Blazin' Grazin' And Other Wild Things

AgNow Media LLC
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Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things is more than a podcast. It’s a record of knowledge, a tool for transformation, and a beacon for those who believe that good land management is as much about community as it is about combustion. It honors the science while embracing the stories. It respects the past while equipping the future. And in every smoky anecdote, every carefully explained concept, it carries one message: that stewardship isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a lifelong journey shaped by fire, forage, and a little bit of wildness. If you haven’t listened yet, now’s the time. Because the land won’t wait. And neither will the next burn window.

  1. 5d ago

    Oklahoma Birds: Migration, Glass and Grasslands

    Fall migration is underway across Oklahoma, but the millions of birds moving through the Great Plains face challenges that aren't always easy to see. In this episode of *Blazin' Grazin and Other Wild Things*, Oklahoma State University wildlife ecologist Scott Loss Ph.D. joins John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph.D. and Mark Turner Ph.D. to explore the remarkable movement of migratory birds and what those birds can tell us about the landscapes around us. Loss explains why cold fronts and north winds can trigger major fall movements, how tools such as Merlin Bird ID and BirdCast are changing the way people experience migration, and why windows pose such a serious threat to birds. He also shares practical steps homeowners and property managers can take to make glass safer—including why one hawk decal isn't enough. Then the conversation moves from the sky to the grasslands. Research in western Oklahoma is finding a connection between eastern redcedar encroachment and increased tick abundance, particularly lone star ticks. Even early stages of cedar invasion can create conditions favorable to ticks. It's another example of how changes in Great Plains vegetation can ripple through wildlife, livestock and human environments in unexpected ways. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    Oklahoma Birds: Migration, Glass and Grasslands

