Blazin' Grazin' And Other Wild Things

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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. Local Voices, Lasting Conservation - BGWT 202

    MAR 17

    Local Voices, Lasting Conservation - BGWT 202

    What does the Oklahoma Conservation Commission actually do, and how does it work with local conservation districts across the state? In this episode, Trey Lam and Lisa Knopf-Owen join the Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things crew to explain how Oklahoma’s conservation system grew from Dust Bowl-era roots into a locally led network supporting landowners, communities, and natural resources. The conversation covers flood control, water quality, soil health, prescribed fire, brush management, and cost-share programs that help producers put conservation into practice. It’s a practical look at how voluntary conservation, strong partnerships, and local leadership keep Oklahoma’s land, water, and wildlife working for future generations.Top 10 Takeaways The Oklahoma Conservation Commission exists to support practical, voluntary conservation across the state. Local conservation districts are the foundation of the system and set priorities based on local needs. Oklahoma has 84 conservation districts, not 77, because districts were formed by local need rather than county lines. Upstream flood-control structures remain one of the agency’s biggest and most important long-term responsibilities. The state cost-share program helps producers implement single practices with less paperwork and faster turnaround than many federal programs. Water-quality work is one of OCC’s biggest success stories, with monitoring data driving conservation decisions and cleanup efforts. Oklahoma leads the nation in EPA-recognized nonpoint source water-quality success stories, according to the guests. Strong partnerships with OSU Extension, NRCS, conservation districts, prescribed burn associations, and other groups are a major reason Oklahoma gets results. The agency is adapting to newer issues like soil health, wetlands, virtual fence adoption, brush control, and eastern redcedar expansion. The future of conservation in Oklahoma depends on keeping it local, voluntary, practical, and rooted in common sense. Detailed Timestamped Rundown 00:00-02:22 Episode open, sponsor message, and introduction. The episode sets up a discussion on how the Oklahoma Conservation Commission supports conservation districts and practical conservation across Oklahoma.02:31-03:22 John Weir welcomes guests Trey Lamb and Lisa Knopf-Owen and frames the discussion around the role of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission in the state.03:22-06:40 Trey and Lisa share their personal backgrounds. Trey discusses his roots in farming, ranching, and conservation district leadership in Garvin County. Lisa shares her journey from Texas and Maine to Oklahoma and her long career with the Commission.06:40-08:04 The conversation turns to prescribed fire partnerships. Lisa explains the Commission’s long partnership with the Oklahoma Prescribed Burn Association and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners Program, including help with equipment and support for burn associations.08:04-10:29 Laura Goodman asks for clarification on the difference between conservation districts and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Trey and Lisa explain the historic, Dust Bowl-era development of locally led conservation and why districts were built to reflect local needs.10:32-13:07 The guests review major historical programs, especially flood control. They describe how repeated flooding led to the small watershed program and the construction of numerous upstream structures to slow runoff and reduce damage.13:07-17:19 Lisa and Trey explain other major programs, including district equipment rental, the long-running state cost-share program, soil health funding, wetlands work, and brush-control efforts. They emphasize that districts decide which practices best fit their local needs.17:19-20:35 Mark Turner highlights the value of simpler paperwork and easier entry points for producers. Lisa explains the streamlined application process and the role of conservation district boards in ranking and approving projects.20:35-24:23 The guests describe how conservation district boards work, how USDA service centers are staffed through partnerships, and why trust-based, voluntary conservation still matters. The discussion connects that model to prescribed burn associations and shared stewardship values.24:23-27:58 Funding sources are discussed, including state appropriations, federal funding, grants, and limited local income. Lisa and Trey then highlight the water-quality program, including EPA 319 funding, long-term monitoring, and science-based conservation efforts.27:58-31:05 Trey explains how data and outcomes now shape the agency’s overall approach. The discussion expands to community conservation, urban water education, Blue Thumb, and yard-by-yard soil health outreach.31:05-36:23 The focus shifts back to flood-control structures, many of which are aging or changing hazard class because of development downstream. Lisa explains the complexity of rehabilitation projects, land rights, staffing shortages, and long timelines.36:23-38:09 Laura Goodman discusses the virtual fence project and OCC’s willingness to adapt programs to new tools. Trey explains how the Commission added virtual fence as an eligible practice after seeing research and producer interest.38:09-40:47 The guests talk about local outreach partnerships and a pilot project in Lincoln County that trains county commissioners to better manage unpaved roads. Trey explains how that work protects water quality and reduces sediment loss.40:47-44:45 John, Laura, Trey, and Lisa reflect on how conservation affects both rural and urban Oklahoma. They discuss how partnerships across agencies and organizations make Oklahoma unusually effective at getting conservation work done.44:45-47:32 Trey and Lisa talk about the future of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. They stress keeping conservation locally driven, voluntary, and practical while addressing major challenges like eastern redcedar and water issues.47:32-49:37 The guests share how listeners can connect with the Commission and local conservation districts. They emphasize that the agency will help direct citizens to answers and resources even when a question falls outside its exact scope.49:41-50:05 Closing credits and reminder to visit the podcast website for more information. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    50 min
  2. Don’t Let Embers Take Everything - BGWT 201

