With spring just around the corner, snowpack season will soon be ending. Out west, this year’s accumulations have been rather lack-luster.
According to Brad Rippey, “We’ve effectively had one storm that occurred back during earlier in February across the southwest. Beyond that, it has just been drips and drabs from time to time. We’ve seen near-record dryness. Very little, if any, snow on the ground— that is leading to significant spring and summer water supply in areas that depend on runoff from snowpack. That, unfortunately, incorporates significant portions of the Colorado River Basin, which has been trying to claw its way out of long-term drought the last two winters.”
Rippey says that unfortunately, it does not look like these drought trends will end anytime soon.
Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
February 27, 2026 02:18 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
February 26, 2026 01:04 PM
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Strong export demand supports barge markets, but weather risks remain.
February 26, 2026 07:00 AM
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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.
February 25, 2026 12:13 PM
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According to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, fire crews remain on alert statewide as Red Flag conditions persist. Officials warn that even contained fires can reignite quickly under current weather conditions.
February 24, 2026 05:46 PM
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The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
February 24, 2026 12:28 PM
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