  2. Sep 15

    Fire Management: Stop Chasing Fixed Seasons

    The traditional spring burn window may be keeping land managers from accomplishing as much as they could with prescribed fire. University of Nebraska professor and rangeland ecologist Dirac Twidwell Ph.D. joins John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph.D. and Mark Turner Ph.D. to examine how fire behavior, burn-unit design, wind, drought, fuels and season interact—and why a calendar date or simple weather threshold does not tell the whole story about whether a burn can be safely and effectively completed. The conversation also tackles eastern redcedar and woody encroachment from a different direction: manage the seed source before the pasture becomes a cedar problem. Twidwell explains why most new redcedar recruitment occurs relatively close to mature seed-producing trees, why mechanical removal without follow-up can quickly lose its value, and how prescribed fire can protect intact grasslands before restoration costs climb. It is a practical discussion about replacing one-size-fits-all fire rules with better planning, better risk management and earlier action. Key takeaways for the episode description Burn season does not have to mean spring. Growing-season and fall fire can provide additional opportunities when management objectives, fuels, weather and preparation align.Burn-unit design changes risk. Twidwell argues that weather numbers alone cannot describe fire risk; fuel arrangement, firebreaks, volatile woody fuels and potential ember travel matter.Wind deserves special attention. Wind can greatly increase ember transport, making it a critical factor in spot-fire potential.Growing-season fire behaves differently. Green vegetation, precipitation and soil moisture can influence summer fire behavior in ways that dormant-season rules based heavily on relative humidity may not capture.Prescribed fire prescriptions should evolve. The group questions whether guidelines developed decades ago should automatically define every acceptable burn today.More available burn days can mean more fire accomplished. Expanding the calendar can help landowners work around cattle operations, labor demands and narrow spring weather windows.Eastern redcedar prevention is cheaper than restoration. Protecting intact grasslands before dense encroachment develops can avoid much larger future treatment costs.Manage the seed source, not just visible cedar cover. Mature seed-producing trees can influence surrounding grassland well before the landscape looks heavily invaded.Cutting trees without follow-up is not a complete plan. Seedlings and surviving seed sources can rapidly reestablish woody cover after mechanical treatment.Fire management needs long-term planning. Fire frequency, treatment follow-up and landscape-scale cooperation matter more than viewing a single burn as a finished project.Detailed timestamped rundown 00:00-02:59 — Introduction and episode setup. Sponsors are recognized, the hosts are introduced, and Dirac Twidwell is framed as a rangeland and fire ecologist whose career has challenged assumptions about prescribed fire, wildfire risk and woody encroachment.02:59-08:08 — Twidwell’s path into fire ecology. Twidwell explains how an engineering- and science-oriented undergraduate environment led him toward ecology, Missouri conservation work and eventually Oklahoma State University. He discusses early mentors and his transition into fire research across Oklahoma, Texas and Nebraska.08:09-13:13 — Extreme fire experiments challenge an assumption. The conversation turns to research asking whether prescribed fire could kill larger cedar trees. Twidwell describes using fire behavior and ember-transport science to redesign experimental burn areas and safely study more intense fires.13:15-15:33 — Old prescriptions meet changing conditions. Twidwell discusses low-wind burning, ember movement and why prescribed-fire practices developed decades ago deserve continued testing, especially as drought, atmospheric demand and weather extremes change.15:34-20:40 — Expanding fire beyond spring. Weir and Goodman discuss growing-season fire and observations from Oklahoma and Texas. Late-summer and fall burning can accomplish management work at a time when ranch crews may have fewer competing livestock duties.20:40-22:04 — Start the burn year earlier. Turner suggests psychologically treating late summer or fall as the beginning of the burn season, allowing managers to get ahead rather than scrambling to finish everything in spring. Strategic blacklines and preparation can also create opportunities for later burning.22:05-28:36 — What actually makes a burn risky? Twidwell questions labels such as “good,” “bad” or “marginal” burn days. He explains how wind, drought, fuel characteristics, juniper and ember transport interact to create actual risk.28:36-30:05 — Why prescribed fire resists simple recipes. Weir contrasts fire with practices that can be summarized on a product label. Every burn unit differs in personnel needs, equipment, containment and acceptable conditions.30:06-34:50 — Fire research needs better fire measurements. Goodman and Twidwell discuss studies that compare “fire” with “no fire” while documenting relatively little about the fire itself. They argue for better information about intensity, consumption, fuels and fire behavior.34:53-38:21 — Questioning hard thresholds. The hosts discuss rules such as waiting a fixed period after fire or avoiding burns above a specific temperature. Twidwell warns against turning broad assumptions into universal management rules.38:22-42:22 — Why wildfire reactions differ. The group explores why some landowners see beneficial ecological results after wildfire while other communities view fire primarily through its destructive consequences. The landscape context and the problem being solved matter.42:25-46:10 — Eastern redcedar becomes the case study. Goodman asks about spatial conservation planning. Twidwell explains why redcedar is particularly useful for thinking about woody encroachment: it does not resprout, is highly fire-sensitive and produces large quantities of seed.46:11-49:44 — The “two football fields” concept. Twidwell describes research showing that about 95% of new redcedar recruitment in the Nebraska work occurred within roughly two football fields of a seed source. That creates a practical planning zone landowners can identify and manage.49:44-52:07 — Prevention beats expensive restoration. The conversation focuses on the economics of treating intact grassland early instead of waiting for dense cedar. Mechanical removal without follow-up can allow the problem to return quickly.52:07-55:15 — From “cedar control” to seed-source management. Twidwell explains how changing the language helped ranchers think about risk differently. A windbreak may have value, but it can also be a seed source requiring active management.55:16-58:05 — Catching encroachment while it is small. The group discusses identifying scattered seedlings before they turn into a landscape-scale problem. The objective is not to dictate a single treatment but to help landowners recognize the risk and build a plan.58:05-59:29 — Closing thoughts. The hosts acknowledge that woody encroachment will remain a major Great Plains challenge and close the episode with an invitation for Twidwell to return. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    Fire Management: Stop Chasing Fixed Seasons

