The Texas Panhandle wildfires in February and March caused over $123 million in agricultural losses, including losses of over 12,000 cattle, making it the most expensive fire on record.
To help mitigate some of those losses, over 1,800 contributions were made to the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund. Today, the Farm Bureau announced the distribution of more than $1.8 million to farmers and ranchers impacted by the wildfires.
“The scope and size of the Panhandle wildfires were unprecedented. Farm Bureau members, organizations, and others from across the state and nation called in asking how they could help,” Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. “While this aid cannot replace everything that was lost, we hope it truly helps in the recovery of those still reeling from the disaster.”
Wildfires burned over 1.2 million acres in the Panhandle. The Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund provided assistance for unreimbursed losses of livestock, feed, fences, equipment, and the cost of temporary pastures.
Farmers and ranchers with unreimbursed agricultural losses were encouraged to apply for assistance. The relief fund was established through the organization’s nonprofit Agriculture Research and Education Foundation.
“We cannot say thank you enough for the generous contributions sent in to help our fellow Texans,” Boening said. “Farm Bureau members and the larger agricultural community have always stepped up to help their neighbors in need, and this wildfire relief fund collected tax-deductible donations to meet the needs in affected areas.”
A group of volunteer leaders selected by the TFB board of directors determined the allotment of aid. TFB and non-TFB members received funding for unreimbursed expenses related to the wildfires.
“Farming and ranching is an expensive business,” Boening said. “We hope with this support, those impacted can continue to rebuild and recover from the wildfires that devastated such a large area of the Texas Panhandle.”
»Related: On the front lines of the Texas wildfires: How Canadian FFA stepped up
