Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economists have preliminarily projected that the Panhandle wildfires caused $123 million in agricultural losses, making it the costliest on record.
More than 1.2 million acres burned beginning Feb. 26, making it the largest wildfire in Texas history. The losses include more than 12,000 cattle deaths, lost grazing values, and fence repair costs, according to economists. The initial loss estimates span from February through the middle of March.
“AgriLife Extension continues to be committed in providing resources needed for landowners, livestock producers and individuals impacted from this historic wildfire,” said Rick Avery, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension director. “The recovery process will be ongoing and AgriLife Extension agents and specialists will continue to provide support. We appreciate the ongoing efforts of our dedicated agent network and industry partners.”
The agency compiled loss estimates as part of a report submitted to the legislative Panhandle Wildfires Investigative Committee.
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The following are loss estimates by category compiled by AgriLife Extension economists:
- $68.7 million: Ranch infrastructure, fences, barns, corrals, well pump motors and windmills, stocks of hay or feed.
- $26 million: Lost long-term grazing in fire-damaged pastures and range and short-term emergency feeding.
- $27 million: Cattle losses due to wildfires. Livestock loss estimates include both cows and estimated losses to the season’s calf crop. Another $1 million in miscellaneous includes disposal costs for deceased animals and forced marketing losses.
“These loss estimates are likely to continue to grow as more details emerge as the wildfire risks remain high this spring,” said David Anderson, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock marketing economist, Bryan-College Station.
Cattle prices continue to climb as the nation’s cow herd is the smallest since 1961. Recent calf prices have hit all-time highs, but Anderson said little impact from the wildfires is expected on cattle prices or retail beef prices.
However, there will be considerable fencing costs following the aftermath of the wildfire.
“What we will see is a significant increase in replacement costs for fencing due to the increase in materials cost,” said DeDe Jones, AgriLife Extension risk management specialist in Amarillo. “Fence rebuilding costs are in the range of $3 per foot to $4 per foot depending on the type of fencing and the type of country.”
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This article was republished with permission from Texas A&M AgriLife.