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

Detailed Timestamped Rundown

00:00-02:22

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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. 

Top 10 takeaways (the “do this next” list)

Timestamped Rundown

00:00 – 01:56 | Cold open + show setup

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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

1. Callery/Bradford pear spreads fast once cross-pollinating varieties arrive—two fallow years can become a thicket.
2. Old World bluestem rides roads and rights-of-way; “bluestem” naming drives confusion with natives.
3. Johnson grass, sericea, privet, honeysuckle, kudzu, tree-of-heaven, Siberian elm remain priority species to control.
4. Focus early detection at high-traffic nodes: gates, pens, ditches, well pads, pipeline corridors.
5. Require equipment decontamination (power-wash, mud removal) in contracts with oil & gas, utility, and construction crews.
6. Be cautious with hay imports, especially after wildfire—weed seeds (and insects) ride along.
7. Avoid planting tall, high-biomass ornamentals (miscanthus, giant reed/cane, phragmites) near homes—wildfire risk.
8. Prefer native alternatives (e.g., Mexican plum instead of Callery pear); many ornamentals marketed as “sterile” aren’t.
9. Oklahoma needs clear, funded noxious-weed classes (A–C); enforcement without budget won’t work.
10. 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.

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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

1. Grazing and fire together beat either alone for boosting prairie biodiversity.
2. Light grazing has minimal impact on species composition—but does improve structure for wildlife.
3. Kansas CRP fields can support grazing without harming birds or habitat diversity.
4. Fire still drives legume and forb recovery better than grazing alone.
5. North Dakota’s attitudes toward fire are changing—now with two prescribed fire associations.
6. Patch burn grazing outperforms rotation systems for cattle and plant diversity alike.
7. Kentucky bluegrass invasion is massive—affecting up to 90% of private rangelands.
8. Fire reduces cattle selectivity, making more plant species nutritionally valuable.
9. Drought tested the system, but prairie species bounced back quickly.
10. 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.

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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:

1. Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs) help landowners burn safely by pooling equipment, labor, and experience.
2. Grady Parmley transitioned from fire-fearful to a key PBA leader in Noble County.
3. Burn planning and weather forecasting are essential to safe prescribed fire.
4. Equipment like water trailers and side-by-sides are critical infrastructure for burn days.
5. PBAs often struggle with consistent member participation and leadership succession.
6. Cost structures incentivize active membership and help fund equipment and fuel.
7. Proper burns improve pasture visibility, reduce cedar encroachment, and enhance cattle management.
8. Wildlife like quail and deer benefit from restored grassland ecosystems.
9. Post-burn herbicide treatments help manage invasive species like sericea lespedeza and blackberries.
10. 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

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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

1. Dr. Jason Harmon’s background blends insect ecology with rangeland research.
2. Cultural perceptions influence landowners' willingness to adopt ecologically diverse pastures.
3. Fire remains an unmatched tool for managing range health and reducing woody encroachment.
4. Oklahoma and North Dakota face different stages of similar land challenges.
5. Pollinators are not just bees—grasslands can host hundreds of native insect species.
6. Milkweed interactions with cattle are species-specific and under-researched.
7. Oklahoma’s ecological range—from alligators to bighorn sheep—mirrors the diversity of its management needs.
8. Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances natural resource problem-solving.
9. Prescribed burning is a proactive solution that prevents larger wildfire disasters.
10. 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

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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

1. Sericea lespedeza is highly invasive, with seedbanks that can persist for decades.
2. Growing-season fire followed by herbicide application a year later showed the most effective control.
3. Dormant-season fire alone may increase sericea cover.
4. Herbicide applied post-burn can reduce seed production significantly.
5. Cattle weight gains were not negatively affected by growing-season burns.
6. Native legumes like partridge pea and slender lespedeza can repopulate treated areas.
7. Seed germination of sericea is extremely tough, requiring even sulfuric acid in lab settings.
8. The cost of metsulfuron methyl herbicide is under $4 per acre.
9. Spot spraying and drone tech may offer future precision control options.
10. 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

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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

1. The New World Screwworm is advancing north from Central America into central Mexico.
2. Eradication in the U.S. was achieved through sterile fly releases starting in the 1950s.
3. Current spread appears to be aided by illegal or uninspected livestock movement.
4. Screwworm larvae feed on both dead and living tissue, causing severe wounds and death.
5. The pest threatens both livestock and wildlife, with deer being particularly vulnerable.
6. Cold winters can limit natural spread, but human-mediated jumps bypass that barrier.
7. Livestock owners should inspect animals weekly and treat all wounds promptly.
8. Few insecticides are approved for screwworm, and their effectiveness is short-lived.
9. The Asian Longhorned Tick is a newly detected invasive species in Oklahoma.
10. 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

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In this episode, John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner sit down for a conversation about Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) and how it plays a big role in shaping better wildlife habitats for deer, turkey, and quail—especially right here in Oklahoma. 
They swap stories and share how FSI differs from Timber Stand Improvement (TSI), and why even folks without marketable timber can still benefit from these management techniques.

