In April 2018, wildfires scorched nearly 350,000 acres in northwest Oklahoma. It also claimed 1,600 head of cattle and compromised 2,100 miles of fencing. Damages exceeded $26 million. Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cooperative Extension provided agricultural related relief to affected areas and families. OSU matched producer needs with incoming donations, offered hands-on assistance, and provided science-based information to guide recovery efforts. Between April 13th and 31st, Extension crisis communication via Facebook and Twitter generated a reach of 1,860,142. Meanwhile, Oklahoma 4-H youth development members raised $55,000 for affected families and packed 1,225 sack lunches for hundreds of firefighters battling the blaze.
NIFA supports the Cooperative Extension Service.
Read the full story in STATE, the official magazine of OSU.
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