Drought conditions and high winds caused the outbreak of wildfires throughout Texas, causing the loss of over 86 homes, most of the town of Carbon, the death of a sheriff deputy and the loss of livestock.
Over the span of a week, firefighters responded to 178 wildfires that burned over 108,000 acres across Texas. The largest fire, the Eastland Complex, burned over 54,000 acres and was 70 percent contained as of March 23, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Donations of hay, feed and fencing supplies are needed to support those impacted by the wildfires.
To assist producers, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) are coordinating assistance through the combined efforts of agencies and industry partners.
“These donations will go directly to those who need them as soon as possible,” said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension program director of disaster assessment and recovery.
“Texans are known for their generosity and deep values of Texas agriculture during times of need. This is certainly a situation where our neighbors and friends are needing assistance after losing some if not all of their livelihoods.”
Donations of feed and supplies can be made to Gorman Milling Company/Red Chain Feeds,
1200 E. Townsend, Gorman, TX, 76454; or by calling Luke Fritts, 254-734-2252. Producers wishing to donate can also call AgriLife Extension’s donations hotline, 979-314-8200.
A disaster assistance fund has also been established through the State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund through the Texas Department of Agriculture (www.texasagriculture.gov). You can donate via PayPal or send a check to Texas Department of Agriculture, 1700 North Congress, Austin, TX, 78701.
TSCRA is also accepting donations for relief through PayPal at tscra.org or by contacting disasterrelief@tscra.org. —WLJ
