

Tips for Care Following Wildfire

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:42:07 GMT

As Oklahomans and their nearby neighbors in Kansas endure wildfire season , Oklahoma State University Extension specialists offer tips to keep livestock safe, as well as help with recovery efforts.

Livestock Welfare After a Fire

Monitoring surviving animals is crucial in the days after a wildfire, says Dr. Rosslyn Biggs , OSU Extension beef cattle specialist.

“We need to be thinking about long-term repercussions,” she adds. “Thermal injuries, burns can be a big issue on these animals. We also need to be thinking about smoke inhalation and the systems that those affect.”

Enhanced monitoring of the surviving animals is crucial after a wildfire, Biggs explains. In addition to nutrition, hydration is key. Cows that are in the later stages of pregnancy need to be thought about, too. Consider their capacity to care for either calves on the ground or those they will soon birth.

Post-wildfire evaluation can lead to difficult decisions, too.

“It’s very important in these disaster-type situations that animal welfare needs to be our first consideration,” Biggs says. “How are those animals that have survived going to be able to recover from those injuries? In many cases, unfortunately, euthanasia may be the most humane decision that we have to make.”

Protecting Horses During Wildfires

Have your horses loaded and ready to go before you see a wildfire reach your property, says Kris Hiney , OSU Extension equine specialist.

“So many animals, when fire is coming, it causes panic,” Hiney says. “They may be harder to handle, so if trouble is coming, have the horses already up in a small lot where you can catch them. In a burning building, horses won’t want to leave, but now we’re talking about a threat to human safety as well.”

Horses will often be reluctant to leave an environment they deem safe, Hiney adds. Keep the horses together and avoid isolating one horse at a time, as this could cause further panic.

“The calmer the handler can be, the better the horses will act,” Hiney says.

Preparation is also key. Maintaining your property, like mowing fence lines and creating fire breaks, is important. Be aware that fire structures, such as hay storage, can be extremely dangerous for animals to be near. Have photographs and records of all your horses, Hiney says.

If smoke is high in the air, even if not directly where fire is impacting your land, respiratory health in horses is important. Hiney recommends not working the horses when the smoke particulate matter is high.

Emergency Cattle Nutrition

Wildfires can ravage forage, requiring producers to pivot in the aftermath.

There are several strategies to minimize weight loss until hay can be secured. One option is to provide a commercial “creep feed” product for four to five days . Commercial creep feeds will generally contain 12 to 14% protein and are aneasily accessible option, with this feed bagged and ready to ship immediately.

The feeding rate is equivalent to eight pounds of feed per day, assuming cows weigh 1,200 lb. If hay is more abundant, 15 lb. of grass hay fed with five lb. of a 28% to 32% range cube can maintain a 1,200-lb. cow in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Mineral supplements with a high calcium level are essential to offset the high phosphorus levels in concentrate feeds. Work with your local Extension educator to ensure a well-balanced diet for your cattle in limit-feeding scenarios.

The priority is to meet nutritional needs while stretching hay supplies.

Documenting Losses

After a wildfire, documenting losses will be crucial for producers. Review your existing records and then create a line of documentation on a day-to-day basis after a disaster.

“Having documentation becomes very important from a financial aspect,” Biggs says. “It can be as simple as, if we have losses, documenting those with photographic evidence. Most people can use their cellphones to take pictures that can be timestamped. For many emergency-type programs, it’s going to be necessary to have verifiable records.”

Carcass Disposal

Burial will be the best option for disposing of livestock carcasses, says Doug Hamilton , OSU Extension water management specialist.

“You need to be in a high spot,” Hamilton says. “You need to be well above a flood plain. You’re going to have to dig a hole 4-6 feet deep and be at least two feet above where the water table may rise.”

It is also important to keep burial sites at least 300 feet away from water sources.

The state of Oklahoma has five methods for disposing of livestock: landfilling, rendering, incineration, composting and burial. Finding a landfill to take a dead animal will be difficult, even in an emergency. Rendering will be hard if the animal has been dead for several days and incineration requires expensive and specific equipment.

Composting is viable, but it will require wood shavings or sawdust and management . An advantage of composting is that once you’ve completed it, the land site will be viable for use again.

If you are affected by the wildfires and have agricultural, livestock care or forage questions — or wish to donate or receive hay — contact OSU Extension by calling 405-780-4569 or emailing DisasterSupport@okstate.edu.

Your Next Reads:
After the Fire: The Need for Feed, Fence and Prayers
Why the Southern Plains Became a ‘Perfect Recipe’ for Wildfires

Why the Southern Plains Became a ‘Perfect Recipe’ for Wildfires

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:29:09 GMT

Farmers and ranchers across the Plains are dealing with the aftermath of devastating wildfires .

According to Drovers , fast-moving Ranger Road Fire has already scorched more than 283,000 acres in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas since last week. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture said Monday it’s now 65% contained, but the devastation has charred thousands of pasture and farmland, also killing an unknown number of cattle.

Flames spread across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico since last week. While March through April is typically wildfire season in Kansas, conditions across the Plains are creating conditions that are fueling the flames.

According to Brian Bledsoe of Brian Bledsoe Weather, the devastation is the result of a “worst-case scenario” pattern that has been building for months.

A Windy Season Meets Dry Fuels

Bledsoe says in order to understand why conditions are so ripe for wildfires this year, the calendar alone raises red flags.

“From February through early to mid-April, that’s traditionally when we see some of these higher-end wind events,” he explains. “But it’s not just about the wind. It’s about what the wind and fire combine to burn.”

The Southern Plains experienced adequate to above-average moisture over parts of the region during the past year. However, that broader window masks a sharp turn toward dryness in recent months.

When looking at the last 180 days, moisture held on in portions of the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwest Kansas. But conditions deteriorated quickly moving south into the Texas Panhandle. Over the past 90 days, dryness expanded northward into the heart of the wildfire zone.

90-day precip map for the Plains

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather )

Zooming in further, the last 30 days tell the most concerning story. Some locations in the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwest Kansas have received just 5% to 20% of average precipitation.

That rapid drying followed a warm-season growing period that produced ample vegetation. Once cured and left without additional moisture or snow cover, those grasses became prime fuel.

“You grow up all that vegetation during the warm season, then you dry it out and don’t get anything else to keep it somewhat wet so it doesn’t burn. It’s a perfect recipe,” Bledsoe says.

Precipitation over the past 30 days.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

Wildfires in the Plains

The setup isn’t without precedent. In late February 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire burned more than a million acres in the Canadian River Valley of the Texas Panhandle under similar conditions, which were strong winds, above-average warmth and critically dry fuels.

“This is not unprecedented for the Western High Plains this time of year,” Bledsoe notes. “It’s just the worst-case scenario when you put all those things together.”

Little Relief in the Forecast

Unfortunately for producers hoping for moisture, the near-term outlook offers limited help.

Over the next 10 days, much of the U.S. is expected to trend drier than average. The only notably wet areas are projected to be in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, above-average temperatures are likely to persist across much of the Plains, with colder air remaining locked in Canada.

The short-term forecast shows little relief for much of the U.S.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

Above normal temperatures could also pose a problem for producers in the West and Plains.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

“This pattern is not going to be that favorable to grace those areas that we’re dealing with the wildfires with any real significant moisture,” Bledsoe says. “In fact, you see a pretty good chunk of the U.S. that will likely see just drier than average conditions for that 10-day period. Not necessarily dry for everybody, but drier than average. The only really wet areas will be in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. And we’re going to revert back to the warmth too.”

Looking ahead to March, extended European model guidance suggests a continuation of the pattern: dry conditions across California, Arizona, New Mexico and much of Texas and the Southwest High Plains, with wetter conditions developing farther east.

The extended forecast shows little relief across the Plains.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

March is often a volatile month, Bledsoe says, bringing sharp contrasts between “haves” and “have-nots” in terms of precipitation.

“You’re going to the haves farther east, and then areas farther south and west that have been kind of shut out are probably going struggle a little bit. And time, I know it only takes one storm to change this narrative here in the Western High Plains to cover the ground with snow or put more moisture in the ground or kind of turn the corner,” he says. “But right now this pattern is not conducive to bringing one of those significant storms into the fray.”

Bledsoe knows more than anyone that the forecast can change, but the set-up right now doesn’t look favorable for moisture in the Plains through March.

“It only takes one storm to change the narrative, to cover the ground with snow or put meaningful moisture back into the soil,” he says. “But right now, this pattern is not conducive to bringing one of those significant storms into the fray.”

For livestock producers and farmers across the High Plains, that means continued vigilance. With cured grasses, persistent wind and limited precipitation in the forecast, wildfire risk may remain elevated as the region moves deeper into its traditional spring wind season.

After the Fire: The Need for Feed, Fence and Prayers

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:18:59 GMT

Wildfires plagued the Plains last week from southern Kansas into Oklahoma and Texas. Hundreds of thousands of acres of grass are now burned to sand.

The Ranger Road Fire, which started in Oklahoma and made its way into southern Kansas, to date has burned more than 283,000 acres and is 65% contained as of Monday morning, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry .

The Oklahoma Forestry Services reports moderated fire weather over dormant fuels resulted in a downtick in wildfire activity over the weekend, allowing firefighters to improve the containment of recent large fires.

“Conditions also supported opportunity to execute burn plans for prescribed fires,” the report says. “If you engaged in prescribed burning, controlled burns or pile burns over the weekend, please ensure that fire perimeters are mopped up and secured ahead of increasing fire weather concerns Tuesday through the remainder of the week.”

