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Oklahoma fire cattle industry losses more than $26 million

Oklahoma State University livestock marketing specialist Derrell Peel says estimated cattle operation losses from Oklahoma wildfires are more than $26 million.  Peel says almost 350,000 acres burned, resulting in losses of livestock, pasture, hay, fences and facilities.  The cost to replace about 2,100 miles of destroyed fence is more than $16 million.  Cattle losses are about 1,600 head, worth $1.4 million, including vet costs for surviving animals.  Peel says losses will have long-lasting financial impacts, but he doesn’t expect significant market effects.

Oklahoma is the nation’s fifth-leading cattle producing state.