Can crops change the weather? We’ve done the myth busting, learn the truth. Plus, PRCA standings heat up - we talk Rodeo, share how a rancher raises Old Glory sky-high, and fishing records are about to be broken again! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 5, Episode 253 Can Crops Affect the Weather? Chief Meteorologist Kenny Miller Explains

When it comes to agriculture, we usually think about how weather affects crops — but what if the reverse is true? Can crops actually influence the weather?

According to KX News Chief Meteorologist Kenny Miller, who has extensive experience in forecasting for agriculture and commodity trading, the answer is yes — in certain ways.

“Large-scale crops can change local climate conditions through evapotranspiration,” says Miller. “That’s the process where plants release moisture back into the atmosphere, which can lead to cooler temperatures and increased local humidity.”

This matters not only for farmers, but also for agriculture professionals and commodity traders who rely on precise, short-term forecasts during critical planting and harvest windows.

Kenny emphasizes that the impact is regional, not global — but in key ag zones, it can shape everything from yield timing to market behavior.

PRCA Standings: Countdown to the 2025 Wrangler NFR

As we approach the PRCA regular season deadline on September 30, 2025, the tension is building across the rodeo world. Cowboys and cowgirls across the country are laser-focused on making the Top 15 in their events to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) this December.

Current PRCA Standings

Here are the PRCA Rankings & Standings as of September 2, 2025.

Stetson Wright, Beaver, Utah: All-Around Earnings: $391,000 plus. After the 8x World Champion sustained injuries at the 2023 NFR, sidelined during the 2024 rodeo season, he has made a runaway comeback for the coveted 2025 Wrangler NFR All-Around Champion.

Events: #1 in Bull Riding, #9 in Saddle Bronc.

Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, TX: World bareback riding leader with $243,000 plus with the closest contender being Bradlee Miller of Huntsville, TX and Jess Pope of Waverly, KS riding neck in neck with just a $1,000 year earnings in difference fighting for that 2nd place title.

Ryder Wright, Beaver Utah: Saddle Bronc Earnings: $273,000 plus. Saddle Bronc this year is a tighter event. The top 12 in the world fighting for their seat in the winners circle have all earned well over $150,000… This includes well known names such as Damian Brennen in 2nd with Dawson Hay right behind, Brody Wells, and Zeke Thurston all over $200,000 in 2025 earnings.

Following not far behind are Ryder Wright's brothers… Statler Wright sitting in 6th, and Stetson Wright in 9th. And a shoutout to a friend of the show, Melstone, Montana cowboy Sage Newman, is right up there too sitting in 6th.

Will Lummus, Byhalia, Missouri: Steer Wrestling leader with $161,000 in earnings.

Tanner Tomlinson, Mineral Wells, Texas is the current world leader Team Roping Header with $153,000 plus, however it’s a TIGHT race as a household favorite here Derrick Begay of Arizona is just $3,000 behind in earnings. Remember last year during the 2024 Wrangler NFR when Derrick Begay borrowed his well-known mule, John Henry, to saddle bronc favorite Zeke Thurston to ride in the first two Grand Entry parades!

Levi Lord, Sturgis, South Dakota is the current world leader Team Roping Heeler with $155,000 plus. This 4x NFR qualifier is making sure the world knows there’s more to Sturgis, South Dakota than just a HUGE motorcycle rally.

Riley Webb, Denton, Texas is the current world leader Tie-Down Roping with $264,000 in earnings. Not a bad place to be after 2024 being his WNFR debut. Chasing him is 6x qualifier Shad Mayfield sitting with over $237,000.

Cole Patterson, Pawnee, OK is currently leading world standings in Steer Roping with over $92,000.

Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas is the world barrel racing leader at $202,000 plus in earnings. The top three looking to make this a race to watch just like in 2024 also include Texas stars Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Hailey Kinsel. But don’t leave out the legend Lisa Lockhart as she’s sitting 10th and this cowgirl knows the grind, and how to move mountains.