Read more about how strong winds, above-average warmth and months of worsening dryness created a “perfect recipe”

for wildfires across the Southern Plains, scorching pasture and farmland — with little moisture relief in the forecast:

Why the Southern Plains Became a ‘Perfect Recipe’ for Wildfire

The wildfires have left a path of heartbreak and devastation. From the loss of livestock and homes, barns and shops to pastures and fence, the damage is hard to fathom.

Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur visited Oklahoma producers impacted by the wildfires on Thursday. “Please pray for our farmers and ranchers and our first responders who continue to battle challenging fires and weather,” she says.

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Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur

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Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur

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Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur

Dr. Randall Spare, Ashland Veterinary Center Inc., says nine years after the losses resulting from the Starbuck Wildfire — still the largest, most extensive wildfire in Kansas history — many of the same ranchers have been affected by the Ranger Road Fire.

Spare explains the wildfire was unstoppable with little farmland or breaks to get ahead of the fire plus the extreme wind. The fire started near Beaver, Okla., at 11 a.m., and he reports many ranchers in the path were moving cattle by noon. He says the highest losses occurred where there were no nearby wheat fields or safe pasture alternatives for the cattle.

“When you have contiguous grass for 90 miles, and the fire line was 90 miles long, from Beaver, Okla. to Protection, Kan., and it was moving 70 miles an hour, it’s hard to get in front of it,” he says.

He also explains because of the good moisture in 2025 and good stewardship of the land, there was a lot of tall, dense forage to fuel the fire.

“Many of the best stewards — those who don’t overgraze and stockpile grass for calving and drought management — actually experienced some of the worst damage,” he explains. “Because they’ve done a good job of managing their grass and have forage to eat in the spring of the year before the growing season starts to calve on, they experienced some of the greatest damage.”

Spare says the Ranger Road Fire took the same path as the Starbuck Fire, but it did not burn as many acres in Kansas — about one-third less in comparison.

“The good thing is it did not go north of Ashland. It’s five miles south of Ashland before it starts and not near the acreage burned,” he summarizes. “Since it isn’t like the Starbuck Fire, we have an opportunity as neighbors to help neighbors, whereas before we couldn’t do that because we were all affected.”

He predicts producers in Kansas lost 1,000 to 1,100 head. He adds there will continue to be more loss as producers evaluate cattle condition.

“One of the biggest damage is feet,” he explains. “The walls of their hooves start to fall off due to the fire. And sometimes that doesn’t show up for five days.”

How Can You Help?

According to Reuters , other fires have burned thousands more acres in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.

In agriculture, community is strong. When one producer hurts we all feel it and, if possible, we step up and help our neighbors in need. Along with prayers, Spare adds the immediate needs are:

Hay
Money (financial support)

In response to producers offering help, Spare shares a list of ways others can support ranchers recovering from the wildfires on social media, including lessons learned from the Starbuck Fire.

“I would like to share what we learned from the Starbuck Fire that, hopefully, will be helpful as you consider making decisions about how to help,” he writes.

Fencing supplies: “After the Starbuck Fire, we learned that if federal funds are used to rebuild and replace fences, the construction requirements to access those funds are very specific regarding type of wire, posts, etc. While the generosity of those giving nine years ago was remarkable, we were limited in how much of the donated resources actually could be used simply because federal loss recovery funds needed to be used, and the donated fencing supplies didn’t meet government specifications.”
Money: “Today, money is the most precious resource and in the greatest need. Many of the ranching operations affected need time to truly assess their losses. Some are finding cattle they first thought to be lost, alive and safe. Others are experiencing the opposite and unfortunately are seeing the losses increase.”
Available pasture and grassland: “If you have pasture available either short term or long term, please reach out to Ashland Community Foundation, Kansas Livestock Association or Ashland Veterinary Center,” he suggests.
Hay: There are designated drop off locations ready to accept loads of hay.

Multiple organizations have stepped up and are organizing supplies and assistance.

• Kansas Livestock Association. KLA is helping connect those wishing to donate with the most suitable drop location. If you’re hoping to donate goods including livestock feed or hay, you can contact KLA at (785) 273-5115, or visit this website . On KLA’s Facebook page you can find posts from feedlots that are offering pen space to wildfire victims.

• The Ashland Community Foundation. ACF is accepting monetary donations to help those affected by the fires in their community. To donate, please visit the ACF website and select “Become A Partner” in the dropdown. Donations are also being accepted at Stockgrowers State Bank or can be mailed to ACF at P.O. Box 276, Ashland, KS 67831.

• Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation. OCF has established a relief fund to help cattle producers who have been affected. As the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, the fire relief fund at the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation will distribute 100% of received funds to affected cattle producers. You can give online or make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation with “Fire Relief” in the memo line and mail to P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.

• Beaver County Stockyards and Beaver County OSU Extension office. For those willing to donate feed or hay to the Beaver County, Okla., area, visit the Stockyards website or the Extension office website .

• Beaneighbor.org . The Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, provides access to local support including financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help. Search for aid in your area at Beaneighbor.org.

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry reminds the public to use caution before bringing hay to northwest Oklahoma to prevent the spread of invasive fire ants. Find out if your county is under quarantine for fire ants on the USDA website

Fire Weather is Not Over: Stay Prepared

The Kansas Forest Service reminds producers there are still months of fire season to come.

“As firefighters continue to mop up or extinguish hot spots along miles of fire line, recovery begins for the communities most impacted by recent wildfires,” the agency says. “Many wildfire managers are already preparing for the next round of fire weather.”

While recovery and readiness are happening at the same time, the forest service share these two tips:

Learn how to prepare your home and property for a wildfire. Proper preparation can help your home withstand a wildfire.
Have a plan when the wildfire is heading toward your home or property.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has a Fires & Wildfires website dedicated to providing resources to help prepare for and survive wildfires.

A Note to Survivors

Spare says his message to producers who are recovering from the wildfires is to:

Think beyond today. Plan not only for immediate survival but for summer grazing and next winter’s feed. Recognize that hay now is also about having feed later, since grass is gone.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. “If you are struggling, reach out to a trusted friend and accept neighbor and outside assistance,” he stresses.

Spare summarizes producers from his area are deeply appreciative and humbled by people from across the country who helped nine years ago and are helping again now, even to the point that local folks feel “almost embarrassed” it happened again.

“But it is life, and we’re going to trust God and go on,” he says.

Your Next Read: Tips for Care Following Wildfire

Ranchers on Alert as Wildfires Spread Across the Plains

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:16:49 GMT

High fire danger continues after wildfires swept across western Oklahoma, southwest Kansas and the Texas Panhandle on Tuesday forcing numerous evacuations. High wind gusts and low humidity Thursday will cause more threats for fire danger. Thursday morning, red-flag warnings were issued once again for the same region, including most of Oklahoma; Southern Kansas and Western North Texas.

The message to those in the red flag warning areas: do not burn, and if you see smoke, report it.

With containment efforts underway and the situation still unfolding, here is the current status of the fires challenging Plains ranchers:

Oklahoma

Reports say more than 300,000 acres have burned across Oklahoma since Tuesday.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2026-09 declaring a State of Emergency in Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties following a series of destructive wildfires across northwest Oklahoma.

“The Woodward fires are about 20% contained, and we were very fortunate to keep most neighborhoods safe. A few homes were lost, and we’re keeping four injured firefighters in our prayers as they recover after working tirelessly through the night,” Governor Stitt reports on Wednesday. “I’m deeply grateful for the incredible efforts of our firefighters and forestry crews on the ground. In Beaver County, the town of Tyrone was evacuated earlier as a precaution. As we head into today and tomorrow, conditions remain dangerous. We need every Oklahoman to stay alert and continue taking fire warnings seriously.”

The Stevens Fire, that started east of Hooker, Okla., had burned an estimated 12,428 acres as of Thursday morning and is 50% contained.

Track Oklahoma Wildfires

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has established a Fire Relief Fund to support cattle producers impacted by the recent wildfires in Northwest Oklahoma. Read the full press release and donate now at okcattlemen.org.

Kansas

According to the Kansas Forest Service , fires across Kansas remained active overnight with firefighters working through the night and are making steady progress on many incidents today.

In coordination with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, additional resources from across the state have deployed and are supporting local responders. With continued elevated fire weather statewide, more firefighters are available and strategically staged for rapid response.

Winds have decreased enough to allow aviation resources to assist where needed. Kansas is coordinating aircraft with Oklahoma Forestry Services on the Ranger Road Fire.

“At this time, all evacuation notices have been rescinded,” the Kansas Forest Service reports. “Evacuations, if needed, will be coordinated through local emergency management agencies. Please make sure you are signed up for your county’s emergency alert text notifications so you can receive timely updates.”

Updates as of 6 a.m. Thursday:
Stevens Fire (Seward Co. Fire): Burned from Texas County, Okla, into Seward County, KS. Located southwest of Liberal. The fire is 50% contained and has burned 12,428 acres.

Andrew Lane Fire (Seward Co. Fire #2): Located southeast of Liberal and remains active. Aviation resources are assisting firefighters on the ground. The Johnson County Task Force and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Williams are coordinating closely with local departments.

Tennis Fire (Garden City Fire): Good progress continues. Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi is transitioning to assist with other fires in the area. A state task force remains integrated with local firefighters.

Ranger Road Fire (Started in Beaver Co., Okla.): Remains active. Coordination continues between Oklahoma and Kansas state resources.

The Ranger Road Fire originated in Beaver County in the Oklahoma Panhandle spread north into southern Kansas, impacting areas in Clark and Meade counties. The fire crossed the Oklahoma and Kansas state line, burned near the Cimarron River, and affected communities along Highways 64, 270 and 283. The blaze was moving east-northeast under strong wind conditions. As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the Ranger Road Fire has burned more than 283,283 acres and is 15% contained.