  3. Sep 1

    Loess Canyons: Fire Restores Grazing Ground

    Eastern redcedar can take productive grazing land out of production surprisingly fast, and Nebraska ranchers in the Loess Canyons have learned that prescribed fire can be one of their most powerful tools for taking that country back. Nebraska rancher and Nebraska Prescribed Fire Council President Scott Stout and Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Prescribed Fire Coordinator Brian Teeter join John Weir, Laura Goodman and Mark Turner to talk about the evolution of prescribed fire in Nebraska. They explain how landowners built prescribed burn associations, improved cedar mortality with cut-and-stuff techniques, expanded to larger burn units and learned why preparation, communication and cooperation with neighbors are essential. The conversation also covers burn permits and restrictions, public perceptions of fire, grazing economics and the wildlife response that follows grassland restoration. Key takeaways: Prescribed fire can restore grazing capacity where eastern red cedar has heavily encroached on Nebraska rangeland. Cut-and-stuff techniques can increase fire intensity around cedars and improve tree mortality. Larger burn units using roads and other natural barriers can reduce preparation costs and make landscape-scale management more practical. Successful burns often require months or years of planning, including prepared firebreaks, equipment, trained crews and verification that the unit is actually ready. Restoring open grassland can benefit cattle production while also improving habitat for wildlife including elk, deer, turkey and quail. Detailed Timestamped Rundown 00:00–02:42 Sponsors, show introduction and preview of the Nebraska prescribed-fire conversation.02:42–05:30 Brian Teeter and Scott Stout introduce themselves, their roles and their history with prescribed fire and Nebraska burn organizations.05:30–08:02 Nebraska’s changing fire culture: prescribed burn associations have expanded rapidly, with the guests discussing more than 100,000 acres burned by PBAs in 2025.08:02–11:15 The origins of cut-and-stuff cedar control and why eastern red cedar became such a serious problem in southwest Nebraska’s Loess Canyons.11:15–13:03 Steep terrain, rapidly increasing cedar canopy and why mechanical control becomes difficult or impossible in rugged canyon country.13:03–15:28 Early burns were a learning experience. Scott describes limited equipment, inexperienced crews and how the association gradually developed better practices.15:28–17:19 Burn units grow from a few hundred acres to thousands of acres as ranchers learn to use roads, natural barriers and neighboring properties more effectively. 17:19–19:31 Skeptical neighbors become supporters after seeing successful burns. Better cedar mortality helps prove that prescribed fire can justify the effort.19:31–24:18 Why burn preparation may begin two or three years ahead. The group discusses firebreaks, equipment, landowner communication and the importance of refusing to burn an unprepared unit.24:18–30:35 Internal ignition techniques: experienced ATV igniters work inside large units to improve coverage, take advantage of favorable burning conditions and create greater heat for cedar mortality.30:35–33:59 Nebraska’s burn permit system, statewide restrictions and the tension between favorable prescribed-fire conditions and emergency burn bans.33:59–38:28 Public perception after major wildfires. Brian explains why ranchers still need prescribed fire even during dry periods and compares it to other essential agricultural management practices.38:28–42:32 Why “prescribed burn” and “controlled burn” should not be treated as interchangeable terms. The discussion turns to education, policy and Nebraska’s effort to distinguish the practices legally.42:32–46:11 Ranch economics drive cedar management. Fire can restore lost forage while keeping grasslands economically viable and therefore intact.43:56–48:34 Wildlife benefits emerge alongside livestock benefits, with discussion of elk, mule deer, turkey, quail and the misconception that dense cedar automatically means better wildlife habitat.48:34–50:54 Prescribed fire as an entry point for recreational landowners, food plots and changing the way people notice cedar encroachment on the landscape.50:54–52:14 Closing conversation and show outro. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    Loess Canyons: Fire Restores Grazing Ground

