08/21/07 Murphy complex aftermath

The ranchers who depend on the rangeland of Owyhee and Twin Falls counties near the Nevada border are facing problems they've never experienced before, thanks to the Murphy Complex range fire. On a hot, windy afternoon we found Dee Conrad looking over the blackened landscape. CONRAD "We had three mares that lived, fairly burned but they'll live and probably recover. We've lost seven colts right here, five mamas and the stallion." About a 20 thousand dollar loss there. Conrad says it was luck that prevented losses to a herd of 525 cattle. CONRAD "We had just moved them out of here two days before that." Some of her neighbors weren't so lucky; the fire killed some of their livestock. Conrad says it may be roundup before they know if they've suffered significant losses. The main concern now is being able to feed their herds while still trying to hold down what are certainly increased costs. CONRAD "We have 900 tons of hay ready but our crystal ball is a little foggy from there on. We're hoping not to have to sell our herd. We have built it the last seven years." And then there's the future, that story tomorrow. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott