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Montana ranchers fight to save land, livestock as wildfires spread.
Paying Attention to Mental Health During Wildfire Recovery

After losing so much, families affected by the wildfires sweeping across western Oklahoma may be feeling emotionally overwhelmed, which raises the need to pay attention to potential mental health concerns.

Wildfires are prompting a feed shortage.
Drought, Wildfires Force Ranchers to Scramble for Feed

Ongoing drought and wildfires have cattle ranchers in at least five Southwestern U.S. states scrambling for hay or pastureland, while others are selling off some of their herds.

Death loss projections from Oklahoma's wildfires are lower than last year's Starbuck Fire that impacted the same region, but anywhere from 1,500-2,500 cattle could have died estimates a state veterinarian.
1,500 Cattle Die in Oklahoma Wildfires; Death Toll Could Increase

Death loss projections from Oklahoma's wildfires are lower than last year's Starbuck Fire that impacted the same region, but anywhere from 1,500-2,500 cattle could have died estimates a state veterinarian.

Wildfire damage from fires in Oklahoma started on April 12, 2018.
Weekend Rains Help Contain Oklahoma Wildfires

Much needed rain helps nearly extinguish wildfires in Oklahoma.

Be aware of steps required to take advantage of Livestock Indemnity Program assistance.
Wildfire Livestock Losses May Qualify for Financial Assistance Program

Be aware of steps required to take advantage of Livestock Indemnity Program assistance.

Calf
Managing Orphaned Calves After April Blizzard

While some pairs were reunited, unfortunately, other calves were not claimed and now cattlemen are dealing with the challenge of managing orphaned calves through the rest of the spring and summer.

The aftermath of wildfires brings questions, and often lots of them.
Oklahoma Agencies Hosting April 24 Wildfire Info Meeting in Woodward

The aftermath of wildfires brings questions, and often lots of them.

Be Cautious with What is Coming in with Donated Hay
Be Cautious with What is Coming in with Donated Hay

The wildfires, combined with the yearlong drought, have left a lot of producers relying on hay from other areas to feed their livestock.

House Ag Committee passed the 2018 Farm Bill will an amendment that would deliver aid more efficiently to wildfire victims in rural America.
Wildfire Aid Amendment Added to Farm Bill Proposal

House Ag Committee passed the 2018 Farm Bill will an amendment that would deliver aid more efficiently to wildfire victims in rural America.

KOCO 5 field meteorologist Michael Armstrong helped save a herd of cows and calves with the help of Facebook Live viewers.
Meteorologist Rescues Cow Herd from Fire with Help of Facebook Users

KOCO 5 field meteorologist Michael Armstrong helped save a herd of cows and calves with the help of Facebook Live viewers.

Wildfire Dewey County Oklahoma
Oklahoma Wildfire Evacuations, Acres Continue To Burn

High temperatures, low humidity and heavy winds have Oklahoma’s wildfire threat at its highest point in a decade, according to the National Weather Service.

Normal handling techniques may be ineffective with traumatized livestock.
Do Not Forget About Post-wildfire Trauma in Livestock

Normal handling techniques may be ineffective with traumatized livestock.

When cash prices are lower it's sometimes easy to skimp on the very production practices that made you successful.
Spring Storms and Cold Stress

Cold stress with cattle is often associated with below zero temperatures, especially in the Northern Plains.

Wildfires are a constant risk to ranchers in the Great Plains following drought.
Extreme Fire Risk in High Plains, Southwest

April 17 could be a historic day for wildfires across the High Plains and Southwest cautions officials with the Oklahoma Forestry Service (OFS) and the National Weather Service (NWS).

The Rhea Fire in northwest Oklahoma has killed two people and has burned 242,000 acres since April 12, 2018.
400,000+ Acres Burned In Rhea Wildfire

Since the Rhea Wildfire began on Thursday, more than 400,000 acres have burned in western Oklahoma.

Cattlemen fought another round of winter weather this weekend, as Winter Storm Xanto brought blizzard conditions across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes.
Ranchers Fight Winter Storm Xanto

Farmers and ranchers are digging out after Winter Storm Xanto hit a wide swath of the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes Wednesday through the weekend, bringing record-setting snow falls.

Severe drought in the U.S. Plains is forcing some ranchers to push their animals in to feedlots. to fatten up for market.
Cattle Market Struggles as Drought Lingers

Amid the dryness, farmers placed 1.82 million cattle in feedlots in February, up 7.3 percent from the prior year, according to USDA. What will this week's Cattle on Feed report show?