“Extremely high winds and dry ground and air produced conditions ideal for multiple fires to build and spread in several counties in southwest Kansas yesterday, with some still uncontained,” explains Scarlett Madinger, KLA vice president of communications. “While we continue to assess the needs of those in the hardest hit areas, we know producers have lost fence, livestock and feed resources. Donations of hay and fencing supplies are being accepted at various collection sites, as those are the most immediate needs. If people would like to donate, they can call the KLA office at (785) 273-5115 and we will help coordinate a drop-off.”

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam joined Chip Flory on AgriTalk Wednesday and discussed the wildfire situation in Kansas and what recovery resources are available.

Texas

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the organization received nine requests for assistance on wildfires burning 18,522.9 acres on Tuesday. Wednesday was a quieter day in Texas with three requests burning 371 acres.

As of 9 a.m. on Thursday, there are four active — Jones 1507, 8 Ball, Lavendar and Canadian Bridge. The 8 Ball Fire in Armstrong County is 40% contained and has burned about 13,000 acres. The Lavendar fire in Oldham County is 20% contained and has burned about 12,000 acres.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller declared an Agricultural Emergency, rallying Texans to back the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund and urging wildfire-hit producers and agribusinesses to seek financial aid. Across the Panhandle and West Texas, Texans are facing devastating losses due to wildfires.

“Texans always rise for neighbors in crisis,” Commissioner Miller says. “I’m calling on individuals, businesses, and groups statewide to fuel the STAR Fund to help sustain the backbone of our food, fiber and fuel supply.”

The STAR Fund, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, is a private-donation-funded disaster relief program that provides recovery grants to eligible farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses at no cost to taxpayers to help repair or rebuild damaged agricultural infrastructure.

Ranchers needing hay can use TDA’s Hay Hotline, (877) 429-1998, a free service linking hay providers and those in need, including during emergencies, for donations.

TDA reminds Texans that mental health support is available 24/7 through the AgriStress Helpline, staffed by trained professionals familiar with rural challenges. Commissioner Miller stresses the importance of mental well-being in crises. If you or a loved one experiences a mental health crisis during this time, call 833-897-2474.

What's The Cost to Lease a Bull in 2026?

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 14:16:40 GMT

According to Oklahoma State University’s Mark Johnson, in the current market, a good bull is worth somewhere between $12,000 to $17,175 to a commercial cow-calf operation in 2026.

In a recent article , Johnson, OSU extension beef cattle breeding specialist, explains where exactly in that range depends on a producer’s marketing plan and the market conditions at that time.

“There’s not an exact number because there are many variables in play,” he says.

He explains one potential way for a commercial cow-calf operation to reduce expenses is to lease, rather than own, a bull.

“Producers should compare the costs and benefits of leasing versus owning,” Johnson says in his recent Cow-Calf Corner article.

Leasing eliminates the capital expenditure of purchasing a bull.

Johnson explains, given the current circumstances, the realistic cost of leasing a 15-month-old bull that is valued at $10,000 and assumed to lose 100 lb. during the lease at $25/day for a 60-day breeding season:

Breeding Fee: $25 x 60 days = $1,500
Weight Loss: 100 lb. x $1 per lb. cost of gain = $100
Insurance: $10,000 x 3.5% = $350
Trichomoniasis Test = $75
Total = $2,025*
*In the current market, based on the quality and genetic value of the bull, prices will vary.

So, assuming the 15-month-old bull will cover 15 cows/heifers during the breeding season, the cost per female bred is $135.

How does this compare to owning bulls?

The following chart assumes a bull provides service until the age of 6. It serves as another way to evaluate the cost per female bred, based on various purchase prices of ownership.

Bull Purchase Price:

$5,600	$8,400	$11,200	$14,000
$40	$60	$80	$100

Cost per female bred - assuming 140 calves sired over duration of time as a herd bull.

For more information on bull value, see Johnson’s recent article:

What is a Good Bull Worth in 2026?

“Whether leasing or purchasing bulls, the expense will be highly dependent on the cattle market and quality of the bull,” Johnson says. “A leased bull is usually kept only during the breeding season so maintenance costs associated with bull ownership are reduced.”

For example, the cost of feeding a bull is realistically at least $1 per day. Additional costs are associated with veterinary care and medicine, labor, potential death loss and the facilities needed to keep bulls safe and secure during the off-season, as well as depreciation and interest.

“All these things considered, bull ownership has a price tag of several hundred dollars annually when bulls aren’t breeding cows,” Johnson summarizes.

Is Leasing an Option For You?

Johnson says leasing bulls may not be an option for all producers.

He encourages commercial cow-calf producer to make a plan in advance of breeding season by checking with seedstock vendors to see if they offer bull leasing options and confirm they will have bulls available for lease when needed. If seedstock producers are receptive to bull leasing, both the lessor and lessee need to consider how leasing a bull could affect the health of the herd.

“Leasing virgin bulls is ideal to ensure that a venereal disease such as vibriosis or trichomoniasis is not introduced into the lessee’s herd,” Johnson says. “A negative test for trichomoniasis (at very least) is a standard part of the lease agreement before the leased bull can be returned to the lessor’s herd. In addition, leasing bulls does not come with the benefit of the salvage value when older bulls are sold.”

Johnson explains four considerations of a typical bull lease agreement for the benefit of both parties:

A daily, monthly or breeding season fee. These fees typically start at $25/day depending on the quality and genetic value of the bull(s). The lessor would guarantee a bull has passed a breeding soundness exam.
A value per pound of bull weight loss during the lease. This typically is based on the cost of regaining the weight after bull is returned. In the current market, $1/pound is reasonable. Both parties should agree on a reasonable weight loss and cost of regaining the weight and include this in the lease agreement.
Cattle mortality insurance to protect the lessor from death loss. Both parties should agree on the value of the bull. Typically the lessee would purchase a policy covering the value of the bull, pay the premium and the policy would be paid to the lessor in the event of the bull’s death. Currently, a 60-day policy could be purchased for 3.5%, and a 90-day policy could be purchased for 4% of the established value of the bull.
Health. Typically, a negative test for trichomoniasis at completion of the lease and prior to the bull’s return, is a standard part of the lease agreement. This cost (usually $50 to $100), is covered by the lessor.

OSU Agriculture Launches Animal Excellence Initiative to Improve Livestock Health

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:00:11 GMT

Oklahoma State University is building on its long-standing tradition of leadership in animal agriculture with the launch of the OSU Agriculture Animal Excellence initiative, a comprehensive effort to elevate teaching, research and Extension programs that impact animal health.

OSU Creates Beef Center of Excellence

At the heart of this initiative is the creation of the Beef Center of Excellence, a cross-disciplinary hub designed to unite experts across the beef supply chain.

The Beef Center of Excellence will drive innovation through cutting-edge research, advanced Extension services and collaborative partnerships aimed at improving profitability and sustainability for beef producers today and in the future, said Robert Hodgen, president and CEO of King Ranch Inc. and a member of the Beef Center of Excellence advisory board.

“Creating the Beef Center of Excellence is a way to put a stake in the ground and say that Oklahoma State is going to be great at thinking about the broader cattle and beef industry,” Hodgen said. “By having this, we can attract even more great students from around the world, who want to focus on making a great-tasting product that’s nutritious for the consumer and grown in a sustainable manner.”

Supported by an advisory board, an executive director and endowed chairs in areas such as artificial intelligence, beef cattle economics, and rangeland ecology, the Beef Center of Excellence will fund impactful research and outreach.

Additionally, the Animal Excellence initiative includes facility and technology upgrades to modernize OSU’s animal teaching and research units.

OSU remains one of the few universities with operating units for all food animal species and is nationally recognized for the superior quality of livestock, teaching and research, all within proximity to OSU’s main campus.

“The animal units are a critical part of everything we do,” said Richard Coffey, head of the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “The animal units so close to campus give us the opportunity to use them as a recruiting tool for real, hands-on teaching with our students. Part of the reason we get students from more than 40 different states across the U.S. is that they know they can come to OSU and participate in hands-on learning as part of their education.”

OSU Agriculture established the Animal Unit Endowment Fund to address critical infrastructure needs, advancing experiential learning and research capabilities to enhance human, animal and environmental health.

“We are at the point that a lot of our facilities are starting to show their age,” Coffey said. “We’ve completed some master planning to really think about what the next 20 to 30 years will look like for those units, not only to keep the locations where they’re at, but also to have modern facilities for our students. We’re looking to upgrade some of our facilities since they are at the end of their functional life.”

Oklahoma Pork Council Gifts Farm Improvements

Recently, the Oklahoma Pork Council made a generous gift to the OSU Swine Research and Education Center to support building improvements and ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital program.

The Oklahoma Pork Council Board of Directors values the work OSU does in swine production research and in providing hands-on learning experiences for students, said Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council.

“As a board representing the full spectrum of Oklahoma’s pork industry, from first-time 4-H exhibitors to our largest commercial producers, our mission is to support each segment,” Deniz said. “We believe the OSU Swine Research and Education Center is pivotal in equipping the university to lead the swine industry forward through cutting-edge research that can be applied directly on Oklahoma pig farms.”

Deniz said the Oklahoma Pork Council wants to help build the Swine Research and Education Center for the future, a facility that will not only support the industry through relevant, high-quality production research but also train and equip students to enter and excel in the pork industry workforce.

“OSU has the potential to serve as a hub for the pork industry and as a trusted resource for consumers who want to better understand how pigs are raised,” she said. “Through this investment, the benefits to the industry reach both sides of on-farm advancements while also building consumer confidence in how Oklahoma pork is produced.”

