Wildfire Victims Get Outpouring of Help

Jennifer Carrico, DTN/Progressive Farmer Senior Livestock Editor, and Elaine Shein, DTN/Progressive Farmer Associate Content Manager

REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- The outpouring of help for people in the Texas Panhandle wildfire areas is one of the most positive outcomes of the devastation that hit communities and agricultural producers across the region.

"People calling asking, 'How can we help?' 'What do you need?' and saying, 'We are here for you,' has been amazing," said Missy Bond. Her ranch east of Glazier, Texas, was overcome by the Smokehouse Creek Fire. The fire is the largest recorded in Texas and the second largest in the nation's history, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Bond's ranch was destroyed by fire for the second time in seven years and the family lost most of the grassland and possibly as much as 85% of the cow-calf pairs run there. But she says it's the outpouring of friendship from people in the community, state and across the country that is so heartwarming and humbling.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller pledged to help producers in recovery from the disaster. "I know of ranchers who have lost everything. Our agency will continue its efforts to do everything we can through our STAR Fund, AgriStress Helpline, Hay Hotline and by partnering with other agencies to lend a helping hand," he said.

Lindsay Norris and her family have a cow-calf operation south of Canadian, Texas, and while they saved their animals, a lot of the grassland was lost. So many in their area were not as fortunate and lost livestock, barns and homes. "We needed to evacuate the area and get our family out of harm's way," she said.

The Canadian community and other surrounding towns impacted have done so much to help each other during the crisis. "Everyone is helping -- from manning the phone at the feed store to directing ranchers where to get the products they need to survive. Others are directing donations directly to the affected ranches so they don't have to be loaded and unloaded twice," Norris said.

The local extension office is the hub for household and food donations. People with houses for sale in Canadian have agreed to delay sales and instead rent to those who have lost homes in the fire.

"It's amazing to see everyone rally to help in any way possible," she said.

Many groups and organizations have put together funds and resources for community members and agricultural producers in the fire-affected areas.

"I am immensely grateful for the unity and generosity shown by Texans during this challenging time," Commissioner Miller said in a news release. "The unwavering support and assistance I've witnessed is a testament to the strength of our state. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the emergency personnel and all those who have selflessly united to aid those affected by the wildfires."

See more DTN stories about the wildfires:

-- "Texas Cattlemen Assess Damages to Grass, Cattle After Wildfires," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Treating Cattle That Are Wildfire Survivors," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Devastating Losses From Wildfires for Texas Family," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Kindness Brings Hope After Texas Fire," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Ranchers, Farmers Recover From Devastating Wildfires That Scorch Texas, Oklahoma," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

-- "Donations Needed as Farmers, Ranchers Recover From Wildfires, Worry About Weather Outlook," https://www.dtnpf.com/….

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LIST OF RESOURCES TO HELP RANCHERS, CATTLE PRODUCERS:

HAY, FEED, FENCING SUPPLIES NEEDED

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service said donations of hay, feed, fencing supplies, cow feed and milk replacer are needed to support livestock owners affected by the wildfires.

The extension service said it is "establishing animal supply points in several locations in the region to accept the donations. The purpose of the animal supply point is to meet area producers' most critical needs such as providing feed for cattle while they assess their individual operation's other needs."

"These donations will go directly to those who need them as soon as possible," said Monty Dozier, AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment Recovery, DAR, program director, Bryan-College Station.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has set up a website at https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/… to help provide information on donating hay, feed or fencing materials or even on how to make monetary contributions.

TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE WEBSITE

See more tips on how to protect yourself in case of wildfires, as well as homes, barns, agriculture production facilities, crops and livestock at https://texashelp.tamu.edu/….

TSCRA DISASTER RELIEF FUND

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is urging donors to give to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund amid widespread wildfires affecting the Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma. Donations will aid victims of the ongoing natural disasters, the organization said. The TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides support for cattle raisers in Texas and Oklahoma who are victims of a natural disaster. All contributions to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund are tax deductible. See https://tscra.org/….

STAR FUND ACCEPTING DONATIONS

The State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund is accepting donations to help farmers and ranchers recover from fire losses in the Panhandle. According to the website, the fund "was created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and entities to fund disaster recovery efforts. STAR Fund money may be used to assist farmers, ranchers and agribusiness owners in rebuilding fences, restoring operations and paying for other agricultural disaster relief. If you'd like to help folks impacted by the wildfires, floods or tornadoes, consider making a donation to the STAR Fund. The program is designed to provide relief to Texas agricultural entities adversely impacted by natural disasters."

