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
CWD is an infectious, degenerative disease of cervids that causes brain cells to die, ultimately leading to the death of the affected animal.
Dr. Derrell Peel says long-term price relief will depend more on rebuilding the U.S. cattle herd than increasing imports.
The Iowa cattle operation was recognized for its focus on soil health and sustainable farming practices.
Public lands advocates say the repeal could ease regulatory pressure on ranchers.
ASFMRA’s Paul Burgener shares updates on the Hunggate Fire, Panhandle wildfire conditions, infrastructure damage and potential impacts to agriculture in the region.

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:

RFD-TV Farm Accounting & Tax expert Roger McEowen discusses crucial legal and tax issues for farmers and ranchers to manage operational risks in this Firm to Farm blog post.
FarmHER Kate Hitchcock joined us on the Market Day Report to discuss the upcoming episode of the show where Kirbe and the crew visit her family’s produce operation in California’s Salinas Valley, which premieres tomorrow, Sept. 24 at 9 PM ET only on RFD-TV.
The FarmHER crew catches up with fifth-generation California sweet baby broccoli producer Kate Hitchcock and her team in the middle of the harvest season in the Salinas Valley.
RFD-TV ag legal expert Roger McEowen examines common issues facing farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners: SAF fuel, R&D credit, drones, and cleaning fencerows.
FarmHER Janet Dennison joins us live on the Market Day Report for an interview before her new episode premiere on Tuesday.
Poultry FarmHER Cynthia Capers joined us Monday on the Market Day Report to discuss her upcoming episode on the new season of FarmHER.