The Rhea Fire in northwest Oklahoma has killed two people and has burned 242,000 acres since April 12, 2018.
Wildfires Turn Deadly in Oklahoma, Burns 300,000 Acres-plus

The wildfires in Oklahoma have turned deadly after killing two people and burning more than 300,000 acres across the state.

A wildfire in Dewey County, Oklahoma burns across the plains on April 12, 2018. 
State of Emergency in Oklahoma; Cattlemen Start Wildfire Relief Fund

Wildfires have burned up to 200,000 acres in Oklahoma forcing the Governor to declare a state of emergency, while cattlemen are banding together to form a relief fund to lend a helping hand.

Two major wildfires account for the majority of damage in Oklahoma, but there are still 19 other active wildfires in the state.
Oklahoma Wildfires Burn More Than 200,000 Acres, Still Raging

Two major wildfires account for the majority of damage in Oklahoma, but there are still 19 other active wildfires in the state.

Moisture came to about two-thirds of the country last week, dropping heavy precipitation from the southern Great Plains northeastward into the northern Appalachians, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. But many areas remains in significant drought.
Wet Pastures In Midwest; Drought Intensifies In Southwest

Moisture came to about two-thirds of the country last week, dropping heavy precipitation from the southern Great Plains northeastward into the northern Appalachians. But many areas remains in significant drought.

Argentina's Herd to Decline by Up to 1 Million Cattle Due to Drought
Argentina's Herd to Decline by Up to 1 Million Cattle Due to Drought

Argentina’s herd will shrink by up to 1 million head of cattle next year as ranchers facing scorched pastures after the worst drought in decades decide to slaughter females rather than grow their herds, analysts said.

Wheat pasture around Amarillo, Texas on March 7, 2018.
Drought Advances in the High Plains

The latest Drought Monitor shows that drought continues to worsen in the southern High Plains.  Across the continental U.S., 0.55 percent of the country is in D4 (Exceptional) drought. 

Multiple agencies have partnered to create a comprehensive resource for livestock producers dealing with drought.
Oklahoma Cattle Producers Facing Critical Decisions

Drought continues in western Oklahoma.

The author of the popular “Hank the Cowdog” series has written a book about a massive wildfire nearly a year after he lost his own home in the Perryton Fire.
‘Hank The Cowdog’ Author Writes Book Depicting Perryton Wildfire

The author of the popular “Hank the Cowdog” series has written a book about a massive wildfire nearly a year after he lost his own home in the Perryton Fire.

Plant growth can vary greatly. For example, smooth bromegrass is at the 2 1/2-leaf growth stage in North Dakota's McLean County on April 20, 2017, and it is at the 3 1/2-leaf stage a day earlier in Grant County.
Proper Timing of Pasture Turnout Critical for Drought Recovery

Grazing too early in the spring can result in decreased forage production the entire grazing season.

<p>Who decides when drought has lowered pasture production low enough to remove the cattle?&nbsp;</p>
Forecasters Warn of Drought, Wildfires Across Plains

The amount of moisture received across the US southern high plains since October has been ridiculously low. Forecasters warn of intensifying drought and wheat crop losses.

Who decides when drought has lowered pasture production low enough to remove the cattle?
Plan for Drought When Preparing Pasture Lease

Who decides when drought has lowered pasture production low enough to remove the cattle?

Farm Journal
EXCLUSIVE: Ashland, KS Battles Another Fire, Declining Crops

Southwest Kansas, like many regions in the central plains, are turning into kindling for wildfires.

Wildfires are a constant risk for ranchers in the Great Plains when drought-conditions turn grazing lands into fuel.
Kansas Rancher Worries About Repeat of 2017 Wildfires

One year after massive wildfires tore through the Plains, ranchers once again are facing that dangerous threat in 2018.

Fire crews and emergency personnel were able to contain the wildfire in Clark County, Kansas.
Wildfire Contained In Clark County, KS

Fire crews and emergency personnel were able to contain the wildfire in Clark County, Kansas.

Using Weather Forecasts for Newborn Calf Health

Calving season has begun, in a winter season that has had some extreme temperature swings. Drastic temperature changes can continue to be a concern when caring for newborn livestock.

Calving season has begun, in a winter season that has had some extreme temperature swings. Producers should take extra care during drastic temperature changes when caring for newborn livestock.
Using Weather Forecasts for Newborn Calf Health

Calving season has begun, in a winter season that has had some extreme temperature swings. Drastic temperature changes can continue to be a concern when caring for newborn livestock.