That’s just a quick snapshot of current standings as we look forward towards the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) this December.

Dates for Wrangler Finals National Rodeo: December 4 - December 13, 2025

Location: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada

Reference: https://www.prorodeo.com/standings?eventType=AA&standingType=world&id=&circuitId=&year=2025

Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News 78-Year-Old Rancher Climbs 130-Foot Flagpole to Keep Old Glory Flying High

When a storm took down the ropes on a 130-foot flagpole in Star Valley, Wyoming — most folks would've called it a job for the young and fearless. But not Darcel Hulse. At 78 years old, the rancher grabbed his gear, called a crane, and went straight up to fix it himself.

That’s because flying the American flag isn’t just tradition on his Salt River Ranch — it’s a statement. Hulse proudly flies a 1,500-square-foot flag from the highest point on his property, and when it needed replacing, he wasn’t about to sit it out.

Recently in a Cowboy State Daily interview, Darcel Hulce joked, 'I'm an old guy, but I'm not afraid of heights.” And judging by the 1.4 million views on his daughter’s video of the flag-raising, the country loves him for it.

The massive flag — 50 by 30 feet — has become a beloved landmark in Star Valley. Locals call it “our flag,” and when it was temporarily down, the phones lit up. Everyone wanted to know when Old Glory would be back.

For Hulse, raising that flag is about more than patriotism. It’s about values, family, and returning to his Western roots. And while he hopes that new rope holds strong for a while — you can bet that if it doesn’t, he’ll be right back up there making sure that star-spangled banner keeps waving high.

Reference: https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/08/31/78-year-old-rancher-scales-130-foot-flagpole-to-fly-massive-american-flag-over-star-valley/

Alaska Bans Invasive Berry Trees to Protect Native Forests and Wildlife

A major move from Alaska officials this week — the state has officially banned two popular but destructive trees: the mayday tree and the chokecherry. These fast-growing ornamentals were once a garden favorite, but they’ve turned into a serious threat to Alaska’s natural landscape.

The ban — now statewide — blocks the import, transport, or sale of these trees, which have overrun native birch and spruce forests, especially around Anchorage and Fairbanks. They may look pretty, but they’re wreaking havoc under the surface.

Their berries? Toxic to moose. Their roots? So tough, new trees grow right out of the stumps. And now, they’re even spreading a nasty fungal disease known as Black Knot. Not exactly the kind of greenery you want in your backyard.

The good news? Officials are working hard to remove them and replace them with native trees, and this new ban is a big step forward. As Division of Agriculture Director Bryan Scoresby puts it: ‘With this quarantine, the flow of trees into Alaska will stop, making the goal of elimination more attainable.’

So next time you’re planting something new, remember — going native helps keep eco-systems wild, balanced, and beautiful. Check your state on plants that have landed on the Noxious or Invasive list by reaching out to your local extension agent.

Reference: https://alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alaska-officials-impose-statewide-ban-on-invasive-berry-producing-trees/

Swordfish That ‘Looked Like a Dinosaur’ Could Shatter Alabama Record

An Alabama fishing trip turned legendary when Robert Fritze and his crew caught a massive 550.3-pound swordfish—over 100 pounds heavier than the current state record. The catch happened in the early morning hours of August 15, after the crew set out from Orange Beach Marina aboard the Trade Desk.

Originally aiming for marlin, the six-man crew fished near deep-water oil rigs, dropping a squid bait setup hundreds of feet down overnight. Around 4 a.m., Robert noticed the reel clicking and jumped into the fighting chair for what became a four-and-a-half-hour battle.

The swordfish fought hard and deep before finally surfacing—stunning the crew with its dinosaur-like appearance. Once landed, the fish was so big it filled the entire deck, forcing the crew to end their trip early.

The swordfish measured 150 inches long with a 62-inch girth and is expected to break Alabama’s current record of 448 pounds, pending official approval.

Now my question is - Where does one find the wall space to hang a mount that big?!

Reference:

Can Crops Affect Weather? Plus PRCA Standings, and Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News

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