Historic wildfires in the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma have burned more than 1 million acres. Large-scale cattle losses are anticipated, with the Texas Panhandle serving as home to 85% of the state’s beef herd. Individual losses in the form of both livestock and structure losses are still being calculated but are trending toward setting a new record. The fires ravaged pastures as spring calving season began, likely eliminating productive cows and calves.

While beef prices continue to trend upward, it is unlikely the disaster in the Southern Plains will influence overall consumer prices and availability. Texas producers will need to rebuild herds in 2025; a tall order with ongoing drought impacting both feed costs and availability.

Read more on wildfires impacting cattle inventory and prices here.