In addition to the Swine Research and Education Center, the Animal Unit Endowment Fund will provide support to maintain and enhance the student experience and research capabilities of the Charles and Linda Cline Equine Center, the Ferguson Family Dairy Center, the Sheep & Goat Center, the Purebred Beef Center and the Willard Sparks Beef Research Center.

For more information about supporting the Beef Center of Excellence and OSU’s animal teaching and research units, visit Animal Excellence online .

Building Back Better by Analyzing Your System

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:30:48 GMT

How do you develop breeding objectives and identify economically important traits on which to apply selection pressure in your cow-calf operation? The answer lies in understanding your cattle (and their underlying genotype) are just one component of a much larger system.

Your production system is a group interdependent components. Animal-related systems vary from large, extremely complex systems such as the beef industry as a whole, to smaller (but still complex) systems like an individual farm or ranch.

To analyze your own unique cow-calf production system, consider the following:

Your cattle – specifically their genotypes
Your production environment
Your fixed resources and management
Economics

Your cow inventory and bulls used are the means to produce the calves marketed. How would you describe the genetic potential and phenotype of your cow herd, bull battery and calves produced? Is this description a good fit with the other components of your system?

Your production environment refers to all the elements involved in your cow-calf operation over which you have little influence. Examples would include altitude, soils, climate conditions like rainfall, wind and temperature, as well as the quantity and quality of your forage base. Cow-calf production takes place in an extremely wide variety of production environments. A cow herd of the correct genotype to fit their production environment will more efficiently convert grazed forage into pounds of calf raised.

Fixed resources include factors such as the amount of pasture you have for grazing, your ability to grow (or have access to) supplemental feeds and available labor.

Management involves all the practices implemented by you. Examples include vaccination protocols, supplemental feeding, how long will mature cows remain in production and (very importantly), how and when will calves be marketed. Management also involves the selection and mating decisions you make to optimize genotypes in your production system in order to create profit potential.

Economics encompasses all the financial factors unique to your operation. The cost of inputs and value of outputs. Feed, fuel, fertilizer, equipment and labor are input cost. Input expenses are significantly influenced by the cost of maintaining your breeding herd. Furthermore, interest rates on debt and the equity you have in your land and cattle are very important economic factors which often influence marketing plans.

Considering all the components of a production system and how they interact with each other should determine breeding objectives and where selection pressure should be applied. This can result in genotypes that are an environmental fit, are aligned with marketing plans and optimize the use of resources.

Your Next Read: Building Back Better Using Breeding Objectives and Selection Pressure

Oklahoma Producer Shares Responses to Modern-Day Consumer Concerns About Beef

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 13:24:39 GMT

As ranchers, it is easy to understand our industry and the jargon that comes with it, which can make it frustrating to see the false claims and misinformation that spreads online. Yet, we can’t let this frustration blind us from why the average consumer believes these claims.

“I didn’t know all the stages of the beef life cycle, and I fell in love with that story — because it’s a good story,” says Katey Johnson, a first-generation rancher who operates Zero Cattle Ranch with her husband, Lance, in Oklahoma.

The Johnsons sell beef both to the larger supply chain and directly to consumers. She is also active online as an advocate for beef and overall health and wellness. Her combination of experiences as someone who grew up outside of the industry and who advocates online gives her first-hand knowledge to the true questions and concerns posed by today’s beef consumers.

“I think people do want to see where their food comes from and who is raising it,” Johnson says. “This opens up a really neat door for us as an industry because it’s a good story.”

She shares people want beef and need it in their diets.

“I truly believe beef is the most nutrient-dense protein available to humans,” Johnson says. “It is so delicious and so needed in our diets around the world. Besides that, nobody celebrates with a chicken breast.”

On the direct-to-consumer side, the Johnsons ship beef, offer local pickup and go to farmers markets.

“We sell at a farmers market in Durant, Oklahoma,” Johnson says. “The farmers market is so fun because we get more face-to-face interactions.”

With these face-to-face interactions come a variety of honest questions from those outside of the agriculture industry.

“There is still a lot of confusion about the beef industry and how it works,” Johnson says. “We need to give them credit, because there are a lot of segments and terminology about the industry that only we understand.”

As ranchers, she says it’s important to remember how unique we are as an industry.

“What makes the beef industry so unique compared to other ag is how many different stages, locations and owners cattle can pass through before reaching the consumer’s plate,” she says.

Johnson also notes factory farming still needs to be addressed.

“I think ‘factory farm’ is still a big buzzword right now, so then I ask them what they think a factory farm is,” Johnson says. “This takes them aback a little and they aren’t quite sure what a factory farm would be.”

An interaction with a rancher, can help turn this perspective around in many cases.

“When I tell people the average family farm is around 40-head and how much planning and science goes into raising cattle regardless of operation size, they think it’s so cool,” Johnson says.

Grass-finished versus corn-finished is also still an area that consumers are curious about.

“I will sometimes get the question about if grass-fed is healthier,” Johnson says. “That’s where I take it back to the difference between fed and finished. We also get into the minimal nutrient differences, flavor and texture.”

She also finds it helps to explain the bigger picture of the food supply system and how cattle play a bigger role than they get credit for.

“I think another interesting point to discuss is people think cattle are only fed corn, and we don’t share how cattle are a part of the overall food supply chain and consuming by-products of other food systems,” Johnson says. “Cattle are taking products that would otherwise be waste and turning them into a nutrient-dense protein source for humans.”

Part of communicating with consumers and sharing the truth is working together as an industry.

“I am team beef. Yes, I’m selling my own product. But overall, I want you to eat beef no matter where you buy it from,” Johnson says. “I think as producers we really need to work on not bashing each other because we are all on the same team when you look at the bigger picture.”

The list of questions consumers have and areas they are curious about could go on forever. But at the end of the day, it all comes down to sharing the truth.

“You do have a story to tell, so go be you and share the true story,” Johnson says.

Additionally, give consumers some grace if they approach you with what feels like a false claim or accusation.

“Don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” Johnson says. “It’s easy to get frustrated with consumers who come to us with misinformation or false claims. But they want to know the truth, and we need them to buy our product.”

You can listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast .

Federal Court Rules on Fate of Prairie-Chicken

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:06:41 GMT

A U.S. District judge on Aug. 12 ruled in favor of Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas, finding that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service committed a “foundational error” when it declared the prairie-chicken endangered in 2022.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller in a press release praised the ruling from U.S. District Judge David Counts of the Western District of Texas, who issued the order reversing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) decision to list the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered and threatened.

“This is a big win for Texas, and one we fought hard to get,” Miller says. “From day one, I’ve pushed back against Biden’s federal overreach because it was wrong for our farmers, ranchers and rural communities. This court decision is more than just a legal victory. We stood our ground, and we won.”

PRESS RELEASE: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller praised a decisive ruling from U.S. District Judge David Counts of the Western District of Texas, who issued an order reversing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) decision to list the lesser prairie chicken as… pic.twitter.com/UzP2FlkFE6
— Texas Agriculture (@TexasDeptofAg) August 18, 2025

Under the Trump administration, FWS determined that it previously failed to provide “adequate justification and analysis” to support identifying two designated population segments of lesser prairie-chicken.

Judge Counts granted the motion for vacatur and remand, finding that remand alone would not correct the agency’s fundamental error in listing the species as endangered and threatened. The court denied all motions to intervene.

About the Prairie Chicken

The lesser prairie-chicken is a bird historically found in parts of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. The bird has faced both habitat loss and population decline since the 1960s and has found itself the subject of proposed Endangered Species Act protections.

According to Tiffany Lashmet, Texas A&M agricultural law Extension specialist, in 2014 FWS listed the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Numerous lawsuits were filed, and the listing was ultimately vacated by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in 2015.

The United States District Court for the Western District of Texas issued an order last week vacating the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”) listing of the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act.https://t.co/BTobyZb9MF pic.twitter.com/CEV82UWJ8P
— TiffanyDowellLashmet (@TiffDowell) August 18, 2025

In 2016, another petition was filed with FWS to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act. In 2022, the FWS finalized a rule listing the Northern Distinct Population Segment as threatened and the Southern Distinct Population Segment as endangered. In March 2023, the State of Texas and the Permian Basin Petroleum Association filed suit challenging the listing. Specifically, they claimed the listing violated both the Endangered Species Act and the Administrative Procedures Act.

Lashmet says following the administration change in January 2025, the FWS reevaluated the listing and found it erred in passing the final rule listing the lesser prairie-chicken.

“FWS now believes it erred by failing to provide sufficient justification to have two population segments of the lesser prairie-chicken, which then affected the assessment of extinction risk to the species,” she says. “This, FWS believes, was a significant error justifying immediate vacatur of the listing decision. FWS moved for a voluntary vacatur and remand of the listing rule. Several groups sought to intervene in the lawsuit to defend the listing rule.”

The Decision

Lashmet explains the court addressed two separate issues: the proper remedy and the motions to intervene.

“This case is extremely important for landowners, agricultural producers, oil and gas companies, and others across the portions of the United States where the lesser prairie-chickens are located, including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas,” Lashmet says. “As of now, the lesser prairie-chicken is not listed under the Endangered Species Act, and there is no threat of liability under the Endangered Species Act for a ‘take’ of these animals.”

She says the story is not over.

“The FWS will now reconsider the 2016 application to have the lesser prairie-chicken listed,” she says. “It will determine how properly to view the distinction population segment, and then analyze the various factors required under the Endangered Species Act in making its listing decision. The FWS told the court it expected to have this completed by November 2026.”

