Mandy
Severe wildfires in southwest Kansas have left thousands of acres of grassland scorched and destroyed critical cattle feed supplies, prompting a strong response from local farmers and ranchers determined to help their neighbors recover.
Dry weather conditions combined with powerful winds fueled the fast-moving fires, which also spread into parts of Oklahoma, forcing evacuations and causing widespread damage across rural communities.
Kansas Livestock Association Leads Coordination Efforts
As soon as the fires broke out, the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) began receiving calls from individuals asking how they could assist affected ranchers.
Scarlett Madinger, Vice President of Communications for the association, said the response was immediate.
“Our phones started ringing first thing this morning with people saying, ‘How can we help?’ Which is amazing. So, we’re trying to help coordinate that so they can help their fellow ranchers,” Madinger explained.
The association is now working to organize hay donations and other much-needed resources, including fencing materials, to ensure that assistance reaches ranchers quickly and efficiently.
Cowley County Farmers Step Up
In Cowley County, local rancher Jarrod Lawrence has taken action by contacting area hay producers and organizing shipments to impacted regions.
Lawrence described the logistics involved, noting that each truckload typically carries between 34 and 38 hay bales, depending on capacity. With multiple trucks and contributors participating, significant quantities of hay are expected to be delivered in the coming days.
He has previously participated in similar relief efforts during past wildfires, including those in the Medicine Lodge area, and understands the urgency ranchers face during such crises.
Massive Losses For Ranchers
The destruction has been devastating for many ranchers. Lawrence shared that one ranch had approximately 800 hay bales stored before the fires began. After the wildfire swept through, only two bales remained.
“I can’t imagine watching all of that work and money you’ve put into stuff go up in smoke and all you can do is just run away from it,” Lawrence said, reflecting on the emotional toll such losses bring.
For ranchers, hay is not just stored feed — it represents months of labor, financial investment, and preparation for livestock care.
Abundant Hay Supplies Provide Relief
Despite the destruction, there is a small silver lining. According to Lawrence, favorable conditions in 2025 led to an abundance of hay production across many parts of Kansas.
Unlike previous years marked by severe drought, current hay reserves are strong enough to allow farmers to share resources without jeopardizing their own operations.
“The one saving grace is in 2025 in a lot of areas of the state, we had an abundance of hay being put up,” Lawrence said, emphasizing that the improved supply situation has made it possible to extend support to wildfire-affected ranchers.
At present, six to seven hay producers have already committed to donating, and deliveries are expected to begin as soon as this weekend.
How To Help Wildfire-Affected Ranchers?
The Kansas Livestock Association is actively establishing collection sites for hay and fencing materials. Those interested in contributing to the relief efforts are encouraged to contact the KLA office directly at:
Community members, farmers, and ranchers across the state are encouraged to participate, reinforcing the strong agricultural network that defines Kansas.
The recent Kansas wildfires have left ranchers facing enormous challenges, including the destruction of thousands of acres of grazing land and critical hay supplies. However, the rapid response from local farmers, hay producers, and the Kansas Livestock Association demonstrates the strength and unity within the agricultural community.
With truckloads of hay already being organized and collection sites being set up, relief is on the way. In times of natural disaster, cooperation and shared resources play a vital role in helping ranchers rebuild and recover.
The commitment shown across Kansas ensures that those affected will not have to face these hardships alone.