    MAR 4

    Don’t Let Embers Take Everything - BGWT 201

    This episode is made possible by support from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. Wildfire preparedness isn’t just a checklist — it’s a resilience plan for your ranch, your family, and your community. In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, hosts John Weir and Dr. Mark Turner talk with OSU Extension Agriculture and Food Policy specialist Amy Hagerman, Ph.D., about what to do before, during, and after a wildfire or other disaster. They cover practical steps that reduce loss (parking equipment on bare ground, shutting buildings to keep embers out, splitting hay into multiple locations, and keeping fence rows clean), plus the recovery side: how insurance documentation works, why you shouldn’t clean up before adjusters document damage, and which USDA disaster programs may help with livestock loss, fencing, hauling water, and hay-related needs.  The conversation also highlights a critical but often overlooked part of recovery: monitoring mental health in yourself and your neighbors long after the event. Top 10 takeaways (the “do this next” list) Pick one high-impact task this weekend (don’t try to do everything at once). Split hay into multiple locations — avoid one catastrophic pile loss. Park equipment on bare ground or gravel (or mow/graze it tight). Clean equipment (built-up grass and residue can ignite fast). Shut doors on shops/barns during fire season to reduce ember entry. Create an evacuation plan + go bag (papers, meds, chargers). Digitize key records so “proof” survives the fire. After a fire: document first, clean up second (insurance/program rules). Know the big program lanes: livestock loss (LIP), fencing cost share (ECP), hay/water hauling and related support (ELAP). Watch mental health long-term — stress often shows up later; check on neighbors. Timestamped Rundown00:00 – 01:56 | Cold open + show setup Sponsor slate and show intro: “fire meets forage,” focus of episode is being prepared before/during/after disaster; guest intro.01:56 – 03:40 | Meet the guest: roots + career path Amy Hagerman Ph.D. background: western Oklahoma, OSU ag econ, Texas A&M grad school, USDA experience, back to Oklahoma to serve producers.03:40 – 06:34 | Why disaster policy matters Preparedness vs. recovery programs; why most incentives are reactive; costs of production make prevention hard; producer bears losses until reimbursement.06:34 – 07:30 | Who does what: agencies + insurance NRCS as more proactive/conservation; FSA for recovery programs; insurance industry trends affect resilience.07:30 – 11:27 | Wildfire preparedness: physical actions that matter Checklist mindset; protect barns/hay/equipment; park equipment on bare ground or short grass; clean equipment; don’t keep “all eggs in one basket” (hay); fence rows and tree cleanup.11:27 – 13:58 | Insurance: get off autopilot Annual appointment with agent; update coverage for new barns/equipment; caps hit fast with today’s prices.13:58 – 16:44 | Real-world examples of prevention paying off You don’t hear the success stories because they “kept rolling.” Spread hay, clean fence rows, planned cattle routes to bare ground.16:44 – 19:15 | Land is resilient; people come first Great Plains adapted to fire; property loss is hardest; close doors to reduce ember entry; avoid risky last-ditch rescues.19:15 – 23:17 | Evacuation planning + documentation basics Debris under porches; evacuation checklist; important papers, meds, chargers; after an event, call your agent first; don’t clean up until documented.23:17 – 28:31 | Disaster programs overview (practical + specific) LIP (livestock deaths above normal mortality); documentation and proof of ownership; ECP for fencing (county activation; cost share; receipts; fixed rates); ELAP for hay/water hauling needs.28:31 – 32:33 | Helping neighbors: donations + tax realities Charities vs person-to-person distribution centers; talk to your tax preparer; what tends to be deductible and what may not.32:33 – 35:28 | OSU Extension DART: neighbors helping neighbors DART supports county educators with resources, people, answers; extension shines in preparedness/mitigation/recovery cycle.35:28 – 38:55 | Tools to watch: fire danger + “muscle memory” Use online maps/tools, check conditions before welding or risky work; get documentation in place now; learn program rules ahead of time.38:55 – 42:46 | Mental health after disaster Stress can hit weeks/months later; ask “are you OK?”; “be a bother”; community conversations matter; give yourself grace.42:46 – 45:10 | Wrap + where to find resources OSU Extension emergency/disaster resource page; county educator; show notes and website plug. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    44 min
  3. Fence Rows, Hay Bales, and Hitchhiking Seeds - BGWT 118

