269: Wildfires Devastate Kansas and Oklahoma Ranch Country with John Campbell

Cattle markets continue their historic climb with seven-dollar calves, feeder cattle pushing new highs, and fed cattle trading near $2.50. Demand remains strong and buying depth continues to surprise producers across the Plains.

But this week’s market strength is overshadowed by devastating wildfires across southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle. With over 200,000 acres burned, ranchers are facing destroyed grass, fences, infrastructure, and smoke-damaged cattle. The rebuilding effort will take months and community support will be critical.

This episode covers the market update, regional highlights, and how listeners can support fire relief efforts through trusted cattle industry organizations.

Links

Kansas

KLA Office - (785) 273-5115

Donate Online - https://www.kla.org/affiliates/kansas-livestock-foundation/disaster-relief-donations

Wildfire Relief Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017wildfirerelief

The Rancher Navy Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/182zrvruJZ/

Oklahoma

OCF Office - 405-435-4391

OCF Fire Relief Fund - https://www.okcattlemen.org/

If you would like to donate to this relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. OCF is a 501c(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA). Make checks payable to
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box
82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.

Donation Centers - https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/emergency-and-disaster-preparedness/wildfire/donation-centers-for-wildfire-relief.html

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Calf and feeder markets remain extremely strong across the region
• Seven-dollar three-weight steers reported in Colorado
• Eight-weight steers trading north of $360
• Spring calving cows selling above $4,000 in select packages
• Fed cattle reported as high as $250 in some areas
• Regional demand remains aggressive despite lighter receipts
• Over 200,000 acres burned in Kansas and Oklahoma wildfires
• Smoke damage, fence loss, and long-term grass loss create ongoing challenges
• 100 percent of relief funds through state cattle associations go directly to impacted ranchers
• Donations, hay, fencing supplies, fuel, and trucking support are all needed

Chapters

00:00 Market tone and mixed emotions
01:20 La Junta market report
04:30 Regional highlights from Dodge City, Pratt, Riverton
07:00 Fed cattle and cash trade strength
08:00 Wildfire devastation across Kansas and Oklahoma
11:00 Personal perspective from 2017 wildfire experience
14:00 Relief resources and how to help
19:00 Closing encouragement and community call to action

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