Protecting Cattle Ranches in Wildfires: TCU Ranch Management Expert Explains

In recent wildfires in Texas and beyond, we have all seen images of ranchers and emergency workers herding their cattle away from wildfires. It's one of the many complex considerations during these catastrophic events.

Matt Garcia, holder of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show Professorship in Ranch Management and director of Texas Christian University's School of Ranch Management, recently talked to TCU News about how ranchers approach these disasters and how the program in the Louise Dilworth Davis College of Science & Engineering is preparing ranching professionals to deal with these inevitable challenges.

What does a well-prepared ranch look like when a wildfire is approaching?

A well-prepared ranch has most likely faced this scenario before and has equipment ready to protect its infrastructure. It has probably also invested a good amount in training for all employees/owners in that scenario, and they have all been informed of the plan and how to enact it. These individuals have also been communicating with their neighbors and fire stations and have agreed to help each other in these scenarios to have as much trained manpower as possible.

What's the single most important thing ranchers can do before a wildfire threatens?

Have a plan for when it happens and be as proactive as possible with prevention. We live in a wildfire-prone area with a summer climate and low precipitation, which can spark these fires. Ranchers must have a plan for how they will respond when this situation arises, and they must be able to implement it quickly and efficiently.

What's one wildfire-preparedness step you wish more livestock owners took?

Once again, every ranch needs to have a disaster plan. Whether it be fire, flood or disease, having some type of plan in place is better than trying to come up with a plan as the disaster is happening. By having a plan in place, producers have resources and people capable of implementing it when needed.

What misconception about protecting livestock during wildfires concerns you most?

While it may not be a misconception, exactly, I think one of the biggest concerns is the human-nature reaction: "It's never happened to me, so I'm not going to worry about it." But it's not if, it's when.

How does the TCU Ranch Management program prepare ranchers to deal with drastic times like this?

TCU Ranch Management trains students in risk management, pre- and post-disaster planning and mitigation. Our students are further trained in burn techniques and proper fire utilization. Our students understand not only how to mitigate risk, but also what to do when they are faced with scenarios that are not optimal. They understand they must have plans and strategies when disaster strikes, and they must be willing to be adaptable to keep the ranch safe, solvent and functioning.