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Texas panhandle wildfire sets historic record

By Farms.com

The Texas Panhandle is facing an unprecedented challenge as a historic wildfire engulfs over 1 million acres, marking it as the largest wildfire in Texas history. This catastrophic event has resulted in the loss of two lives and significant agricultural damage, with up to 10,000 head of cattle lost to the flames. 

With property losses estimated at $23 million, the disaster has mobilized a variety of resources and relief efforts, including the STAR Fund and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, to aid those impacted. The USDA's Emergency Relief Program also offers support, as detailed on relevant websites. 

As the region braces for more challenging fire conditions, the Texas A&M Forest Service has issued warnings about the increased risk of wildfires due to the upcoming warmer, drier, and windier weather. This situation underscores the critical need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. 

Community and state efforts are focused on providing immediate relief and support to those affected, while emphasizing the importance of safety precautions for all residents. The ongoing situation in the Texas Panhandle is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the resilience required to rebuild and recover from such devastating events.


Trending Video

Assessing Welfare Resources During Late Finish - Dr. Anna Johnson & Emma Coursey

Video: Assessing Welfare Resources During Late Finish - Dr. Anna Johnson & Emma Coursey


In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Anna Johnson from Iowa State University and Emma Coursey from the University of Illinois discuss research evaluating welfare resources during the late finishing stage on commercial swine farms. They explain how feeder management, water use, space allocation, and pig health influence welfare outcomes and practical on-farm management. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Small resource issues can become larger welfare problems when multiple stressors interact across finishing barns."

Meet the guests: Dr. Anna Johnson / anna-johnson-05028a14 is the Morrill Professor of Animal Behavior and Welfare at Iowa State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from Texas Tech University and completed her master's degree in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on practical solutions that improve farm animal welfare, including sow productive lifetime, animal-human interaction, environmental enrichment, and Precision Livestock Farming.

Emma Coursey / emma-coursey-183810241 is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine after earning a bachelor's degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Her academic interests include swine health, production, and animal welfare, with research experience evaluating welfare resources in commercial finishing pigs.