    11/10/2025

    Fence Rows, Hay Bales, and Hitchhiking Seeds - BGWT 118

    Dr. Karen Hickman sits down with John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner to talk invasive plants across the Great Plains—what’s here, what’s coming, and why our best defense often starts with a clean pickup, a better plant choice, and a tighter contract.  We walk through Callery/Bradford pear’s “overnight” takeover, Old World bluestem’s misnamed reputation, and how sericea, Johnson grass, privet, kudzu, honeysuckle, tree-of-heaven, Siberian elm and others move from roadsides to rangeland. You’ll hear field-tested tips: early detection/rapid response, where to scout first (gates, pens, ditches), what to tell pipeline and oilfield crews about decontamination, how hay can import problems after wildfire, and why tall, highly productive grasses (miscanthus, giant reed/cane, phragmites) pose wildfire risks on the urban–rural edge.  We wrap with Oklahoma’s watch lists, better native alternatives (hello, Mexican plum), and a clear message—don’t plant your problems. Top 10 takeaways Callery/Bradford pear spreads fast once cross-pollinating varieties arrive—two fallow years can become a thicket.Old World bluestem rides roads and rights-of-way; “bluestem” naming drives confusion with natives.Johnson grass, sericea, privet, honeysuckle, kudzu, tree-of-heaven, Siberian elm remain priority species to control.Focus early detection at high-traffic nodes: gates, pens, ditches, well pads, pipeline corridors.Require equipment decontamination (power-wash, mud removal) in contracts with oil & gas, utility, and construction crews.Be cautious with hay imports, especially after wildfire—weed seeds (and insects) ride along.Avoid planting tall, high-biomass ornamentals (miscanthus, giant reed/cane, phragmites) near homes—wildfire risk.Prefer native alternatives (e.g., Mexican plum instead of Callery pear); many ornamentals marketed as “sterile” aren’t.Oklahoma needs clear, funded noxious-weed classes (A–C); enforcement without budget won’t work.Knowledge + Extension wins: use watch lists, posters, and community education to “not plant your problems.”  Top 10 takeaways 00:00:01–00:01:25 | Intro & mission: fire meets forage; hosts & guest intro; subscribe + website. 00:02:02–00:04:22 | Hickman’s roots in Woods County; farming/ranching background; OSU roles. 00:04:49–00:09:08 | How invasives grabbed her attention (CRP “spar grass,” Old World bluestem); 1990s roadside changes. 00:08:54–00:10:11 | “Native encroacher” vs “invasive”; sericea & Johnson grass rising. 00:10:41–00:13:03 | Noxious weed laws 101; state differences (TX aquatic list, classes A–C in AZ/CO/NM/MO). 00:13:40–00:15:23 | Callery/Bradford pear goes from sterile to seedy; why it exploded. 00:16:44–00:17:19 | Jujube (Ziziphus) thickets; why mechanical control fails. 00:20:09–00:21:11 | “Bluestem” name confusion; WW/Spar lines; spread via rights-of-way. 00:31:03–00:31:11 | How WW/Spar got their names; OSU/Woodward history. 00:31:14–00:34:09 | OK Invasive Plant Council: Dirty Dozen poster, 140-species Watch List, filters by region/land use. 00:35:13–00:36:12 | “Top threats” statewide: Callery pear; fast conversion of fallow fields. 00:36:41–00:39:05 | Privet & Japanese honeysuckle; freeze + fire management anecdotes; native alternatives. 00:39:51–00:40:33 | Kudzu: buyer beware on “pretty vines.” 00:41:09–00:44:21 | Oklahoma policy: recent veto; why bills need experts, budgets, and classes (A–C). 00:44:41–00:47:21 | Looming issues: miscanthus, giant reed/cane, phragmites; wildfire implications. 00:49:05–00:50:27 | Where to scout first: pasture roads, gates, pens, ditches; how vehicles and oilfield traffic spread seed. 00:51:03–00:52:22 | Hay after wildfire: well-meant donations, unintended weeds & insects. Tagline needed! 00:52:49–00:53:09 | Final advice: avoid listed non-natives; natives bring more benefits. Close.   Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    54 min
  4. Grazing, Burning, and the Science Between - BGWT 117

