Ranchers Working To Educate Community During Drought

The July heat has impacted all Oklahomans.

Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers are not only seeing the dead grass, but they're feeling the pinch financially.

People come from all over the country to visit the Denny's at Simply Country Ranch. The family has a large social media presence.

Now they are using their platform to let people know about country life and the hardship ranchers are currently facing.

Ranchers rely on continued grass growth throughout the summer, but Rancher Lauren Denny said that has been stalled.

"For instance, our cattle are all grazing cattle, so we really need our pastures to grow and give them nutrients for the remaining part of the year," said Denny.

They also aren't able to grow as much hay. Which they use in the winter months.

"When the grass is not growing, we don't have food to feed our animals," said Denny.

She said other ranchers have already begun reaching out to them to try to purchase hay to feed their animals.

"Right now, we only have one cut which on a good year we have two cuts, and it has been very sparse," said Denny.

And when they can't afford the feed or get enough, she said other ranchers are selling their herds.

"Talking to people who work at the sale yard they are working for hours and hours on end

The work of a rancher is difficult, and it's something they do because they care.

"I want people to understand that farmers do something every day for the community, so our animals are our passion and when you have really hard times it wears on you."

And without them we wouldn't have the things we need every day.

"Farming is so much more than just what you get at the grocery store. It is our livelihood, it is what we love every day." 

Their goal is to invite people to learn about ranching and encourage them if it is something they want to pursue.

Simply Country Ranch goes beyond just ranching, they also do custom woodworking, host events and so much more. 

To learn more about Simply Country Ranch, click here.