For those wishing to receive funds, "funds are not intended to compensate individuals or businesses for losses incurred, but to assist agriculture producers in cost-sharing some of the unexpected expenses associated with the repair or replacement of items necessary for their agricultural operation. See the application for more information. Verification of the damage caused by the disaster is required before TDA disbursing funds. Please include any pictures, certifications or other documentation of the damage." See more on eligibility to receive funds at https://www.texasagriculture.gov/….

TEXAS FARM BUREAU FUND SET UP

"Catastrophic wildfires have scorched over 1 million acres in the Texas Panhandle. Homes, barns, fences and livestock have been lost. In an effort to help farmers and ranchers who have been affected by this event, Texas Farm Bureau developed the Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund. This program will collect and distribute monetary contributions only," noted the Farm Bureau website. See https://texasfarmbureau.org/… or contact Chris Daughtery at cdaughtery@txfb.org or 254-399-5074 with donation questions.

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY HELP

USDA's Farm Service Agency is offering disaster assistance and low-interest loan programs to assist agricultural producers in their recovery efforts. See https://www.fsa.usda.gov/….

TEXAS ANIMAL HEALTH COMMISSION LIST OF RESOURCES

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) works with local, state, federal, non-governmental and sector partners to help plan for, respond to and recover from natural disasters that affect livestock and companion and service animals. On its site are resources to help with the listing of animal supply points, the Texas Department of Agriculture hay hotline to help locate or donate hay and forage, phone numbers to contact for lost and found animals, carcass disposal assistance and various government programs available to help. See https://www.tahc.texas.gov/….

OKLAHOMA CATTLEMEN'S FOUNDATION WILDLIFE DISASTER FUND

See locations for dropping off hay, as well as how to contribute money towards helping those affected by fires in Oklahoma. There is also an application for relief.

https://www.oklahomacattlemensfoundation.com/…

HIGH PLAINS FOOD BANK

The High Plains Food Bank is also accepting donations to help the Panhandle. More information can be found at https://www.hpfb.org/….

RANCH SUPPLY STORE HELPS OUT

The Canadian AH&N Ranch Supply in Canadian, Texas, is a fire relief supply point. Donations can be mailed to Fire Relief Fund, P.O. Box 300, Canadian, TX 79014, given in person at Canadian AH&N, or by telephone (806) 282-9534. People are encouraged to phone for more information. Those who want to donate hay are encouraged to call the number first, find out where people need hay, and then it could be delivered more efficiently to cattle owners.

HELPING WORKING RANCH COWBOYS

Working Ranch Cowboys Association Foundation (WRCA) -- Natural Disaster Relief Fund.

The foundation's mission is to provide financial assistance to working ranch cowboys and their family members. Donations can be made at https://cowhandsupplyhouse.com/…

TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA WILDFIRE RELIEF

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association represents the cattle feeding industry in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. As producers start to rebuild from the recent wildfires, many items will be needed. Find supply and monetary donation links at https://www.tcfa.org/…

HAY HOTLINE HELPS WITH GUIDELINES

The Texas Department of Agriculture Hay Hotline provides information for those wanting to import hay into Texas. For more information, visit www.texasagriculture.gov/Home/Production-Agriculture/Hay-Hotline of call 1-877-429-1998.

HELPLINE IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE IN NEED

The AgriStress Helpline provides crisis support for agricultural communities 24/7 by calling or texting 833-897-2474. Phone calls have interpretation available in 160 languages, and text services available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. The helpline is answered by trained professionals who can offer support and help you find mental health and agriculture-related resources in your area.

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USDA recently held informational meetings for ranchers, livestock producers and landowners affected by wildfires, such as loss of forage, agricultural improvements infrastructure and livestock. NRCS and FSA employees presented options for recovery, including information on the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Assistance Livestock Program (ELAP), as well as other disaster recovery options available to farmers and ranchers. Additionally, how to properly document wildfire losses were covered.

For more information, contact your local USDA Service Center:

Carson: (806) 537-3504

Gray: (806) 665-1751

Hansford: (806) 659-2330

Hutchinson: (806) 878-2241

Hemphill: (806) 323-6752

Roberts: (806) 868-3531

Wheeler: (806) 826-3565

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com.

Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JennCattleGal.

Elaine Shein can be reached at elaine.shein@dtn.com.

Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @elaineshein.

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