    10/20/2025

    Grazing, Burning, and the Science Between - BGWT 117

    Dr. Esben Kjaer joins the Blazin’ Grazin’ hosts to talk fire, forage, and the fine art of managing rangelands for both cattle and wildlife.  His work from Kansas to North Dakota reveals how prescribed fire and strategic grazing shape biodiversity—from plant and insect communities to nesting birds.  He shares what happens when conservation meets production, and how landowners can use grazing without losing habitat. The conversation also dives into fire aversion, Kentucky bluegrass invasions, and why fire still beats grazing when it comes to restoring native prairies.  From the challenges of burning in the frozen north to bringing new fire science to Oklahoma, Dr. Kjaer offers both research and real-world lessons for anyone who loves the land, livestock, and a good burn plan. Top 10 Takeaways Grazing and fire together beat either alone for boosting prairie biodiversity.Light grazing has minimal impact on species composition—but does improve structure for wildlife.Kansas CRP fields can support grazing without harming birds or habitat diversity.Fire still drives legume and forb recovery better than grazing alone.North Dakota’s attitudes toward fire are changing—now with two prescribed fire associations.Patch burn grazing outperforms rotation systems for cattle and plant diversity alike.Kentucky bluegrass invasion is massive—affecting up to 90% of private rangelands.Fire reduces cattle selectivity, making more plant species nutritionally valuable.Drought tested the system, but prairie species bounced back quickly.New research at OSU will compare mowing, burning, and high-intensity grazing to fine-tune future range management strategies. Rundown  00:00 – 02:00 Intro: Meet hosts and guest Dr. Esben Kjaer of OSU’s Natural Resources Department. 02:30 – 04:00 Esben’s journey from Wichita State to North Dakota—early focus on grazing for biodiversity. 04:00 – 09:00 Kansas CRP research: managing 108 sites, studying grazing’s effects on plants, insects, and birds. 09:00 – 12:00 Forb diversity, native legumes, and why light grazing isn’t always enough. 12:30 – 15:00 Infrastructure barriers for CRP grazing—fences, water, and landowner cooperation. 15:00 – 17:00 Avian nesting results: grazing during nesting season shows no harm. 17:00 – 19:00 North Dakota fire story: county commissioner shuts down prescribed burn—fire aversion culture. 19:00 – 23:00 Patch burn grazing vs rotational systems—effects on cattle production and plant diversity. 23:00 – 26:00 Fire’s impact on forage quality and nutrient availability for cattle and wildlife. 26:00 – 30:00 Drought year 2021: effects on vegetation and recovery. 30:00 – 33:00 Kentucky bluegrass invasion and the challenges of managing thatch during burns. 33:00 – 36:00 Fire vs grazing selectivity—how fire reduces pickiness and boosts diversity. 36:00 – 38:00 DNA barcoding for diet analysis—how cattle diets shift after fire. 38:00 – 41:00 Future OSU research: fire alternatives, sericea lespedeza control, and comparing mowing to burning. 41:30 – 42:10 Wrap-up and closing—links to BlazinGrazenWildThings.com. Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    42 min
  5. Fire as Stewardship: Rural Leaders in Action - BGWT 116

