Texas wildfires: What we know about farmers and ranchers near Smokehouse Creek Fire

The Smokehouse Creek Fire in the northeast panhandle of Texas is still burning. A Wednesday morning report from the Texas A&M Forest Service estimated that the blaze was 44% contained after starting on Feb. 26, 2024. 

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the service reported, “Crews continue to build and improve containment line across the fire area while patrolling and checking for heat.”

Spanning an estimated 1,059,570 acres, the Smokehouse Creek Fire is the largest recorded in Texas, the second largest fire in the nation’s history, and is larger than the top 20 largest wildfires in California over the past 90 years. More than 300 personnel, 59 fire engines, and 8 dozers have been assigned to the blaze.

In addition to the record breaking blaze, the Windy Deuce and Grape Vine Creek Fires also continue to burn in the region.

“I pledge my ongoing support for our neighbors who have a long road ahead to recovery from this disaster,” TDA Commissioner Sid Miller said. “I know of ranchers who have lost everything. Our agency will continue its efforts to do everything we can through our STAR Fund, AgriStress Helpline, Hay Hotline, and by partnering with other agencies to lend a helping hand.”

Rancher experiences

Jeff Haley ranches in Gray County, Texas, and is no stranger to wildfire. The way the Smokehouse Fire moved, the speed, and destruction remind him of fires in 2006, he said in a Texas Farm Bureau social media post.

Haley's nephew, John, ranches in Hemphill County and was also in the path of the Smokehouse Creek wildfire. As the blaze moved closer, he moved his cattle to a wheat field near the house and ran a disk around the ranch headquarters in hopes of tearing up the ground enough to stop the fire.

Now, the ranchers are working to move their stock to leased grass that didn't burn in hopes of giving their cows a better place to calve, off the charred ground and out of the smoke and dust. However, they're still worried, Haley says. There's no guarantee that location is out of the fire danger.

Challenges for Texas livestock producers

Farmers and ranchers in the Texas panhandle face a number of challenges in the wake of the wildfire.

Livestock dead or missing

As of Tuesday, at least 6,000 cattle have died.

Cattle raisers are reminded to document livestock losses for recordkeeping and future indemnity program requirements with dated photos or video, if possible. Accurate inventory including the number and type of livestock before and after the natural disaster will be needed for a variety of relief programs. 

Loss of grazing land

“Even those Texans fortunate enough to save their herd may not have anything to return to but ashes,” Miller says. With the sudden destruction of so much grassland immediate alternative feeding solutions are necessary.

Infrastructure damage 

Hundreds of miles of fencing and numerous structures and handling facilities are destroyed or compromised, complicating livestock management.

Livestock health issues

Exposed cattle may face smoke inhalation, burns, or stress-related ailments. The need for veterinary care is elevated.

Displaced animals

After fire, farmers and ranchers often have to find and gather lost or scattered herds. Coupled with damaged infrastructure and animal injuries, this can be an emotionally and physically exhausting task.

The state has temporarily suspended oversize/overweight permitting requirements for vehicles and loads associated with activities necessary to respond to the disaster and has set up livestock supply points. Additionally, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has facilitated a waiver of animal movement documentation for livestock producers because of the 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfire.

Animal owners or producers conducting emergency evacuation of livestock animals to neighboring states should call the TAHC program records department at (512) 719-0777, to register animal movement across state lines. Throughout this emergency, resources to gain proper documentation may not be available, and the safety of those involved is the top priority, TDA said in a statement.

Relief and aid efforts

Many agriculture businesses and organizations have rallied their communities to support their peers in the Texas Panhandle.

“I am immensely grateful for the unity and generosity shown by Texans during this challenging time,” Commissioner Miller said. “The unwavering support and assistance I’ve witnessed is a testament to the strength of our state. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the emergency personnel and all those who have selflessly united to aid those affected by the wildfires.”

Animal supply points

Three animal supply points have been set up throughout the region to accept hay, fencing, and feed:

• Gray County (East) location: Clyde Carruth Pavilion, 301 Bull Barn Drive, Pampa. Contact Marcus Preuninger at (office) (806) 669-8033 or (cell) (325) 728-0477.
  
• Hemphill County (North) location: Canadian AH&N Ranch Supply, 100 Hackberry St., Canadian. Contact Andy Holloway at (office) (806) 323-9114 or (cell) (325) 668-0466.
  
• Hutchinson County (West) location: 407 Industrial Road, Borger. Contact Zach Shaffer at (915) 850-3035.

Loaner livestock equipment

A Conquistador wheel corral was delivered to Canadian, Texas on Saturday, March 2, by Justin Haynie and his wife Amber, of K & K Feeds, to be loaned out to livestock producers in need.

If you have been affected by the ongoing wildfire and need a portable containment solution, Haynie can be reached at (940) 655-4372.

STAR Fund

The State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund (STAR) was created with monetary donations from private individuals and entities to fund disaster recovery efforts in the state. According to the TDA website, STAR Fund money may be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners in rebuilding fences, restoring operations, and paying for other agricultural disaster relief.

Tax deductible donations can be made by check, credit card, or PayPal on the TDA website.

The program offers  a cost share (50% of eligible expense) to qualified agricultural producers not to exceed $4,000 per applicant. Agriculture businesses, operations, ranches, and farms located in a county declared a disaster by the Texas Governor are eligible to apply for STAR grants. Applicants should submit documentation for agricultural related expenses not paid for by insurance or other governmental sources for costs directly related to rebuild from the natural disaster.

More details about STAR Fund eligibility can be found on TDA's website.

TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s TSCRA’s Disaster Relief Fund provides financial assistance to ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma who are victims of a natural disaster and consequently are financially needy or otherwise distressed. Assistance funds are designated for damage that occurred in disaster counties as declared by Texas. Producers must submit applications within 60 days of when the damage took place.

To make a tax deductible donation online visit the TSCRA website.

Applications are now being accepted for ranchers and landowners in disaster declared counties impacted by wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma. Visit the TSCRA website to start your application.

Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund

The Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund, established by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), will collect tax-deductible donations to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers in affected areas. One hundred percent of all donations will go to impacted producers.

“Although we don’t know the full extent of the damage caused by the fires, we do know the losses will be staggering,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “Farm Bureau is about helping our neighbors and agriculture, and this relief fund is set up to do just that.”

Credit card donations may be made via PayPal on the TFB website.

Checks made be made out to the Texas Farm Bureau Agriculture Research and Education Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 2689, Waco, TX 76702-2689. Include “Attention: Chris Daughtery” on donation envelopes.

Texas farmers and ranchers with unreimbursed agricultural losses will be eligible to apply for the funds. The application form is available online. 

AgriStress Helpline

To access TDA’s AgriStress Helpline, call or text (833) 897-2474.