Exhibit 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (no.
33-87110, 33-98482, 333-06757 and 333-85936) on Form S-8 of The Beard Company
our report dated March 26, 2004, relating to the balance sheets of The Beard
Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related
statements of operations, shareholders' equity (deficiency) and cash flows for
the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, which report appears in the
December 31, 2003, annual report on Form 10-K of The Beard Company.



COLE & REED P.C.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 26, 2004