The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has a wildfire disaster relief fund in place to help producers in need that are being impacted by ongoing wildfires, like the Smokehouse Creek Fire.
“We need a hub of communication; where can we go for a link to all of this? And that’s what the Foundation wants to do, first off. Secondly, we want to provide monetarily, but that’s going to be after our ranchers and farmers can assess their needs. They can talk to their FSA agents, they can see what exactly they need. But their most important priorities right now is not only making sure themselves and their families and their livelihoods are protected and taken care of from the wildfire, but to have a hub of information.”
Mariah Reimer, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation Executive Director
Mariah Reimer, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation Executive Director, says despite the ongoing tragedy, producers need to be proactive and prepare to move forward.
“You need to be taking pictures of your current operations, you need to take pictures of the fire damage, you need to take pictures if viable of the ear tags, of brands, and have beginning and ending inventory, your LRP info. Any documentation on your operation you need to start collecting, you need to have it prepared so that when these resources come available you can apply for them you can have them ready, and you can really do anything possible for yourself and your livelihood.”
Mariah Reimer, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation Executive Director
On their website, you can find links for drop-off locations for hay, feed, and other resources to help producers in need.
Related Stories
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says we are heading into spring rather quickly and ahead of schedule, which could have negative implications for small grains and blooming fruit crops.
As Texas cattle producers prod the possibility of expansion, USDA weather experts caution that recovery from long-term drought conditions will be a slow process.
Both imports and exports are moving through the Panama Canal at a slower pace as the ag industry continues to deal with drought-related restrictions.
As the USDA tracks how Plant Hardiness Zones are slowly shifting across the country, they are also adjusting their recommendations for gardeners when it comes to perennial plants. The data is also used the by Risk Management Agency to determine crop insurance rates.