    09/29/2025

    Fire as Stewardship: Rural Leaders in Action - BGWT 116

    In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, Noble County rancher Grady Parmley joins the team to share how prescribed burn associations empower landowners to use fire as a powerful tool for grassland management. Grady recounts his own journey from being intimidated by fire to leading burns on thousands of acres through the North Central Range Improvement Association. With insights from OSU Extension experts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner, the episode explores how local PBAs foster neighborly cooperation, reduce wildfire risks, and improve both livestock and wildlife habitat. Listeners will hear practical tips on equipment, safety, burn planning, and navigating the challenges of leadership and liability. Whether you're curious about how to join a burn association or want to improve your pasture management, this episode offers a blend of storytelling and expert advice that’s as educational as it is inspiring. Takeaways: Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) help landowners burn safely by pooling equipment, labor, and experience.Grady Parmley transitioned from fire-fearful to a key PBA leader in Noble County.Burn planning and weather forecasting are essential to safe prescribed fire.Equipment like water trailers and side-by-sides are critical infrastructure for burn days.PBAs often struggle with consistent member participation and leadership succession.Cost structures incentivize active membership and help fund equipment and fuel.Proper burns improve pasture visibility, reduce cedar encroachment, and enhance cattle management.Wildlife like quail and deer benefit from restored grassland ecosystems.Post-burn herbicide treatments help manage invasive species like sericea lespedeza and blackberries.Liability concerns can be mitigated through shared responsibility and good communication.Timestamps: 00:02:07 - Introduction to Grady Parmley and the North Central Range Improvement Association 00:03:13 - Grady's background and how he got into ranching and burning 00:06:41 - Lessons learned from fire mishaps and the importance of burn planning 00:10:11 - Benefits of burn associations and community support 00:12:48 - What a PBA is and how it works 00:14:06 - Coordinating large burns across multiple properties 00:16:52 - Burn equipment and infrastructure 00:18:02 - Challenges of PBA leadership and member participation 00:22:00 - Burn pricing and member incentives 00:25:02 - Visibility and safety benefits from burns 00:27:05 - Wildlife and livestock benefits from prescribed fire 00:30:24 - Managing cedar and invasive species post-burn 00:34:52 - Herbicide strategies to complement fire 00:40:02 - Burn association liability and safety culture 00:47:20 - Expanding PBAs and finding local resources 00:51:02 - Weather tools and planning resources for burns Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    56 min
  6. Butterflies, Burn Units, and a Broader Vision for NREM with Dr. Jason Harmon

    09/08/2025

    Butterflies, Burn Units, and a Broader Vision for NREM with Dr. Jason Harmon

    What do grasshoppers, prescribed fire, and peer pressure have in common?  In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jason Harmon, the new head of Oklahoma State University’s Natural Resource Ecology and Management department, to find out.  From his early days counting insects in Wisconsin to leading research on pollinators and rangelands in North Dakota, Dr. Harmon brings a wide-lens perspective to land management—one that blends ecology, culture, and community. Hosts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner chat with Dr. Harmon about everything from cattle grazing and monarch migration to how landowners manage for appearances rather than outcomes.  They also explore how Oklahoma’s ecological diversity—and its people—are shaping the future of conservation.  Whether you're passionate about prescribed fire, curious about critters, or just love hearing smart folks talk about working landscapes, this one's for you. Takeaways Dr. Jason Harmon’s background blends insect ecology with rangeland research.Cultural perceptions influence landowners' willingness to adopt ecologically diverse pastures.Fire remains an unmatched tool for managing range health and reducing woody encroachment.Oklahoma and North Dakota face different stages of similar land challenges.Pollinators are not just bees—grasslands can host hundreds of native insect species.Milkweed interactions with cattle are species-specific and under-researched.Oklahoma’s ecological range—from alligators to bighorn sheep—mirrors the diversity of its management needs.Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances natural resource problem-solving.Prescribed burning is a proactive solution that prevents larger wildfire disasters.OSU’s natural resource programs offer versatile career pathways through specialized tracks.Timestamps 00:02:05 – Meet Dr. Jason Harmon and his journey to OSU |00:04:01 – Insect ecology and critter-counting origins 00:06:06 – Cultural peer pressure in land aesthetics 00:13:25 – Comparing North Dakota and Oklahoma land management 00:14:59 – Prescribed fire vs. grazing for ecosystem management 00:22:00 – Calf decomposition and surprising pollinator behavior 00:27:12 – Regal fritillaries and pollinator diversity 00:29:44 – Cattle interaction with milkweed species 00:33:39 – Adjusting to Oklahoma and its colorful town names 00:36:25 – Oklahoma’s ecological diversity and wild inhabitants 00:42:29 – Dr. Harmon’s vision for the department 00:49:00 – Promoting collaboration and public understanding 00:52:53 – Overview of OSU’s undergraduate options in natural resources   Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    55 min
  7. Burn, Spray, Repeat: Taming Sericea Lespedeza - BGWT 114