  4. Aug 18

    How Oklahoma Funded the Cedar Fight

    Eastern red cedar is no longer just a brush-management problem—it is affecting Oklahoma’s wildfire risk, water, wildlife, forage and rural landowners’ bottom lines. Oklahoma Conservation Commission Executive Director Trey Lam and Oklahoma state Rep. Mike Dobrinski join OSU Extension specialists John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph.D. and Mark Turner Ph.D. to explain how Oklahoma moved from decades of talking about cedar encroachment to putting money, research and management on the ground. They discuss the Terry Peach watershed effort, prescribed fire and cedar-removal assistance, research on water and soil response, and why landowners may pay a much higher price when cedar management is postponed. Key takeaways: Eastern red cedar can increase dangerous wildfire fuel while affecting water, forage, wildlife habitat and land productivity. Oklahoma’s program combines landowner cost-share assistance, prescribed fire, research and targeted brush removal. Researchers are tracking water, soil health, forage production and wildlife response rather than simply counting acres treated. Young eastern red cedar can be effectively controlled with prescribed fire because it does not resprout from the roots once killed. Delaying cedar control can increase future removal costs and reduce the recreational and productive value of the property. Detailed Timestamped Rundown: 00:00 — Episode sponsors: Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association and Great Plains Fire Science Exchange.00:45 — Episode preview establishes the central issue: eastern red cedar, wildfire risk, water resources and Oklahoma’s response.02:56 — John Weir introduces Trey Lam and state Rep. Mike Dobrinski.03:43 — The conversation begins at the Great Plains Fire Summit in Alva, Oklahoma.04:24 — Dobrinski discusses his northwest Oklahoma background, farming connections and path into the Legislature.06:48 — Lam explains his farming and conservation background and transition to leading the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.08:11 — Lam discusses difficult conservation budgets and how increased funding eventually opened opportunities for soil, water and invasive-species work.09:13 — The conversation turns directly to eastern red cedar and the Terry Peach watershed effort. Dobrinski describes drought and wildfire as catalysts for his involvement.13:30 — Dobrinski describes securing roughly $3.2 million for the initial trial effort and the importance of proving results before requesting additional funding.15:25 — State agencies enter the conversation. The group discusses why government has to manage cedar on its own lands if it expects private landowners to do the same.19:24 — Weir recalls earlier cedar task forces dating back decades and asks why the current effort succeeded where previous initiatives stalled.20:42 — Lam points to the convergence of drought, wildfire, Canton Lake concerns, water, available money, on-farm demonstrations and legislative champions.24:11 — The cedar discussion expands into the rural-urban relationship surrounding Canton Lake, Lake Hefner and Oklahoma City water.27:29 — Lam explains the North Canadian River connection and why restoring watershed function could have benefits upstream and downstream.29:29 — The group maps out the program geographically, beginning with research on Persimmon Creek and expanding beyond the original watershed.31:11 — Lam explains the landowner cost-share program and prescribed-fire assistance, including the episode’s discussion of $20 per acre for qualified prescribed burning.33:03 — Conversation shifts toward homes and communities in cedar-heavy areas, particularly where development overlaps with dangerous wildland fuels.34:42 — Weir emphasizes that cedar affects more than ranchers: water, wildfire, human health and wildlife make it a broader Oklahoma issue.36:28 — The guests discuss eastern red cedar as a misunderstood plant and the hazard created when dense cedar becomes wildfire fuel.38:00 — Persimmon Creek research: monitoring soil biology, forage, wildlife and water to measure what happens after cedar removal.40:00 — Turner explains the encouraging vegetation response after cedar control. Lam notes that eastern red cedar does not resprout from its roots once killed, making prescribed fire particularly useful on younger trees.41:22 — Goodman asks what other states can learn from Oklahoma. Dobrinski emphasizes documentation, research and emerging technologies including targeted drone treatment.43:45 — Lam’s recommendation: identify the specific problem—wildfire, water or health—bring the affected stakeholders together and demonstrate the expected return on investment.44:54 — Dobrinski