Wildfires don't just threaten fences and pasture but they can have lasting impacts on cattle health, performance, and profitability long after the flames are gone.In this episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren sits down with Dr. Juliana Ranches, Assistant Professor and Beef Extension Specialist at Oregon State University, to discuss groundbreaking research on how wildfire smoke affects cattle. Dr. Ranches explains what happens inside an animal's body during smoke exposure, why calves may gain less weight, and the practical steps producers can take before, during, and after wildfire season. The conversation also explores how virtual fencing is becoming an unexpected tool for wildfire preparedness and why proactive planning could save both cattle and livelihoods.
Connect with Dr. Ranches on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-ranches-72514a4a/Dr. Juliana Ranches: https://anrs.oregonstate.edu/users/juliana-ranchesResearch: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/how-protect-pets-livestock-wildfire-smoke
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Key Takeaways:
- Smoke exposure triggers an immune response and elevated stress hormones, diverting energy away from growth and production
- Cattle exposed to smoke eat less, spend less time at feed and water, and may experience slower weight gains
- Reducing additional stressors like weaning, hauling, and vaccinations during smoke events can help minimize impacts
- Every ranch should have a written wildfire emergency plan before fire season begins
- Virtual fencing is emerging as a valuable tool for locating cattle and improving evacuation efforts during wildfires
- Technology and research continue to provide producers with new tools to improve resilience during wildfire season
00:00 – Meet Dr. Juliana Ranches and the growing research on wildfire smoke in cattle
03:08 – What wildfire smoke is doing to cattle health, stress levels, feed intake, and weight gain
10:56 – Practical management strategies to reduce stress and protect cattle during wildfire season
14:53 – How virtual fencing is changing wildfire preparedness and emergency cattle management
20:33 – Where producers should invest today to build more resilient cattle operations
23:58 – What's next in cattle research: methane, carbon markets, and the future of ranch technology
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