Pasture forage insurance may be a risk management option for livestock producers.
Australian Ranchers Forced To Cull Because of Drought

Dangerous drought is causing some Australian farmers to make difficult decisions about their livestock.

Mud and cold, wet conditions are much more difficult to manage than just the bitterly cold.
Wet Conditions Increase Cow Feed Needs

Mud and cold, wet conditions are much more difficult to manage than just the bitterly cold.

David Dahlberg, a fire prevention technician with the U.S. Forest Service, was honored by President Donald Trump during Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.
California Fire Fighter Praised During State of the Union

David Dahlberg, a fire prevention technician with the U.S. Forest Service, was honored by President Donald Trump during Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.

Drought conditions in the U.S. have expanded rapidly in recent weeks. 
Drought: Plan Ahead for Adversity

Drought conditions in the U.S. have expanded rapidly in recent weeks. 

The drought areas include the Great Plains and much of the Southeast with the hardest hit parts being in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles.
Market Highlights: Drought Creeps into Cattle Country

The drought areas include the Great Plains and much of the Southeast with the hardest hit parts being in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles.

Drought throughout the Great Plains is causing a higher than normal risk of wildfire through April.
Drought Increases Wildfire Risk In the Great Plains Through Spring

Drought in the central and southern Plains is causing a higher than normal risk of wildfire through April.

winter wheat
U.S. Cold Blast Threatens Winter Wheat, Cattle

Temperatures seen 15 to 25 degrees below normal, NWS says.

Snow grooming vital part of Olympics
Hay Day: Wyoming Rancher Grooms Olympic Downhill

The rancher from western Wyoming wears tan overalls pulled over a U.S. ski team jacket, and is every bit as versed in the nuances of hay farming as the subtleties of snow grooming.

2017 A Year of Natural Disasters
2017 A Year of Natural Disasters

2017 will be remembered as one of the most destructive and costliest years for natural disasters in history.

Farm Journal
How Are Producers Recovering After 2017 Southern Plains Wildfires?

Nine months have passed since&nbsp;wildfires charred parts of the central and southern Plains during a three-day span of furious fire.&nbsp; Now, a proposed disaster relief package may offer more help to ranchers in need. The House recently unveiled&nbsp;a disaster aid plan to help cover some of the cost of hurricanes and wildfires the country faced in 2017.&nbsp; House Republicans are releasing an $81 billion disaster aid package, funding that&rsquo;s nearly twice the request the White House made.&nbsp; The money could be split between a host of federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Agriculture. AgDay national reporter Betsy Jibben looks at how producers in Kansas and Oklahoma are recovering and still rebuilding.&nbsp; She talks with Dr. Randall Spare, a veterinarian from the Ashland Veterinary Center, and producers Jenny Betschart in Ashland, Kansas and Bernie Smith in Beaver County, Oklahoma.

Livestock producers in Montana have been battling multiple wildfires in July, including the 270,200 acre Lodgepole Complex fire.
Forest Service Using New Tech for Post-Fire Work in Montana

Forest Service using new tech for post-fire work in Montana

Rebuilding fence is expensive for livestock producers,  as the average repair costs $10,000 per mile.
No Fencing Payments In Sight

Livestock producers struggle to rebuild their operations with few resources to date

Fencing in Kansas
Kan. Producers Waiting for Gov't Fencing Payments After Wildfires

Wild fires burned in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas earlier this year, destroying thousands of acres in its path.

Deadline for Pasture, Range and Forage Insurance Sign-up Nov. 15
Deadline for Pasture, Range and Forage Insurance Sign-up Nov. 15

Pasture forage insurance may be a risk management option for livestock producers.

Hurricane Harvey Cost Texas $200 Million in Ag Losses
Hurricane Harvey Cost Texas $200 Million in Ag Losses

Texas lost more than $200 million in crop and livestock losses, according to economists with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

BT Feedlot Hereford Steers Fat Cattle
South Dakota Cattle Producers Recovering From Drought

The cattle herd is finally recovering from the severe drought that the northern Plains experienced earlier this year. This drought is still a reality, hitting portions of South Dakota hard.

Pasture, Rangeland, Forage: Rainfall Index Insurance is a Risk Management Tool for 2018
Pasture, Rangeland, Forage: Rainfall Index Insurance is a Risk Management Tool for 2018

Pasture Rangeland and Forage Insurance is a risk management tool.