This is the centennial year of the Migratory Bird Treaty, a compact between the United States and Canada that ensures certain species of birds can travel undisturbed. The international agreement protects one bird that’s a menace to Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.

As of Thursday, 95 percent of Oklahoma is at least abnormally dry.

Recent wet weather has meant an improvement in drought conditions in Oklahoma, with about a quarter of the state — mainly in the east — completely drought free.

Even if the herds start to rebound, Peel tells the paper beef prices will continue to rise due to high domestic and international demand.