Exhibit 23.1





                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent  to the use of our report  incorporated  herein by  reference,  which
report  appears in the December 31, 2002 annual report on Form 10-K of The Beard
Company.

                                          COLE & REED, P.C.
                                          Cole & Reed, P.C.



Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
September 19, 2003