Our hearts go out this week to our friends in Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas as they continue to battle devastating wildfires. Here’s the latest update from each state and where you can send some support to these agricultural communities.
Kansas:
Wildfires have burned more than 400,000 acres in 21 counties this week, according to the Kansas Farm Bureau.
Kansas Livestock Association is organizing hay and fencing material donations for delivery to affected areas in Kansas. To make in-kind donations, call KLA at (785) 273-5115. Cash donations can be made through the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF), KLA’s charitable arm.
Colorado:
According to the Colorado Farm Bureau Foundation, the Northeast Colorado Fire has consumed more than 30,000 acres, making it larger than the Heartstrong Fire in Yuma that occurred five years ago this week. Three homes have been lost, along with multiple structures, hundreds of thousands of dollars in crops and feed, as well as dozens of cattle and horses.
There is an immediate need for hay, feed, fencing supplies, and individuals willing to provide trucking, etc. for the farmers and ranchers. Donations should be taken to CHS Grainland in Haxtun. A loader and scale are both available, if needed. Contact Rick Unrein 970-520-3565 for more information about dropping off donations.
For more information on how to donate and aid these producers, please visit the Colorado Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund.
Oklahoma:
Governor Mary Fallin issued an executive order to declare a state of emergency for 22 counties due to ongoing wildfires and critical fire weather conditions. Estimates show between 200,000 and 300,000 acres have already burned in Beaver, Harper, and Woodward counties alone, where dangerous fire conditions are expected to continue.
A Buffalo, Oklahoma woman died Monday after an apparent heart attack while trying to save her farm from a wildfire.
You can donate online to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation or send checks with “Fire Relief” in the memo line to P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.
To donate hay or trucking services for hay, contact either the Harper County Extension Office at 580-735-2252 or Buffalo Feeders at 580-727-5530 to make arrangements or provide trucking services.
Texas:
According to the Texas Farm Bureau, more than 400,000 acres have been burned so far and high winds are still in the forecast. Three ranch hands lost their lives Monday night trying to save cattle from a deadly blaze near McLean, Texas. Thoughts and prayers continue to pour in through social media with the #PrayForThePanhandle.
Two supply points have been established to collect donated hay:
Supply Point 1
202 West Main
Lipscomb, TX
Contact: J.R. Spragg
Office: 806-862-4601
Supply Point 2
301 Ball Park Drive
Pampa, TX
Contact: Mike Jeffcoat
Office: 806-669-8033
Supply Point 3
Hemphill County Livestock
Hackberry Trail
Canadian, Texas 79011
Andy Holloway: 806-823-9114
Also, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers (TSCRA) Special Rangers are in the impacted area assessing the damage and assisting TSCRA members. If you need assistance, please contact their offices at 817-332-7064 or fill out the Panhandle Fires Response Form.
