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
Partnership with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ensures Engineering Excellence and Operational Effectiveness
Co-founders Jeremy and Heather Clark share how Vets to Cowboys helps U.S. veterans build new skills, find community in cattle ranching, and discover new opportunities in agriculture.
Brooks York with AgriSompo provide insight on crop insurance considerations and the decisions farmers are making as the enrollment deadline approaches.
Strong consumer demand supports livestock market outlook.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses a new rail antitrust case in Kansas and its potential implications for farmers as rail upgrades signal continued export-driven demand for logistics.
Surging energy markets are quickly becoming a cost story for U.S. agriculture as crude oil climbs on supply fears tied to the Middle East conflict.

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:

Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
Heavy cattle weights are cushioning beef supplies despite shrinking herd numbers.
Purdue University’s Dr. Michael Langemeier discusses the survey’s findings in February and broader signals in the months ahead.
Roger McEowen of Washburn University School of Law joined us to discuss key legal and tax issues ranchers should consider as they recover from recent prairie fires across the Southern Plains.
Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding discusses the recent surge in bird flu cases, the state’s expanded biosecurity response and efforts to support poultry producers.