stresses taking good notes and documenting results so future efforts do not have to reinvent the wheel.45:07 — The group discusses experimenting with different removal economics, cedar mulch, potential products and biochar.46:28 — Weir delivers one of the episode’s strongest landowner messages: don’t keep cedar simply because somebody might eventually pay for it; the trees can cost more in the long run.46:45 — Lam connects cedar infestation with land value, hunting value and the future expense passed to the next owner or generation.47:46 — The hosts ask about the program’s future and maintaining momentum.48:35 — Lam discusses applying the model to other localized invasive-plant problems, including mesquite, jujube, Callery pear and salt cedar.49:44 — Weir argues that state government can lead by example by properly managing its own lands.50:39 — The conversation turns to preserving institutional knowledge as state leadership and agency personnel change.51:59 — Lam notes that continual education is also necessary as legislators turn over and new policymakers enter the discussion.52:36 — Closing thoughts: Lam warns that Oklahoma should not wait for a catastrophic wildfire or severe water shortage before taking cedar seriously.53:09 — Dobrinski closes with the point that solving the problem requires collective action rather than a single landowner, agency or organization.53:57 — Episode wrap-up.54:09 — Closing credits and show website. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    How Oklahoma Funded the Cedar Fight

  5. Jun 30

    Whitetail Food: Why Summer Forbs Matter

    Summer deer nutrition can shape what hunters and landowners see in the fall. In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph.D., and Mark Turner Ph.D. explain what white-tailed deer really eat and why forbs, fresh browse, sunlight, and prescribed fire matter for deer health. The crew talks through practical habitat management for Oklahoma and the Southern Great Plains, including cedar control, canopy thinning, seasonal burning, food plots, and why feeding wildlife often falls short compared to growing better native forage. Key takeaways: Forbs and fresh browse are some of the most important summer foods for white-tailed deer. Plants often called weeds, including ragweed, pokeweed, horseweed, tick clovers, blackberry, and greenbrier, can provide valuable deer nutrition. Cedar encroachment and dense tree cover may create cover but can severely limit high-quality forage. Prescribed fire, canopy opening, and stump sprouting can put fresh, nutritious growth within reach of deer. Food plots and feed can have a place, but they should not replace whole-property habitat management. Timestamped rundown 00:00–02:15 — Show introduction and setup: the episode focuses on what deer really eat and why summer forage matters.02:15–05:15 — Mark explains that summer is a critical nutritional period because bucks are growing antlers and does are producing milk for fawns.05:15–08:40 — The crew defines forbs and explains why broadleaf “weeds” can be higher-quality deer food than many woody plants.08:40–10:15 — Greenbrier gets discussed as a year-round food source, especially useful after fire creates fresh regrowth.10:15–12:10 — Blackberry is highlighted for both fruit and young leaves, with discussion of deer as selective feeders.12:10–15:05 — The group talks about poor-quality diets, including deer eating cedar when better food is unavailable.15:05–18:31 — Regional differences come into focus: western Oklahoma may produce forbs after rain, while eastern Oklahoma often needs active management to open sunlight.18:31–20:10 — Mark shares research showing that increasing high-quality food can improve doe body weight and mature buck antler size.20:10–25:55 — The management discussion begins: reduce cedar, open canopies, use fire, and create fresh, reachable browse.25:55–30:28 — Seasonal burning is discussed, including how summer and early fall burns can produce fresh regrowth when deer need it.30:28–34:13 — The crew challenges the old “burn every three to five years” recommendation and discusses more frequent, patchy fire.34:13–40:43 — Food plots are covered as a small piece of the puzzle, useful for hunting or viewing but not a replacement for whole-property habitat work.40:43–41:35 — Fescue and non-native grasses come up, with Mark recommending grass removal where deer forage is the objective.41:35–46:59 — Supplemental feeding is discussed, including disease concerns, predator subsidies, cost, labor, and limited return compared to habitat management.46:59–47:44 — Closing remarks and listener call to subscribe and visit the podcast website. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    Whitetail Food: Why Summer Forbs Matter

