Oklahoma Cattlemen Assess Losses as Ranger Road Fire Leaves a Lasting Impact on Cattle Country

Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.

OKLAHOMA CITY (RFD NEWS) — Wildfires across Oklahoma, including the devastating Ranger Road Fire that broke out last week, have caused widespread damage to farms and ranches across the state and in neighboring Kansas, prompting rural communities to begin the long process of recovery while assessing the full impact on agriculture.

Michael Kelsey with the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on current fire conditions and what cattle producers are facing on the ground.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Kelsey shared what he is hearing directly from ranchers, including impacts to livestock, fencing, forage, and overall operations. He also discussed the association’s ongoing fire relief fund and outlined what the recovery process is beginning to look like, as well as where the greatest needs are moving forward.

Finally, on a personal note, Kelsey reflected on his time in the National FFA Organization as the industry celebrates National FFA Week, and how that experience helped shape his career in agriculture.

Related Stories
“Customers and consumers are back to wanting to try new things...”
“Ethanol is so important to farmers, corn farmers, but all farmers, because a rising tide lifts all ships.”
“It just seems like what was left over from the hurricane is almost like kindling to the fire. And it just seems like that’s part of our biggest problem right now...”

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Disease risks remain a key factor to watch heading into fall.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
According to the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives (NCFC), President and CEO Chuck Conner says, there is only one other option besides addressing ag labor shortages.
For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
The modest cut should slightly reduce borrowing costs on operating loans, land notes, and equipment financing for agriculture, giving some relief to producers under heavy debt loads.
Sen. Roger Marshall, a founding member and chairman of the Make America Healthy Again caucus, joined us with his thoughts on the commission’s latest report and the key ag-related issues.