OSU Receives $250M Investment to Build World-Class Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:20:20 GMT

Veterinarians are essential, from rural ranches to urban centers, fueling economic growth and ensuring the safety of our food supply and public health. Last week, Oklahoma State University received $250-million state funding appropriation to support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art veterinary teaching hospital.

The current veterinary hospital was identified as a key concern when the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine was placed on probationary accreditation in the fall of 2024. The American Veterinary Medical Association has since returned the college to full accreditation status emphasizing that continued compliance is tied to facility upgrades.

“We have a building and equipment that is not reflective of the quality of people we have here,” says Rosslyn Biggs, DVM, OSU assistant clinical professor and director of the Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine.

Biggs says the program’s primary goal is to create practice-ready veterinarians, with a particular focus on mixed and large animal veterinary medicine.

She compares students trained in the current hospital to high-quality livestock coming off a used cattle trailer. “It’s not what the trailer looks like, it’s what stepped out of the trailer that matters, right? It was the product that we were producing.”

She explains that while the building is outdated and past its useful life, the quality of educational output remains exceptional. Just like a trailer’s appearance doesn’t define its value; the hospital’s old infrastructure doesn’t diminish the quality of veterinarians OSU produces or the service it provides. She further elaborates that just as a trailer might need new floors and lights, the hospital needs updates to match the quality of its faculty, staff and students.

“This investment is program-changing,” Biggs says. “It’s program-changing, not only for our students and faculty and staff, but also for animal owners across the state, particularly our farmers and ranchers in rural areas that need the support to do what they do — feed and clothe the world.”

This investment, the largest state appropriation in university history, combined with $78 million allocated in 2023, marks a significant step in advancing the future of veterinary education, food security and public health in Oklahoma.

“We have a great foundation, but this investment is positioning us to be where we should be,” Biggs adds. “We have a priority to serve rural areas, to serve the animal owners there, and help support the veterinarians and work with them, hand in hand.”

The new hospital will feature modern equipment and technologies essential for both large and small animal care, including advanced imaging tools (CT, MRI, radiography and ultrasound), a linear accelerator for oncology treatments and an aqua cow float tank.

The new 255,000-sq.-ft. facility will replace the existing 145,376-sq.-ft. veterinary hospital, which was built to serve 60 students but now supports more than 150. With this expansion, OSU will address one of the most urgent infrastructure needs in its veterinary program while expanding its ability to train the next generation of veterinarians.

Biggs summarizes the investment will allow OSU to upgrade its infrastructure, technology and diagnostic capabilities.

“The goal is to create a facility that meets modern standards and can serve the state and region for decades,” she says.

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Under Contract: Future of the Oklahoma National Stockyards Remains Optimistic

Tue, 06 May 2025 12:15:54 GMT

One of the largest livestock auctions in the country, the Oklahoma National Stockyards (ONSY), has been placed under contract for purchase by a group of investors, according to a release.

The buyer group, led by Oklahoma farmer, rancher and cattle feeder, Chris Franklin, plans to ensure continued operation of the livestock market with possible development of adjoining properties. Around 350,000 head of feeder cattle flow through the auction annually, averaging 7,000 to 8,000 head per week and has been a major contributor to the livestock industry in the region for more than 100 years.

“We are excited about this new chapter for the Oklahoma National Stockyards,” Franklin shared in a statement. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers, preserving the stockyards’ vital role in Oklahoma’s and the nation’s agricultural economy, and fostering a thriving marketplace for the livestock industry.”

ONSY is a publicly traded company with the majority of the shares held by members of the same family. Without any heirs interested in operating the facility, it was offered for sale in the fall of 2024 in hopes of finding a buyer committed to continuing on the legacy of the stockyards since its inception in 1910.

Jerry Reynolds, president of ONSY, says a lot still has to happen before the purchase would be finalized. The closing date has been set for October and could be extended, but producers can expect the same service the auction has always offered customers.

“It’s business as usual,” he says. “Until there’s a need for something to transition or change, customers can have the assurance to show up every week we have a sale and our commission firms are going to work to get the best value they can. We are seeing record prices and a phenomenal market.”

ONSY continues to operate with nine commission companies representing the cattle with sales held year-round.

(Chloe Reid)

Ben Hale, owner of Western Livestock Commission Company and president of the Oklahoma City Livestock Exchange, says he is optimistic about the future of the ONSY after meeting with Franklin.

“It’s an honor for our team at Western to play a role in preserving such a historic market,” he shared on social media. “There’s still work ahead, but we’re committed to seeing it through — for the good of our industry and everyone it serves.”

Western Livestock Commission Company is one of nine commission companies representing cattle at the stockyards, which is a unique business structure compared to other livestock auctions around the country.

“It’s the only one that I know of in the country, and it really speaks to the history of Oklahoma National Stockyards because as long as it continues to operate, it is technically the only remaining of the original terminal cattle markets in the country,” says Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University extension livestock marketing specialist.

Future plans
The buyer group says it’s committed to maintaining ONSY’s legacy of excellence and plans to actively engage with leading agricultural organizations in Oklahoma, including the Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, American Farmers and Ranchers, and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, to strengthen partnerships and support the state’s agricultural ecosystem, according to the statement.

Peel is hopeful the auction will continue into the future, but says it will face challenges, including with water, urban pressure and facility improvements to make.

“They are located right at the edge of Oklahoma City, and have faced increasing challenges over the years because of that location,” he says. “The city’s grown up around them. They’re sitting right next to the Oklahoma River. It’s a very expensive place to operate, and their facilities are not new. They’ve got continuing needs for reinvestment if they’re going to continue to operate as an auction.”

Until 1961, livestock sales were handled only by private agreement or treaty between the seller and buyer through the services of the on-premises commission companies.

(ONSY)

History of the stockyards
Historically, packing plants were in areas with terminal markets located next to them where producers brought in cattle and consigned them for sale private treaty and were represented by commission companies. Chicago, Kansas City and Denver all had terminal livestock markets, which have been closed for decades.

“In the early 1960s it switched to a livestock auction, but the commission companies continue to be the ones that represent all the cattle that go through there,” Peel explains. “Oklahoma National doesn’t represent any cattle. They own the facilities, provide the auctioneer and run the sales.”

Cattlemen consigning to Oklahoma National choose one of the nine companies to represent their cattle in the sale.

“Each company has its list of customers, they bring cattle in, taking turns selling them,” Peel explains. “They start every week and each one of them sells so many pens of cattle, rotating through and repeating the list until everybody’s sold out of cattle. It’s a very unique setup, but it really speaks to the history and the legacy of Oklahoma National as the last remaining terminal market in the country.”

Business as usual
Hale and Reynolds admit numbers were down in April, but that was likely weather related as Oklahoma has seen record rainfall for this time of year. They both noted cattlemen were having a harder time getting cattle out, but there are lots of cattle ready to be sold.

Cattle auctions are held Monday and Tuesday each week.

(ONSY)

“What makes a good sale barn is having a good amount of cows and calves to sell, and you got to have yearlings to sell,” Hale says. “With that you have a year round market. That’s what we have. We sell a lot of calves off the cow, and we sell a lot of yearlings off grass and wheat. We stay pretty consistent year round. It sits on I-35, I-40 and I-44 so it’s easy to get to.”

The impact the stockyards is not only felt by producers, but the city benefits economically as well. Hale notes the area is extremely busy Sunday through Tuesday with sales of fuel, hotels and shopping.

“There’s even the tire shop down here on the south end of town where we’re at, which is extremely busy on Monday and Tuesday,” Hale says. “There’s also lots of shopping that takes place. It’s a lot of people coming in every week and would be millions of dollars that it brings in throughout the year.”

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Researchers Seek Environmental Solutions Through Cover Cropping

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:05:39 GMT

Cattle producers and researchers are always considering new approaches to production systems that are economically beneficial and ideally have an environmental benefit as well.

“The industry is making great progress with improving methane emissions from beef cattle, but we are lacking in improvement with nitrogen emissions,” says Andrew Foote, Oklahoma State University animal and food sciences associate professor.

In a recent release distributed by OSU, it was announced that a multidisciplinary group of scientists are teaming up to research how cover crops can improve the environmental impacts of cattle foraging.

Fertilizing crops and cattle foraging on harvested cropland cause methane and nitrogen emissions.

“That’s why we came up with this research project to look at using legume cover crops in the summer to fix nitrogen in the soil to minimize the amount of fertilizer producers need to put down for planting wheat in the fall,” Foote explains. “We want to see if we can better use wheat cropland between harvesting winter wheat in the spring and planting it again in the fall. On the economic side, could you get another grazing period over the summer or more hay using these four-season cover crops? Then there is the environmental benefit of fixing the nitrogen into the soil.”

The research team includes Mary Foltz, OSU School of Civil and Environmental Engineering assistant professor, and Josh Lofton, OSU plant and soil sciences associate professor and Extension specialist for cropping systems.

Lofton recently planted legume cover crops in wheat fields to grow during the summer. Legumes place nitrogen into the soil through a symbiotic relationship with the bacteria in their roots.

Foltz’s team is placing chambers to capture and measure carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions in wheat fields with different combinations of cover cropping, fertilizer and cattle grazing treatments to determine if the cover crops decrease overall greenhouse gas emissions.

“Hopefully, we are going to be able to assess the impact of grazing, cover cropping and fertilizer on these different gas emissions with the biggest focus on nitrous oxide, as it is the most potent of the greenhouse gases,” Foltz explains. “The ideal scenario is that applying the cover crops will reduce the dependence on synthetic fertilizers and increase soil stability by decreasing soil erosion.”

Foote says OSU Extension will offer forage analysis to producers using summer cover crops when they provide forage samples, and the group will eventually host field days to demonstrate the research results.

The next step will include OSU agricultural economics faculty developing a spreadsheet-based budgeting tool to help producers figure out the economics of their production system and how the cover crops could work for them.

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Making Agriculture Accessible: Beef Checkoff Dollars Support Science Curriculum Resources

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 10:40:22 GMT

It’s no secret, the beef life cycle is complex. For classroom educators, especially those with little to no agricultural background, breaking down concepts such as cattle production, sustainability and nutrient upcycling can be challenging. Yet, it is crucial for students to understand where their food comes from, how beef is raised and the important role it plays in different ecosystems. With the right resources, teachers can bridge this knowledge gap, making the beef industry accessible and engaging for students of all ages.

Olathe, Kan., middle school science teacher Jessica Sadler has taken a special interest in ensuring her fellow educators are properly equipped to help students explore and comprehend agricultural topics while also meeting the important Next Generation Science Standards used in many states to set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do. Partnering with the Kansas Beef Council , she created a series of “ Sizzling Discoveries ” readers that provide students an opportunity to uncover the connections between beef production and sustainability in a fun and classroom-friendly format.

“My role as a curriculum developer allows me to combine evidence-based facts about the beef life cycle with science education standards and make these resources accessible and appropriate for students to take on this kind of knowledge,” says Sadler, who has previously worked with both KBC and Kansas Corn on other curriculum projects. “Developing this type of educational content helps nurture critical observation and analytical thinking skills for students while also combating misinformation in the classroom.”

The series, spearheaded by KBC and jointly funded with the Oklahoma and Nebraska Beef Councils, currently includes three readers for grade levels six to eight and nine to 12. Each reader focuses on a scientific topic specific to beef production — sustainability, nutrient upcycling and water and land use — and includes a teacher guide and supplementary teaching resources to enhance the learning experience.

In developing the curriculum, Sadler said she designed the cover of each reader to include a phenomena-based storyline, which uses a real-world circumstance as the starting point for learning and encourages students to explore, investigate and make sense of the world around them through inquiry and problem-solving. For example, the upcycling reader cover draws a similarity between shopping for cool finds at a thrift store and the important role ruminant animals play in the ecosystem.

“That’s a really big thing in science education and specifically within the Next Generation Science Standards,” she says. “It’s all about drawing attention to the way we live our lives and making time to think about how something unfamiliar is actually impacting us.”

What the readers include
Inside the readers, students are introduced to vocabulary words, hands-on experiments and more in-depth information about the specific topic, including external links to resources such as maps, videos and handouts. Professional graphic designer Sue Schulte used vibrant colors and imagery to create a clean and engaging layout design that draws students in and keeps their attention as they work through the different sections.

Abby Heidari, KBC director of nutrition, says while students might be exposed to topics such as beef production and sustainability in agricultural education classes, many schools unfortunately lack these types of programs.

“Realizing not all students have access to ag education courses, this reader series helps to reshape how beef production is taught in middle school and high school STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and FACS (family and consumer sciences) classes,” she says.

Heidari added that one of KBC’s core strategies is to position beef as a go-to source of protein for modern households, and reaching students at the middle school and high school level is imperative to help foster a lifelong understanding of the beef life cycle and beef’s nutritional value.

“They are starting to get mixed information about whether or not beef is something they should or should not include in their diet,” she adds. “We want to ensure they have more context to some of the topics they might be seeing on social media to dispel some of the myths that might be out there.”

Providing beef sustainability information
During a 2022 KBC tour designed specifically for STEM teachers, Heidari and her team learned teachers desired more content specifically about beef sustainability topics to better educate themselves before introducing the concepts in their classrooms.

“If those topics came up, they didn’t feel knowledgeable or comfortable delving in,” she says. “The reader series helps empower educators so they can feel more confident talking about topics like greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient upcycling or ecosystem services within the context of agriculture and exploring these topics that aren’t necessarily typical in biology and natural science classes.”

Where can you find them?
The readers and accompanying resources are available for print or digital use on the KBC website , and other state beef councils across the U.S. have incorporated them into their outreach efforts as well. Recently, 2,300 classroom sets — enough to reach 69,000 students — were printed and distributed to nine different states, and Sadler plans to present sustainability workshops in several of these areas to help teachers incorporate the sustainability materials in their classrooms.

“Because a majority of states have adopted the Next Generation Science Standards, the readers are a seamless resource for many educators across the country,” Sadler says. “But even if a state uses other educational markers, the applicable skills found in the readers, like claim evidence and reasoning writings, are commonly taught in most classrooms.”

Sadler adds that in most communities across the country, rural or urban, there is a growing disconnect between consumers and food production. As a curriculum developer, she wants to develop resources that make teachers excited and confident about introducing these types of important topics in their classrooms that help students develop a greater understanding of the world around them.

“In addition to helping students achieve specific education standards, it is equally important to many educators that these young adults are equipped with a broad understanding of how different ecosystems, life cycles and production practices can affect them on a personal level,” she says. “Educational resources like these readers are such a valuable tool in helping students identify facts and have logical conversations with their peers as they grow into responsible citizens.”

Article written by Macey Mueller on behalf of the KBC.

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Special Ranger Makes Arrests Amid 82-head Cattle Theft Across Texas and Oklahoma

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 20:20:07 GMT

A lengthy investigation led by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger John Vance led to the two arrests and two warrants for men involved in stealing 82 head of cattle. The two men arrested were charged with theft of livestock–organized criminal activity which involved six ranches and a sale barn.

Joey Dickey, 43, was arrested in Wise County and later transferred to the Cherokee County Jail in Oklahoma. Brian Tribble, 58, was arrested in Tarrant County and transferred to Wise County Jail. Warrants have been issued for Braxton Calvert, 26, and Timothy Greer, 42, in connection with the case.

According to Special Ranger Vance, the case was initially opened in June 2024. In November 2024, a TSCRA market inspector identified one of the stolen, branded cows at a sale barn in West Texas, leading to the identification of a suspect.

Throughout the investigation, Special Ranger Vance and local detectives gathered crucial evidence, obtained witness statements and conducted suspect interviews, ultimately linking multiple cases together as part of a single criminal enterprise that spanned across four counties in Texas and Oklahoma.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Wise County Sheriff’s Office for their joint efforts in this investigation to successfully bring this case to prosecution.

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Protecting Your Ranch and Livestock from Wildfires

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 14:08:49 GMT

Wildfires are a threat to ranchers this spring with dry conditions and high winds creating the perfect conditions for devastating events such as the fires across Oklahoma last weekend. Protecting your livestock and property requires preparation, quick action and resilience. Here are key strategies to help you stay ahead of the flames.

Prepare ahead of time by creating defensible spaces around pastures and buildings by clearing brush, dead trees and other flammable debris from around homes barns and equipment. Mow or tightly graze firebreaks along property lines and roads to slow the spread fire. Build lots, corrals, fences, and ranch buildings from fire resistant materials to reduce the fire risk.
Livestock evacuation and safety are important considerations in your disaster planning. Identify safe areas like large open pastures with short grass or crop fields with green growing grass or tilled soil. Ensure trucks and trailers for livestock transport are in good condition and have a evacuation plan in place. Stock emergency water, feed and first aid supplies.
In conditions with high winds and low relative humidity that have put us in a Fire Weather Warning in much of Texas and across Oklahoma any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Stay informed by monitoring local weather and fire updates on the radio and weather apps.
Coordinate with neighbors and be sure people know your location, mutual aid in these situations can be lifesaving. Finally assess damage quickly to document losses for insurance and recovery aid.
Being proactive can mean the difference between safety and disaster. Work with your local fire departments and extension services to improve your wildfire response plan. A well-prepared ranch is a safer ranch. All cattle operations will benefit from a written emergency action plan customized to the operation. The National Beef Quality Assurance Manual available at BQA.org is a great resource in putting a plan together.

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Inaugural Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:25:05 GMT

In honor of the former Drovers editor, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) created the Greg Henderson Memorial Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award, which was presented at the 2025 CattleCon in San Antonio.

“This award recognizes agricultural journalists who exemplify the values Greg Henderson championed throughout his career,” says John Robinson, NCBA Senior Vice President of Membership, Communications and Events. “Greg was known for his courage in addressing challenging industry issues, his unwavering commitment to fairness, accuracy, and honesty, and his advocacy for positive change in agriculture. He built deep personal connections to the agricultural community, earning the respect of farmers, ranchers, and fellow media professionals alike. This award celebrates those who embody these principles and carry forward his legacy of impactful journalism in service to agriculture.”

(Maggie Malson)

Ron Hays, Oklahoma Farm Report, received the inaugural award. The selection committee had this to share about Hays:

With a career spanning more than four decades, Ron has become a trusted voice for producers, known for his ability to deliver accurate, timely, and insightful information on critical issues affecting the cattle and beef industry. His dedication to fostering understanding, advocating for agriculture, and maintaining a deep connection to the community he serves reflects the very essence of this award. Ron’s work has earned him the respect and admiration of farmers, ranchers and colleagues alike, making him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

“I was surprised but incredibly honored when I learned that I had been selected for the inaugural Greg Henderson Excellence in Ag Media Award,” Hays says. “Over the years, it had always been a special treat to catch up with Greg at major beef cattle industry events and get his take on some of the big issues impacting the beef cattle industry.”

Hays remembers several conversations with Henderson in recent years.

“To realize, with his passing, that I was selected to be given the award that bears his name — and to be the first one to receive it — it’s one of the highest honors in my ag journalism career,” he says.

Even after 50 years, Hays says he still enjoys covering farmers and ranchers.

