Weekly, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist Paul Beck offers his expertise on the beef cattle industry. This is part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Derrell Peel, Mark Johnson, and Beck. Today, Beck offers advice to protect ranches and livestock from wildfires.
Wildfires are a threat to ranchers this spring with dry conditions and high winds creating the perfect conditions for devastating events such as the fires across Oklahoma last weekend. Protecting your livestock and property requires preparation, quick action, and resilience. Here are key strategies to help you stay ahead of the flames.
Prepare ahead of time by creating defensible spaces around pastures and buildings by clearing brush, dead trees and other flammable debris from around homes barns and equipment. Mow or tightly graze firebreaks along property lines and roads to slow the spread fire. Build lots, corrals, fences, and ranch buildings from fire resistant materials to reduce the fire risk.
Livestock evacuation and safety are important considerations in your disaster planning. Identify safe areas like large open pastures with short grass or crop fields with green growing grass or tilled soil. Ensure trucks and trailers for livestock transport are in good condition and have a evacuation plan in place. Stock emergency water, feed and first aid supplies.
In conditions with high winds and low relative humidity that have put us in a Fire Weather Warning in much of Texas and across Oklahoma any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Stay informed by monitoring local weather and fire updates on the radio and weather apps.
Coordinate with neighbors and be sure people know your location, mutual aid in these situations can be lifesaving. Finally assess damage quickly to document losses for insurance and recovery aid.
Being proactive can mean the difference between safety and disaster. Work with your local fire departments and extension services to improve your wildfire response plan. A well-prepared ranch is a safer ranch. All cattle operations will benefit from a written emergency action plan customized to the operation. The National Beef Quality Assurance Manual available at BQA.org is a great resource in putting a plan together.
