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.LinksKansasKLA Office - (785) 273-5115Donate Online - https://www.kla.org/affiliates/kansas-livestock-foundation/disaster-relief-donations Wildfire Relief Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017wildfirereliefThe Rancher Navy Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/182zrvruJZ/OklahomaOCF Office - 405-435-4391OCF 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 toOklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box82395, 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/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premiumCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe 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 neededChapters00:00 Market tone and mixed emotions01:20 La Junta market report04:30 Regional highlights from Dodge City, Pratt, Riverton07:00 Fed cattle and cash trade strength08:00 Wildfire devastation across Kansas and Oklahoma11:00 Personal perspective from 2017 wildfire experience14:00 Relief resources and how to help19:00 Closing encouragement and community call to actioncattle market update, seven dollar calves, $250 fed cattle, feeder cattle prices, spring calving cow prices, Dodge City cattle market, Pratt Kansas cattle sale, Riverton Wyoming cattle, Kansas wildfires, Oklahoma Panhandle wildfires, ranch fire relief, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Kansas Livestock Association, wildfire cattle losses, fence loss fire, hay donation fire relief, rancher support efforts, beef demand strength, cash cattle rally