In the wake of devastating wildfires throughout northwest Oklahoma, Oklahoma Farm Bureau has partnered with Love’s Travel Stops and Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma to fund relief for fire victims.
The three organizations have furnished gift cards for fuel to those transporting donated hay to the affected area.
“It’s in these times of disaster that we see the true spirit of Oklahomans. As farmers and ranchers, it’s our duty to help each other when in need,” said Tom Buchanan, OKFB president. “We consider it a privilege to play a small part in the relief efforts.”
An estimated 1.4 million acres of land have burned, devastating farmers and ranchers throughout northwest Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. Ranchers in the area are in dire need of feed for the cattle.
“Farmers and ranchers have seen severe damage in western Oklahoma,” said John Grunewald, Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma president and CEO. “Families have lost homes, livestock, equipment and hay. We, with all Farm Credit associations in Oklahoma, are proud to be a part of the recovery efforts of the area.”
In addition to funding transportation of the donated hay, Grunewald said Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma also will provide 0 percent interest agricultural operating loans for those directly impacted by the fires.
“These are proud, hardworking people,” Grunewald said. “We know they’ll make it through this.”
A staple in the northwest Oklahoma community, Love’s Travel Stops also appreciated the opportunity to serve the farmers and ranchers in the area.
“We’ve been a part of the Woodward community for 40 years and we understand that local farmers are extremely important to the area,” said Jenny Love Meyer, Love’s Travel Stops vice president of communications. “Giving farmers the tools they need to feed their livestock during this difficult time means more than feeding animals; it means protecting the community our employees have come to know and love.”
Gift cards will be distributed at the hay drop off locations. If interested in donating additional funds, please contact the Oklahoma Farm Bureau office at 405-530-2681.