“I still am thrilled to be a farm broadcaster and ag journalist,” he says. “One reason is the incredible variety of stories and meetings and issues that make almost every single day a new experience. It challenges me to understand the story and the background of it to best explain it to those who listen and read our information.”

The second reason — the people.

“There are so many wonderful folks I have met and have gotten to know, and many have become lifelong friends as well,” Hays adds. “Some are colleagues in the trade media world, some are the experts we have interviewed many many times, and some are the farmers and ranchers who are so very very good at their jobs.”

Oklahoma Ranch Manager Arrested on 83 Felony Counts of Larceny of Livestock

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:52:42 GMT

A 60-year-old Stuart, Okla., man was arrested Jan. 8, by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers Cody Hyde and Gavin Gatrell. Darrel Bernard Morris faces 83 felony charges of larceny of livestock for unlawfully selling cattle owned by his employer.

The investigation began in December 2024 after Special Ranger Hyde received evidence and a witness statements indicating that Morris, the manager of a ranch in Hughes County, Okla., had stolen 83 yearling cattle between January 2023 and December 2024 from the ranch.

According to the investigation, Morris transported the stolen cattle to several livestock auctions, where he sold them for over $108,000.

Morris was arrested at his residence on felony charges.

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association extends a thank you to the Hughes County District Attorney’s office for their joint efforts in this investigation to successfully bring this case to prosecution.

Oklahoma Initiatives to Address Rural Veterinary Issues

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:03:40 GMT

Over the past several years, Oklahoma legislative and agricultural industry leaders have invested in supporting the OSU CVM, its students, and graduates. During the 2023 session, the OSU Veterinary Medicine Authority (OSUVMA) was created through House Bill 2863 for the purposes of supporting the educational, research, and practice activities of the CVM. The OSUVMA secures long-term support for clinical faculty, student training, and the veterinary teaching hospital, similar to how the OSU Medical Authority and the University Hospitals Authority support the state’s medical schools.

Additionally, during the 2024 legislative session, House Bill 3196, the Dr. Lee Denney Act, was passed to provide financial support for students pursuing a veterinary medicine degree at OSU to practice in rural Oklahoma communities and receive training to meet the needs of livestock producers. Preference for awards will be given to those students who are focused on large animal veterinary medicine, who are Oklahoma residents, and who agree to serve in a community in Oklahoma which has a population not to exceed 25,000. HB 3196 also provides language for support of large animal veterinarians currently practicing in similarly sized communities.

Oklahoma State University is joining a new pilot program from Farm Journal Foundation (FJF) to support veterinary students and early career veterinary graduates in their professional development and address the national shortage of rural, food-supply veterinarians. The university is one of 10 schools participating in the Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program. The program supports veterinary students across a number of areas, including tackling student debt and financial planning, developing business management skills, and learning how to engage with rural communities. More information, including educational modules for undergraduates, veterinary students, and veterinarians can be found at www.ruralveterinaryworkforcesolutions.org .

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry is also collaborating with the FJF to assess Oklahoma’s unique challenges, as well as mechanisms to support veterinarians, producers, and rural communities. Oklahoma is one of only three states participating in this initiative. Data collection is currently ongoing from veterinary and agricultural stakeholders. Information will be analyzed to develop measures to support the veterinary workforce and community readiness.

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Fall Cattle Market Update for Midwest

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:38:41 GMT

Drought conditions continue to advance in Oklahoma, following the La Niña forecast that meteorologists have been suggesting for about a year. The latest Seasonal Drought Outlook, issued by the Climate Prediction Center, suggests that drought will persist and expand in the central and southern plains for the remainder of the year. Forage production is mostly done for this growing season (with the exception of winter wheat) so dry conditions are not an immediate threat to forage pasture and range. Oklahoma hay supplies are quite large for the winter. However, water supplies may become a significant concern in the coming months. Many ponds are already low and typically do not recharge much in the fall and winter.

Winter wheat planting is running behind schedule due to the dry conditions. At the end of September, wheat planting in Oklahoma was 22 percent, compared to a 32 percent average for the previous five years. Some wheat has been “dusted in” to dry soil to await moisture. Some wheat is up but stands are small and not growing much due to the lack of moisture. Opportunities for wheat grazing are slipping aways quickly.

The fall run of feeder cattle has started in Oklahoma. While the total auction volume of feeder cattle is down 9.2 percent year over year thus far in 2024, the auction volume of feeder cattle has been larger by 12.9 percent year over year since Labor Day. In early October, the auction volume included calves as well as big feeder cattle from summer grazing programs. It is possible that drought conditions and deteriorating pastures is resulting in earlier-than-planned marketings of calves and feeder cattle.

Feeder cattle prices continue to climb back from the August stock market and futures market corrections. Oklahoma auction prices for calves and feeder cattle have increased recently (Figure 1). For the calves, this is a counter-seasonal move as calves typically move lower through October into November. However, limited cattle numbers may continue to push feeder prices higher despite the lack of stocker demand this fall.

Oklahoma Steer Calf and Feeder Prices

(Derrell Peel)

Cull cow prices remain above year ago levels but did drop in September. Cull cow prices typically decrease to a seasonal low in October/November. However, boning cow prices increased counter-seasonally in the first week of October. The volume of cull cows in Oklahoma auctions in 2024 is down 32.5 percent year over year, consistent with the 16.4 percent year to date decrease in beef cow slaughter thus far this year. The reduced inventory of cows likely means that seasonal cull cow price pressure this fall will be less than usual.

Judge Orders Wind Turbines Removed From Osage Nation

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:13:46 GMT

A federal judge in Oklahoma has ordered the removal of an 84-turbine wind farm spread across 8,400 acres in Osage County with a final ruling that ends a decade-long legal battle over illegal mining on the Osage Reservation. The cost for removal of the turbines is estimated at $300 million.

The ruling in Tulsa federal court by U.S. Court of International Trade Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves was against Osage Wind LLC, Enel Kansas LLC and Enel Green Power North America Inc. The order grants the United States and the Osage Nation through its Minerals Council permanent injunctive relief via “ejectment of the wind turbine farm for continuing trespass.”

The Osage Allotment Act of 1906 states that the Osage Nation owns the subsurface rights to minerals in the area. The Minerals Council is an arm of the Osage Nation that manages the Osage Minerals Estate.

A trial date for damages due to the tribe has not been set, but a spokesman for the Osage Minerals Council said the tribe would expect at least the value of damage to the land, all lawyer fees, profits and tax incentives Enel received as a result of the installation.

At issue in the case was whether a mining permit was required to construct the wind farm, located in tallgrass prairie between Pawhuska and Fairfax. The defendants began leasing surface rights from private landowners for the project in 2013, and construction on the wind towers began in October 2013, with excavation for the towers beginning in September 2014.

A 2017 appellate court decision determined the construction of the wind farm constituted mining and therefore a lease from the Osage Nation’s Minerals Council was required.

“The developers failed to acquire a mining lease during or after construction, as well as after issuance of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision holding that a mining lease was required,” Choe-Groves said.

“On the record before the Court, it is clear the Defendants are actively avoiding the leasing requirement,” Choe-Groves said. “Permitting such behavior would create the prospect for future interference with the Osage Mineral Council’s authority by Defendants or others wishing to develop the mineral lease. The Court concludes that Defendants’ past and continued refusal to obtain a lease constitutes interference with the sovereignty of the Osage Nation and is sufficient to constitute irreparable injury.”

‘Let me be clear, the Stockyards intends to thrive’

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:09:51 GMT

At Wednesday’s Oklahoma County Commissioner’s meeting, a piece of rural Oklahoma’s livelihood and all Oklahomans’ heritage is on the docket.

In its search for a new jail site, the county has identified acreage on the edge of Stockyards City as a frontrunner. The only problem? It’s not listed for sale and its owner, the Oklahoma National Stockyards, utilizes it in their current and long-term growth plans.

At the hearing Jan. 10, commissioners will again consider the land. Since the stockyard’s property isn’t for sale, there is concern that the property could be pursued through the condemnation process and eminent domain.

Ben Hale, president of the Oklahoma City Livestock Exchange — the group representing the nine commission firms operating at the stockyards — said while he understands the need for a new jail facility, he believes taking this land would have a profound impact on the livestock commission firms and in turn, the surrounding businesses that benefit from sale-day traffic as well as the thousands of livestock producers who rely on the venue.

“If our business can’t be successful long-term, what happens to the restaurants and shops in this historic district?” he said. “What happens to the cattlemen and cattlewomen who depend on us? A decision like this has far-reaching consequences, and there must be a better option.”

Additionally, the land in question has historical significance like few others in the state. That’s especially important for a city that’s built a worldwide reputation on its western heritage.

Jerry Reynolds, president of the Oklahoma National Stockyards, explained Stockyards City was founded in 1910 and was built to serve the nation as a primary source for meat processing and packing. Until 1961, livestock sales were handled only by private agreement between the seller and buyer. Then the auction was introduced, providing greater competition for available livestock.

He said the auction helped supply new growth and — combined with aggressive sales leadership of the commission firms, innovative market management and strategic location — the Oklahoma City livestock market rose to become the world’s largest market of stocker and feeder cattle, regularly selling yearly receipts of more than 500,000 head.

Reynolds says the economic impact of the facility exceeds $1 billion annually, and it provides more than 130 jobs to Oklahomans as well as the countless associated industries that rely on the stockyards and beef production.