    08/25/2025

    Burn, Spray, Repeat: Taming Sericea Lespedeza - BGWT 114

    In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, we hear from Kayla Moss, Extension Assistant at Oklahoma State University, about her groundbreaking research in Oklahoma.  Moss shares how she tackled the invasive sericea lespedeza using a combination of fire, herbicide, and grazing.  She discusses how growing-season burns, when followed by a well-timed herbicide application, delivered the most effective long-term control—reducing sericea cover from 35% to under 1%. The episode also explores the unexpected return of native legumes after treatment, the resilience of sericea seedbanks, and the practical trade-offs producers face when balancing cattle gains with ecosystem health.  Supported by co-hosts Dr. Laura Goodman, Dr. Mark Turner, and John Weir, this conversation is full of science-backed strategies, real-world challenges, and relatable advice for any land manager facing invasive species. Key Takeaways Sericea lespedeza is highly invasive, with seedbanks that can persist for decades.Growing-season fire followed by herbicide application a year later showed the most effective control.Dormant-season fire alone may increase sericea cover.Herbicide applied post-burn can reduce seed production significantly.Cattle weight gains were not negatively affected by growing-season burns.Native legumes like partridge pea and slender lespedeza can repopulate treated areas.Seed germination of sericea is extremely tough, requiring even sulfuric acid in lab settings.The cost of metsulfuron methyl herbicide is under $4 per acre.Spot spraying and drone tech may offer future precision control options.Integrated management is more practical and effective than standalone treatments.Timestamps 00:01:46 – Meet the hosts and guest, Kayla Moss 00:02:37 – Overview of Osage County research site and plant community 00:03:29 – Introduction to sericea lespedeza and its invasive history 00:05:35 – Existing research gaps and integrating fire, herbicide, and grazing 00:07:04 – Wildlife implications and Bobwhite quail case studies 00:15:13 – Breakdown of treatment methods used in the study 00:19:01 – Impact of dormant vs. growing season fire 00:25:15 – Conditions of prescribed burns and drought effects 00:33:34 – Post-treatment results on sericea cover and seed production 00:40:01 – Native legumes returning after treatment 00:44:01 – Cattle weight gain comparisons and practical advice for landowners 00:51:31 – Final thoughts and takeaways Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    53 min
  8. From Panama To The Plains: Screwworm Is On The Move - BGWT 113

    08/11/2025

    From Panama To The Plains: Screwworm Is On The Move - BGWT 113

    The New World Screwworm, once thought gone from U.S. pastures, is creeping north again—and it’s bad news for both livestock producers and wildlife enthusiasts.  In this episode of Blazin’ Grazin’ and Other Wild Things, Dr. Jonathan Cammack of OSU Extension walks listeners through the pest’s history, the landmark sterile fly eradication program, and the sobering reality that it’s now only 300 miles from the U.S. border.  We explore how the insect’s gruesome feeding habits devastate livestock and deer populations, why winter weather offers only partial protection, and what producers can do to spot and treat infections early. The conversation also highlights the equally concerning arrival of the Asian Longhorned Tick in northeast Oklahoma.  This invasive parasite reproduces asexually, spreads rapidly, and carries livestock diseases already present in nearby states.  Whether you’re managing a herd, tracking deer health, or just passionate about Great Plains wildlife, this episode delivers timely, practical insight into two pests that demand vigilance. 10 Key Takeaways The New World Screwworm is advancing north from Central America into central Mexico.Eradication in the U.S. was achieved through sterile fly releases starting in the 1950s.Current spread appears to be aided by illegal or uninspected livestock movement.Screwworm larvae feed on both dead and living tissue, causing severe wounds and death.The pest threatens both livestock and wildlife, with deer being particularly vulnerable.Cold winters can limit natural spread, but human-mediated jumps bypass that barrier.Livestock owners should inspect animals weekly and treat all wounds promptly.Few insecticides are approved for screwworm, and their effectiveness is short-lived.The Asian Longhorned Tick is a newly detected invasive species in Oklahoma.Cooperation between the U.S., Mexico, and Panama is key to keeping screwworm at bay.Time Stamps 00:02:04 – Introduction of Dr. Jonathan Cammack and defining “New World” Screwworm 00:03:17 – Historical presence and eradication in the U.S. 00:05:14 – The sterile fly release program explained 00:08:47 – Early detection challenges and illegal livestock movement 00:10:42 – Life cycle of the screwworm and why it’s so destructive 00:13:41 – Efforts to reopen production and distribution facilities 00:14:50 – Wildlife impacts, with focus on deer mortality 00:18:47 – Challenges in controlling wildlife-borne spread 00:21:06 – Life span, temperature limits, and seasonal spread 00:22:18 – Livestock management practices to reduce risk 00:24:01 – Approved insecticides and treatment limitations 00:27:13 – Update on the Asian Longhorned Tick in Oklahoma 00:30:27 – Why the current screwworm spread is different from past outbreaks 00:31:59 – Resources for producers and wildlife managers Find all resources at BlazinGrazinWildThings.com

    35 min
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About

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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