The wildfires may be mostly contained across Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Colorado, but that hasn’t stopped the agricultural community from lending a helping hand. Wildfire relief efforts continue to come in from fellow farmers and ranchers across the nation.
If you are still looking to donate, check out these groups:
The Central Mo. Wildfire Relief Convoy is located in Columbia, Missouri and surrounding areas, and has been delivering hay and supplies to victims of the panhandle wildfires. This group is currently traveling to Oklahoma. Over the weekend, they had a few tire blowouts, but they have received tremendous support along the way. They have also started a gofundme pages as well, raising $3,325 so far.
The Facebook group West Michigan Aid for Ranchers Devastated by Wildfires was created to help organize relief for the ranchers in the Ashland, Kansas area. Donations will go to the Ashland Community Foundation. Delivery will take place around the end of March to the Ashland Feed & Seed.
The Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau in Illinois is collecting hay bales, fencing supplies, milk replacer, bottles, and monetary donations. The group will be delivering goods to the Ashland, Kansas area March 24 and 25.
The Southwest Kansas Cattlewomen are raising funds for fellow cattlewomen that have been affected by the recent wildfires on the plains and in the panhandle. They have reached $1,330 of their $2,000 goal so far.
The U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. is donating $5,000 to a Kansas Economic Development organization. In a Facebook post, the group said they trusted this organization to distribute funds to those seriously in need, as those in need are required to apply for assistance.
“The board encourages you to make a donation as well, no matter how large or small. These farmers and ranchers have lost absolutely everything. Their houses, cattle, pickups, everything. While many donations of hay came in, many can’t even make it to a distribution site to pick it up.”
To donate, send checks with “fencing donation” written in the memo line to:
Comanche Co. Economic Development
PO Box 268
Coldwater, KS 67025
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service reported that the panhandle distribution points had received “overwhelming support” in the form of hay and feed.
“We want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support of hay and feed in the last 5 days. We are now to a point at all of the supply point to focus our effort towards deliver to producers in the country. We feel like we will have ample supply of feed and hay to meet the ranchers needs for 2-3 weeks,” said Danny Nusser, Regional Program Leader-Ag &NR, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “If you are loaded or planning to come this weekend we welcome you. If you are still in the planning stages we would like your contact information just in case. The greatest needs going forward are monetary donations to the accounts supporting ranchers needs in the future. Thanks again for all of the overwhelming support of our producers in the Texas Panhandle.”
For other ways to donate to the Panhandle, AgriLife put together this flyer.
The Working Ranch Cowboys Association Foundation is accepting cash donations for the Wildfire Relief Fund.
Three ways to donate to the WRCF Wildfire Relief Fund:
1. Donate online at wrca.org (indicate funds for WRCF Wildfire Relief Fund).
2. Send donation to WRCF Wildfire Relief Fund, 408 SW 7th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79101.
3. Call WRCF at (806) 374-9722.