  6. Jun 17

    Right-Sized Herds, Stronger Rangeland

    Stocking rate is the grazing decision that affects nearly everything else on the land — cattle performance, native pasture health, wildlife habitat, prescribed fire options and long-term ranch profitability. In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, John Weir talks with Laura Goodman Ph.D. and Mark Turner Ph.D. about what stocking rate really means, why timing matters, and why grazing density is not the same thing. They explain how heavy stocking can reduce cow breed-up, calf weaning weights and individual gains, while also weakening the plant community and shrinking future forage production. Key takeaways: Stocking rate means animals, acres and length of time. Moderate stocking often provides the best balance between animal performance and gain per acre. Rotational grazing cannot fix an overstocked pasture. Bigger cows require more forage than the cows many ranches were stocked for decades ago. Grazing exclosures, clipping, Web Soil Survey and RAP can help producers estimate forage and adjust before drought creates harder choices. Detailed timestamped rundown 00:00–02:13 — Intro and episode setup The Oklahoma Conservation Commission sponsors a message and show intro that set up the episode’s focus: stocking rate, cattle grazing, pasture health, wildlife, and ranch profitability.02:13–03:19 — Why midsummer is a good time to check stocking rate John introduces the topic, and Laura explains that Oklahoma native pastures grow most warm-season forage in May and June. By July, producers can better evaluate how much forage they have for the rest of the season.03:19–05:56 — What stocking rate actually means Laura defines stocking rate as the number of animals on a unit of land for a length of time. She explains why asking “How many cows can I run on this acreage?” is incomplete without knowing how long the animals will graze.05:56–08:42 — Benefits of proper stocking rate The group discusses how proper stocking supports the long-term sustainability of the plant community, helps maintain dominant forage species and reduces pressure on sensitive areas such as streams.08:42–12:14 — Animal performance under heavy stocking Laura explains research showing that heavy stocking can reduce cow breed-up, increase open cows, lower calf weaning weights and reduce individual gains in stocker cattle.12:15–15:40 — Why grazing systems cannot fix overstocking The conversation turns to rotational grazing. Laura explains that rotation can modestly improve plant productivity and grazing efficiency, but it cannot double forage production or make up for running too many animals.15:40–17:27 — Utilization and the mowed-lawn problem John explains why some producers want every blade of grass used evenly, but that is not always realistic or desirable. A pasture does not need to look like a manicured lawn to be properly managed.17:27–20:15 — Why uneven grazing can help wildlife Laura discusses how grazing management thinking has changed. Varying plant heights, open space under the canopy and patchy structure can benefit wildlife and create better habitat diversity.20:15–22:08 — Forage quality, long rest and patch burning The group talks about cattle preference for young, higher-quality forage. Laura explains why patch burning works well: it removes old growth, creates fresh regrowth and attracts grazing to areas that need use.22:10–27:16 — How to measure forage with grazing exclosures Laura walks through how to use cattle panels, T-posts and a clipping hoop to estimate pasture production. She explains why native pasture is better measured by clipping than by using a grazing stick.27:16–29:58 — How many samples and how many years? Mark asks how many exclosures or samples are needed. Laura recommends multiple locations and multiple years because Oklahoma forage production can swing widely from dry years to wet years.29:58–32:45 — Measuring utilization and changing grazing distribution The group explains how clipping outside an exclosure can estimate what cattle used. They also discuss moving protein, salt, mineral and using fire to draw livestock into underused areas.32:45–36:48 — RAP and Production Explorer Laura introduces the Rangeland Analysis Platform as a web-based tool that uses satellite imagery to estimate cover, biomass and production. She explains that Production Explorer can estimate current production and calculate stocking rates.36:48–38:54 — Bigger cows require more forage John notes that many ranches still use older stocking assumptions even though cattle have gotten larger. Laura explains that a 1,300-pound cow consumes much more forage over a season than a 1,000-pound cow.38:55–40:20 — Adaptive management and midseason decisions Laura explains how checking forage in midsummer can help producers decide whether to move cattle, sell animals, feed hay, retain calves longer or keep more replacements.40:21–43:45 — Drought economics and flexible herd structure Mark connects the topic to wildlife carrying capacity. Laura explains that drought-related destocking can affect ranch economics for years and that a smaller base cow herd with flexible stockers or retained ownership can reduce long-term risk.43:46–45:11 — Take half, leave half and harvest efficiency Laura clarifies that the old “take half, leave half” rule is often misunderstood. In stocking calculations, the goal is usually to allocate about 25% of total available productivity to livestock consumption.45:11–48:39 — The stocking rate calculation Laura lays out the math: forage production per acre × number of acres × 0.25 harvest efficiency, then divide by animal demand and grazing days to estimate how many animals a pasture can support.48:39–50:07 — More cows do not always mean more profit John explains that more animals can mean more input costs, more overuse, lower gains, lower weaning weights, lower body condition and more hay feeding.50:09–51:20 — Stocking rate is the foundation The group closes by emphasizing that stocking rate is the number one grazing decision because it affects cattle, plants, wildlife, prescribed fire and long-term ranch economics.51:20–51:58 — Outro The episode closes with a reminder to subscribe and visit the podcast website. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    Right-Sized Herds, Stronger Rangeland