You’ll hear plenty of real-world advice—how to get more sunlight to the forest floor, which trees to keep or cut, and what tools make the job easier (spoiler: PlantNet and iNaturalist apps get some love). 
They also dig into strategies like girdling, hinge cutting, and selective herbicide use. And of course, no land management talk would be complete without prescribed fire. It's not just about burning—it’s about building a better future for your land.

10 Takeaways:

1. Set clear wildlife goals—know if you're managing for deer, turkey, quail, or all three.
2. FSI is about habitat, not harvest—focus on diversity, not timber value.
3. Sunlight on the forest floor is key to encouraging beneficial plants.
4. Learn your trees—ID skills help you decide what to cut and what to keep.
5. Apps like PlantNet and iNaturalist are handy for identifying flora.
6. Girdling and herbicide are go-to methods for thinning unwanted trees.
7. Hinge cutting adds instant structure that wildlife, especially deer, love.
8. Fire isn't the end—it's a tool to keep your habitat strong and Cedars at bay.
9. Don't fear killing a few oaks—it's sometimes necessary for a better habitat.
10. Mix and match your methods—it's okay to combine tools and tailor your strategy.
     

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to episode and host
02:07 – Forest Stand Improvement (FSI) explained
04:39 – Defining wildlife management objectives (deer, turkey, quail)
07:05 – Importance of considering property size and surrounding landscapes
09:52 – Tools and apps for plant identification (PlantNet, iNaturalist)
12:12 – Recommended guidebooks and Oklahoma State Extension web resources
14:33 – Importance of ongoing plant identification and landowner education
17:11 – Initial steps in forest management: assessing sunlight and tree density
18:25 – Explanation of basal area in forest management
20:01 – Techniques for tree management: girdling and herbicide application
22:29 – Herbicide mixtures and their proper application
26:00 – Advantages and considerations of girdling versus hack-and-squirt methods
27:01 – Explanation of hinge cutting and its benefits for wildlife habitats
32:28 – Special considerations for managing habitats specifically for quail
34:55 – Description and application of hack-and-squirt herbicide method
35:32 – Aerial herbicide application for large-scale forest management
37:18 – Importance of creating variable canopy density
38:33 – Prescribed fire: its crucial role in habitat maintenance
40:24 – Managing fire risks and considerations for snags (standing dead trees)
42:26 – Fire rotation and management practices to minimize wildfire risks
45:00 – Transforming leaf-litter fuel types to herbaceous plants through prescribed fire
46:22 – Historical context of fire management in Oklahoma’s forests
48:01 – Risks of cedar encroachment on turkey roosting trees and forest health
50:00 – Episode wrap-up and summary

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In this episode of Blazin' Grazin' and Other Wild Things, hosts John Weir, Dr. Laura Goodman, and Dr. Mark Turner dig deep into the value of growing season burns. 
They discuss how summer fires, often underused due to misconceptions about safety, can be the most effective tool for land managers dealing with eastern redcedar, poor forage quality, and wildlife habitat degradation. 
Drawing on years of OSU Extension research and firsthand experience, they reveal how fire during the warmer months can be slower-moving and safer than many think.

Listeners will learn how these burns enhance plant nutrition for both cattle and wildlife, why concerns about risk and liability are overblown, and how to plan burns that align with weather and vegetation goals. 
From practical strategies like creating wide firebreaks and managing brush piles to the science behind fire behavior and plant responses, this episode delivers insights that could reshape your approach to land stewardship.


Key Takeaways:

1. Growing season burns are highly effective at controlling larger eastern redcedar trees.
2. Livestock and wildlife benefit from increased forage quality post-burn.
3. Liability concerns around prescribed fire are largely based on perception, not data.
4. Most spot fires are small and manageable; large escapes are extremely rare.
5. Summer burns produce lower flames and slower-moving fires, enhancing safety.
6. Wind and humidity are key parameters in planning a successful burn.
7. Summer burns can expand the burning window, offering more flexibility for landowners.
8. Proper planning, equipment, and training minimize risks and maximize effectiveness.
9. Fire improves not only plant quality but also diet diversity for cattle and wildlife.
10. Growing season fires offer better results than dormant burns in many cases.

Timestamps:

[00:02:00] What is a prescribed fire? Terminology and misconceptions
[00:04:00] The main reasons people burn in the Great Plains
[00:08:00] Forage quality and fire's impact on plant nutrition
[00:13:00] Liability and risk—what the data says about escapes and claims
[00:29:00] Cedar variability and how to burn effectively
[00:36:00] Comparing dormant vs. growing season burns
[00:43:00] Safety and practicality of summer burns
[00:48:00] Rain timing, regrowth, and maximizing burn effectiveness

 

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