Rains aid wildfire recovery in Texas
Recent rains in north central Texas are helping bring recovery back to the region after more than 220,000 acres of grazing land went up in smoke in wildfire outbreaks in April, costing Texas agriculture nearly $35 million. Drought conditions and wildfire outbreaks have been plaguing the entire area for some time, leaving livestock producers in a lurch for feed and facility supplies. With multiple reports of animal losses, numerous burned facilities and miles of fence damaged, the Texas Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding producers there are funds and information that can help. more

NOAA Seasonal Drought Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says over the last month, widespread moderate to heavy precipitation has eliminated or reduced drought severity in the middle Atlantic States, the Great Lakes region, parts of the south-central Plains, portions of the Intermountain West and adjacent Rockies, and the central Sierra Nevada. Most notably, intense rainfall was observed in parts of the southern Plains along the central Red River Valley and the eastern tier of the drought region in Texas, where 10 to 20 inches were reported in a few areas. more

DASNR survey shows Oklahomans' views on prescribed burning
Oklahoma State University's department of natural resource ecology and management (NREM) had some burning questions for Oklahoma residents. What are landowners' and the general public's attitude toward fire and eastern redcedar trees? How do they feel about the establishment of a prescribed fire association? Are residents willing to adopt prescribed fire use and management? These were just a few of the questions that were sent out through two questionnaires: one for agricultural producers and the other to the general public. After mailing 1,000 of each questionnaire, NREM scientists with OSU's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (DASNR) have a better sense for the mindset of Oklahomans. more

Wind, water and wildlife conference scheduled in Canadian
A two-day conference addressing the latest issues related to marketing wind, water and wildlife will be held May 19-20 in Canadian. The conference will target landowners who might be interested in the wind energy industry and the availability and effects of marketing underground water in that region. There will be a $20 fee for those registering by May 13. A late registration of $30 can be paid at the door, but an RSVP by May 15 is requested for planning purposes. The fee, which includes meals and all printed materials, is good for one or both days. more

It's what's for dinner: Get up and go beef burritos
Make Mom feel extra special with breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day! Try this kid-friendly recipe that is sure to start her day off right. more