Agricultural News
Over $1M Raised for Cattlemen's Foundation Fire Relief Fund for Ranchers in the Recovery Process
Wed, 26 Apr 2017 09:38:28 CDT
The generous donations from across the nation now total more than $1 million to help Oklahoma ranchers recover from the devastating wildfires in early March. The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation, a 501(c) is housing these funds and coordinating distribution.
"100 percent of the donated funds will be distributed directly to ranchers affected by the wildfires. The process of distributing funds starts with a simple application," said Jeff Jaronek, Coordinator of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation.
Applications are due May 1, 2017 and will be reviewed by a committee to distribute the funds in an equitable manner. Documentation should be attached to completed applications, such as; USDA-FSA Form 578, USDA-FSA program applications, receipts for veterinary care, receipts/estimates for fence repair, receipts for special feed purchase, etc. The application can be accessed at www.okcattlemensfoundation.org.
"We strongly encourage all Oklahoma cattlemen who have suffered loss from the wildfires this year to complete an application," Jaronek said. "We are astounded that $1 million has been contributed to the relief fund, but even more astounding are the numbers associated with loss in Oklahoma."
According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, more than 414 thousand acres burned, 23 homes lost and 3 human deaths in Oklahoma alone. An estimated 3,000 head of cattle were lost according to Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, Jim Reese. It has been estimated by Oklahoma State University Extension that the economic impact of the fire exceeds $16 million.
"The devastation is unbelievable but the willingness and generosity of people to help those in need is seriously mind blowing. We are happy to house the donations and facilitate the distribution so that those ranchers can get back to producing great tasting, nutritious beef that we all enjoy," Jaronek said.
To donate visit www.okcattlemensfoundation.org or send a check with Fire Relief in the memo to Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation, P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.
Source - Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation
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