Prairie fires that swept across western Kansas in recent weeks are forcing cattle producers to reassess their grazing strategies and focus on supplemental nutrition for their herds, according to experts at Kansas State University. The fires have significantly limited available pastureland, creating challenges for ranchers already contending with the economic pressures of maintaining livestock.
Justin Waggoner, a beef cattle specialist with the K-State Extension, has been advising producers on how to navigate the aftermath of the blazes. A segment on the “Agriculture Today” podcast, featuring Waggoner, detailed the immediate needs of cattle following the fires. The fires have created a situation where ranchers must proactively manage forage and consider alternative feeding options.
The recent fires follow a winter already complicated by persistent drought conditions in the region, compounding the difficulties faced by cattle operations. Waggoner’s recommendations, shared on the podcast and through K-State Extension publications, center on strategic forage management to maximize the recovery of burned pastures.
The “Agriculture Today” program, broadcast on radio stations throughout Kansas and available as a daily podcast, similarly included discussion of grain market supply and demand, led by K-State grain economist Daniel O’Brien, and a weather update from meteorologist Chip Redmond. The program is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed by K-State Extension, which aims to provide practical knowledge for the benefit of Kansans.
K-State Extension is supported by a combination of county, state, federal, and private funding, and maintains county Extension offices across the state. The organization is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
As of February 27, 2026, K-State Extension continues to provide resources and support to ranchers impacted by the prairie fires, with ongoing updates available through its website and the “Agriculture Today” podcast.