  7. Jun 2

    Bring Back Turkeys With Better Habitat

    Wild turkey numbers rise and fall for a lot of reasons, but better brood habitat may be one of the most practical things landowners can influence right now. In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, Dr. Mark Turner, Oklahoma State University Extension wildlife specialist, joins John Weir and Dr. Laura Goodman to talk through what turkeys need after nesting season. They cover poult survival, forb-rich brood cover, cedar encroachment, roost trees, grazing, fescue control, prescribed fire, predator pressure, and why landowners can have a bigger impact than regulation changes alone. Key takeaways: Nest success matters, but low poult survival may be a bigger bottleneck for turkey populations. Good brood cover is open at ground level, rich in forbs and insects, and tall enough to hide poults while letting hens see predators. Cedar and other woody encroachment can reduce roosting value, limit visibility, and hurt hen survival. Thick grass monocultures, fescue, bermudagrass, and Old World bluestem can make poor turkey and quail habitat. Prescribed fire, grazing, patch burning, and targeted introduced-grass control can help landowners create better turkey country. Detailed timestamped rundown 00:00–02:14 — Opening and setup The episode opens with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission sponsorship message, show introduction, host introductions, and the main topic: wild turkeys, turkey numbers, and habitat management.02:14–04:41 — Why turkeys are timely right now Mark explains that spring turkey seasons are wrapping up and many poults are hitting the ground. He frames the conversation around turkey population declines, ongoing research, and why brood survival deserves more attention. 04:41–05:19 — Nest success versus brood survival The group discusses why nest survival often gets the spotlight, even though brood survival may be a bigger limiting factor. Mark notes that many studies show nest success around 20% to 30%, while brood survival is often still low.05:19–07:48 — Rio Grande and Eastern turkey differences John asks about differences between Rio Grande and Eastern turkeys. Mark explains that Eastern turkeys, especially in the Southeast, appear to be doing worse overall, while Rio Grande turkeys often have better brood conditions where rainfall produces forbs and open grassland structure.07:48–09:12 — What good brood cover looks like Mark describes the ideal brood habitat: open plant communities dominated by forbs, some bare ground for movement, and knee- to waist-high structure that hides poults while allowing hens to watch for predators.09:12–12:54 — Grazing, forbs, and the grass monoculture problem John and Laura explain how grazing, bare ground, and plant diversity influence forb production. Laura pushes back on the idea that the best pasture is always the thickest grass stand, emphasizing that forbs provide insects, seeds, and wildlife value.12:54–14:23 — Burning season and patch-burn diversity John explains that repeated spring burning can favor warm-season grasses and reduce forbs. He recommends mixing burn timing, including growing-season and early dormant-season burns, and using patch burning to create habitat diversity.14:23–19:56 — Fescue and introduced grass control Mark and Laura discuss fescue, Old World bluestem, bermudagrass, and other introduced grasses. Fescue is described as one of the easier problems to treat, especially after frost when native warm-season plants are dormant.19:56–22:19 — Woody encroachment and hen survival Mark shifts to cedar and woody encroachment, explaining that the issue is not just roost loss. Heavy woody cover can reduce hen survival, especially during vulnerable nesting periods.22:19–24:02 — Real-world cedar control success John shares an example from his son’s property, where cedar work, burning, and opening creek and roost areas coincided with a major increase in wintering turkeys.24:02–28:10 — Predators, exposure, heat, and poults The group discusses poult vulnerability during the first two weeks of life. Mark explains that poults cannot roost in trees early on, face predator pressure, and can die from cold rain or extreme heat.28:10–31:33 — Shade, airflow, and roost tree structure Laura asks what poults and hens may seek during hot weather. Mark says open, shaded woods with airflow may matter, and then explains that roost trees are usually selected more for structure and open ground conditions than species alone.31:33–34:27 — Why turkey numbers can bounce back John notes seeing more turkeys this year. Mark connects better recent harvests to improved conditions a couple of years earlier, including weather, productivity, and possibly insect availability like cicada hatches.34:27–35:26 — Habitat is predator management Laura summarizes a key idea: predator management may have a role, but habitat that helps turkeys feed, move, hide, and thermoregulate is foundational. Mark says habitat management is, in many ways, predator management.35:26–38:40 — The closest thing to a key action John asks for the one best thing landowners can do. Mark says reducing understory woody cover and promoting forbs is critical, and prescribed fire is hard to beat. He recommends more frequent burning in eastern Oklahoma than many properties currently receive.38:40–40:47 — Private landowners drive the outcome Mark explains that agencies can manage public lands, but private landowners control much of the habitat. John adds that more landowners are now listing wildlife habitat as a major reason for burning.40:47–42:46 — Resources and closing The group closes by mentioning OSU Extension fact sheets on converting introduced grasses, Rio Grande wild turkey management, Eastern wild turkey management, and prescribed fire. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    Bring Back Turkeys With Better Habitat