“The stockyards are incredibly important to our city, state and region,” he said. “The attention surrounding this land is resulting in misinformation about the future of the stockyards, and let me be clear, we fully intend to not only continue operations but by utilizing all resources at our disposal, we intend to thrive”

Mark Barnett, president of Livestock Marketing Association, agreed. He added anything that jeopardizes the stockyard’s long-term success would be especially devastating to the region’s livestock producers, who are already facing challenges.

“Livestock producers face challenges with land, labor, over-regulation and input costs every day,” Barnett said. “This is the just the latest example of government overreach negatively impacting their bottom line.”

He encouraged Oklahoma County residents and all who could be affected to speak out in support of removing the Stockyards property from the list being considered.

Citizens may address the commissioner’s board under the agenda item “Citizen’s Participation.” A citizen’s participation request form is available at the County Clerk’s office at 320 Robert S. Kerr Avenue in Suite 203, by email at publiccomment@oklahomacounty.org , or by signing up right before the meeting begins. For those who cannot attend, comments can be submitted to the public comment email address provided above.

The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, in the Oklahoma County Annex Building, in the board of county commissioners meeting room 204.

Prussic Acid Toxicity

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 19:19:58 GMT

Cattle producers throughout the state have been reporting cattle losses from cyanide/prussic acid toxicity. Some producers have expressed surprise that cyanide/prussic acid is a problem since there has been an overall abundance of moisture in the state this spring. According to the Mesonet website ( www.mesonet.org ), precipitation has been near or above normal for many parts of the state. However, as of July 1^st, the same website revealed several counties that have recently been dry. These counties have received less than one quarter of an inch of rain, and during this same period, temperatures have skyrocketed. High temperatures and no rain for short periods of time stress plants. This stress leads to certain plants becoming toxic, including plants in the sorghum family.

Hydrocyanic acid (HCN), also referred to as cyanide or prussic acid, is the toxin in these plants that causes problems. The toxin is created when the harmless hydrocyanic glycosides in plants are stressed and break down. Once the hydrocyanic glycosides in the plants are damaged, they quickly convert to prussic acid which can kill an animal within minutes when consumed. When cattle ingest the plants high in hydrocyanic glycoside and break them down by chewing, the prussic acid is released in the rumen and absorbed into the blood stream. Once in the circulatory system, the toxin prevents cells in the body from taking up oxygen. The blood becomes saturated with oxygen which cannot be absorbed by the cells which is why normally dark venous blood appears bright red. The clinical signs are excitement, muscle tremors, increased respiration rate, excess salivation, staggering, convulsions, and collapse. The cattle actually die of asphyxiation.

In plants, especially in the sorghum family, prussic acid is highest in the leaves of young plants with the upper leaves containing the very highest amounts. The amount of prussic acid increases when the plant is stressed such as in drought situations or following a frost. Fertilizing with large amounts of nitrogen can also increase potential for prussic acid toxicity as does nitrogen and phosphorus soil imbalances. Certain sorghum families are more prone to prussic acid toxicity than others. For example, Johnson grass has a high potential for toxicity while Pearl or Foxtail millet are low. When planting sorghums for grazing, producers may want to check the toxic potential of the particular variety.

When producers encounter animals displaying clinical signs of prussic acid toxicity, they should immediately remove all the animals that appear normal to a new pasture and contact their veterinarian. The veterinarian will treat the sick animals that reverse the toxicity. Treatment can result in a full recovery if initiated quickly.

Producers may want to take the following steps to prevent prussic acid toxicity:

Never turn hungry cattle into a new pasture
Take soil samples and fertilize accordingly
Graze mature plants
Wait until plants are cured before grazing after frost (usually at least 7 days)
Rotate pastures to keep cattle from consuming lush regrowth
Place 1 or 2 cows in a pasture and observe for problems before turning in all the cattle

Plants can be tested for prussic acid, but it can be challenging. If not done properly, producers may get a false since of security. The best practice is to visit with your local veterinarian or Local Oklahoma State University County Extension Agriculture Educator before grazing forages that may contain prussic acid. A fact sheet that contains information about prussic acid is available from Oklahoma State University. The fact sheet title is Prussic Acid Poisoning PSS-2904 which can be found at https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/prussic-acid-poisoning.html .

Wildfire Battles Continue Over Weekend for Texas, Oklahoma

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:30:27 GMT

After burning for more than six days, the Smokehouse Creek Fire in the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma was only 15% contained Sunday morning, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Now officially the largest wildfire in Texas history, the Smokehouse Creek Fire had burned 1.1 million acres. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said 400 to 500 structures had burned and livestock losses were in the thousands. He said he would be asking for federal assistance and he has declared 60 counties disaster areas.

Two people were confirmed dead as a result of the fire. An 83-year-old grandmother was discovered in the remains of her burned home, and an Amarillo woman in her 40s died when she exited her truck while driving in the city of Canadian.

The Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County, which covers more than 144,000 acres, was 55% contained on Sunday. The Grape Vine Creek fire, at 34,800 acres, was 60% contained. The Magenta Fire in Oldham County, spanning approximately 3,300 acres, was 85% contained. The 2,000-acre 687 Reamer Fire was 10% contained.

Much of the area burned in the Panhandle region is rolling sand hills and the Texas Department of Transporation is now preparing for blowing dust and that can drift onto roads forcing closure.

Oklahoma officials reported at least 14 fires were burning across more than 319,000 acres, much of that spillover from the Smokehouse Creek Fire. The National Weather Service issued a Flag warning—indicating dangerously dry and windy weather—until 9 p.m. Sunday for Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. A cold front was expected to move into the area on Monday and could bring some relief.

Additional information and resources are continually updated and available online at www.tscra.org/disaster-relief-fund .

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation Disaster Relief Fund here.

Related stories:

Smokehouse Creek Fire is Officially the Largest in Texas History

Wildfires Raging in Texas, Oklahoma Panhandle Region Threaten Residents and Livestock

Oklahoma Beef Cattle Numbers Drop Sharply

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 18:36:44 GMT

Oklahoma has been impacted by drought more than any other state, by several measures. The January 1 inventory of all cattle and calves in Oklahoma was down 11.5 percent year over year, from a 2022 total of 5.2 million head to 4.6 million head. The decrease of 600,000 head was double the second largest all cattle decrease in Nebraska. The decrease in Oklahoma cattle inventories included decreases in the beef cow herd, replacement heifers, feeder supplies and feedlot inventories.

The Oklahoma beef cow herd decreased by 140,000 head in 2022 (largest state decrease in the country) to a January 1 total of 1.981 million head, a 6.6 percent decrease year over year and the lowest beef cow inventory since 2016. Oklahoma is still the second largest beef cow state (after Texas), but now is just fractionally larger than Missouri, which was unchanged in the last year. The liquidation in Oklahoma is not over. Drought conditions continue in Oklahoma with the latest Drought Monitor showing 94.84 percent of the state abnormally dry (D0) or worse, including 56.71 percent of the state in D3 and D4 levels of drought. In the first five weeks of 2023, the combined Oklahoma auction volume of cull cows is up 49.2 percent year over year. Hay supplies are very tight in Oklahoma, as in many other places, and some producers may face additional culling to get through the winter.

Replacement beef heifers in Oklahoma were down 2.5 percent year over year, a smaller decrease compared to the 5.8 percent decrease nationally in beef replacement heifers. Oklahoma remains the number two beef heifer state (after Texas) and ahead of South Dakota. The comparatively modest decrease in beef replacement heifers suggests that Oklahoma producers are putting the highest priority on retaining heifers over other classes of cattle despite unfavorable conditions.

Oklahoma inventories of steers (>500 lbs.), other heifers (>500 lbs.) and calves (<500 lbs.) were all down with steers down 23.8 percent year over year, other heifers down 27.8 percent from last year and calves down 4.4 percent year over year. The Oklahoma feedlot inventory was down 11.1 percent from the previous year. The estimated supply of feeder cattle outside feedlots in Oklahoma (steers + other heifers + calves – feedlot inventory) was down 18.5 percent to the lowest level since 2014. The feeder supply estimate includes cattle grazing winter wheat pasture, which is sharply reduced this year. A recent tour in central Oklahoma showed many wheat fields with poor or emerging stands while others had full stands but have much less growth than normal for this time of year. Only a small percent of the wheat fields had cattle turned out for grazing and those were stocked significantly less than normal.

Drought conditions in the next 4-5 months will be key and will set the stage for the remainder of the year in Oklahoma. If prospects for significant improvement in pasture and hay conditions are not in place by May, the state likely faces additional beef cattle liquidation in 2023.

New $8.5-Million Processing Plant by Cherokee Nation Aims to Boost Local Economy and Food Security

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 19:06:48 GMT

Known as the 1839 Cherokee Meat Co., the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Okla. has officially opened the doors on its nearly $8.5 million USDA- and state-certified meat processing plant.

“As the Cherokee people navigated through the pandemic, we learned valuable lessons about food security and food sovereignty,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a release . “By addressing the shortage of meat processing capacity with our own facility, we support local agriculture and locally sourced food all for the benefit of Cherokee citizens and the region’s economy.”

The goal of the meat company is to help grow economic development through agricultural programs, as well as address food security through sustainable and locally sourced meat for Cherokee citizens.

The 12,000 sq. ft. facility will be operated by the tribe’s business arm and is expected to grow in phases, says the release, with the plan to use surplus animals from the Cherokee Nation’s bison herd and eventually establishing a local farm-to-table operation featuring lean bison meat.

As part of the Nation’s COVID-19 Respond, Recover and Rebuild relief plan, $27 million has been spent to address food security of the Cherokee people, including the new processing facility, as well as five new food distribution centers and additional refrigerated trucks.

The name 1839 Cherokee Meat Co. pays tribute to the year Cherokee Nation became united by constitution.