  8. May 5

    Eastern Redcedar: Why Oklahoma Is Acting

    Eastern redcedar control is becoming one of Oklahoma’s biggest land, water, and wildfire issues—and this episode explains how the Oklahoma Conservation Commission is turning concern into action. John Weir, Laura Goodman Ph.D., and Mark Turner Ph.D. visit with Trey Lam and Trampas Tripp about the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Pilot Project, a program designed to reduce invasive woody species, protect rural communities, improve rangeland health, and put more water back into Oklahoma soils and streams. The conversation covers how cedar control moved from years of talk to funded work on the ground, including brush-free zones around towns and infrastructure, prescribed fire training with rural fire departments, cost-share programs for landowners, and research measuring soil moisture, forage recovery, wildlife response, and wildfire risk. The episode makes one thing clear: managing cedars is not just about removing trees—it is about protecting rural lives, homes, grasslands, water supplies, wildlife habitat, and the future of working lands. Top 10 takeaways Cedar control is public safety work. Removing dense cedars near towns, homes, propane tanks, fertilizer plants, towers, and roads can give firefighters safer access and slow wildfire spread. The Terry Peach Project turned years of talk into action. Oklahoma had studied eastern redcedar for decades, but the combination of drought, wildfire, water concerns, and available funding finally produced a funded program. Brush-free zones are a practical first step. The program is not always trying to clear entire properties; it often starts by creating strategic fire breaks and access corridors. Rural fire departments are key partners. The program is helping firefighters understand when prescribed fire can reduce future wildfire risk instead of treating all fire the same. Prescribed fire and “controlled burns” are not the same thing. A prescribed fire has a plan, weather parameters, trained people, equipment, and a go/no-go decision process. Cedars cost landowners forage. Dense cedar stands can shade out grass, reduce grazing capacity, and lower the productive value of rangeland. Cedars are a water issue. Guests discussed early findings showing major soil moisture differences between dense cedar areas, treated areas, and open native range. Wildlife responds when cedars are removed. The episode highlights benefits for quail, deer, and especially wild turkeys when cedar-choked areas are reopened and roost trees are protected. Landowner demand is high. The new cedar-removal cost-share pilot received more than 500 applications, showing that many Oklahomans are ready to act. The next challenge is scaling statewide. Oklahoma’s cedar problem varies by region, and future work may need to address salt cedar, mesquite, mountain juniper, and other invasive woody species with different control strategies. Detailed timestamped rundown 00:00:00 — Sponsor and episode setup The episode opens with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission sponsor message and frames the conversation around cedar control, safer towns, healthier rangeland, and water conservation.00:02:16 — Guest introductions John Weir welcomes Trey Lam and Trampas Tripp from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. The hosts set up the episode as a discussion of one of the state’s most visible conservation programs.00:03:20 — Trampas Tripp’s background Trampas explains his path from college and early work with the Corps of Engineers into the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, where he now leads the Land Management Division.00:04:16 — Trey Lam’s conservation roots Trey shares his background growing up on a southern Oklahoma farm and becoming involved in conservation districts before becoming executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.00:05:02 — How the Terry Peach Project began Trey explains that Oklahoma had talked about eastern redcedar for years, but drought, wildfire, water disputes, and state funding finally aligned to create action.00:07:46 — The original three-part approach The project began with research, prescribed fire training, and brush-free zones. The goal was to measure water, soil moisture, grass production, wildlife response, and wildfire mitigation benefits.00:12:15 — Rural fire departments join the effort Trampas describes how the program works with fire departments to shift from only reacting to wildfire toward using prescribed fire and fuel reduction as prevention tools.00:13:22 — Fighting Fire with Fire workshops John and Trampas discuss the workshops that combine classroom training with hands-on burning when conditions allow. Around seven workshops had been held, with strong interest from across the state.00:14:00 — Ada workshop draws major attendance The Ada training brought about 100 attendees and 25 fire departments, including some from Kansas, showing regional interest in Oklahoma’s prescribed fire model.00:15:32 — Brush-free zones and mitigation crews Trampas explains that 14 technicians are working across the state to remove volatile woody fuels near communities, infrastructure, and high-risk areas.00:16:07 — Protecting infrastructure in Woodward Trey gives the example of work near a fertilizer plant on the southwest side of Woodward, where cedar removal created safer access and reduced wildfire risk.00:17:34 — Towers, propane tanks, and rural hazards Laura and Trampas discuss examples near communication towers and propane infrastructure where cedar removal created safer zones around critical facilities.00:19:51 — Burn plans and prescribed fire cost-share The group discusses growing demand for prescribed burn plans and a $20-per-acre prescribed fire cost-share program for landowners.00:21:13 — Prescribed fire versus wildfire The hosts emphasize that prescribed fire is planned, weather-dependent, staffed, and equipped—very different from wildfire or informal “controlled burns.”00:22:55 — “Controlled burn” confusion Trey and John explain how media and public language often blur prescribed fire with escaped brush-pile or trash burns, which creates misunderstanding.00:25:29 — Why cedars are such a large problem Trey lays out the impacts of cedars on wildfire behavior, water use, grass production, quail, deer, and other wildlife habitat.00:26:08 — Wildlife impacts and turkey roosts Mark explains how cedars can eliminate cottonwoods and other roost trees, creating long-term habitat losses for wild turkeys.00:27:11 — Soil moisture findings Trey discusses early findings showing dense cedar areas with very low soil moisture compared with native range and treated areas.00:30:03 — Rainfall interception and runoff John and Laura discuss research showing how dense cedar canopy can prevent rainfall from reaching the ground and how restored grasslands can improve cleaner runoff.00:33:21 — Health, ticks, mosquitoes, and public awareness The conversation expands to the human-health and public-comfort impacts of cedar-dominated areas, including pollen, ticks, mosquitoes, and smoke particulates.00:34:52 — Legislative support and changing attitudes Trey explains how cedar control has moved into mainstream policy discussions, with lawmakers increasingly recognizing the scale of the issue.00:40:27 — New cost-share demand Trampas says a pilot cost-share program received more than 500 applications, showing strong landowner interest in cedar removal.00:42:17 — How landowners access the program The first step is contacting the local conservation district. Applications are ranked by acreage, density, removal method, management approach, and other factors.00:43:41 — Targeted priority areas Trey explains why the program focuses on specific high-impact areas, including Beckham County to Altus Lugert, the Panhandle, Payne-Lincoln-Pawnee, Eufaula, and the Blue River.00:45:14 — Community mitigation work Trampas describes technicians working with emergency managers and communities to build defensible spaces and demonstration areas.00:47:27 — Cedar rows as wildfire fuses Trey describes abandoned railroad corridors and other unmanaged strips as “fuses” that can carry fire directly into rural towns.00:48:20 — Future expansion Trey discusses hopes to expand the program statewide and adapt it to other invasive woody species, including salt cedar, mesquite, mountain juniper, and eastern Oklahoma invasives.00:49:36 — Wrap-up The episode closes with thanks to Trey, Trampas, and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission for supporting the podcast and advancing cedar-control work across Oklahoma. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    Eastern Redcedar: Why Oklahoma Is Acting
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Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things is more than a podcast. It’s a record of knowledge, a tool for transformation, and a beacon for those who believe that good land management is as much about community as it is about combustion. It honors the science while embracing the stories. It respects the past while equipping the future. And in every smoky anecdote, every carefully explained concept, it carries one message: that stewardship isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a lifelong journey shaped by fire, forage, and a little bit of wildness. If you haven’t listened yet, now’s the time. Because the land won’t wait. And neither will the next burn window.

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