KLA TODAY – A large wildfire that started in Woods County, OK, and spread to Comanche and Barber counties in Kansas burned an estimated 100,000 acres, hay reserves, fences and other personal property March 22-23. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback declared a State of Disaster Emergency for the affected area. This declaration authorizes state resources to assist communities impacted by the fires.

An immediate need for area ranchers is hay. The Farmers Cooperative (S. Central Ave.) in Coldwater and Farmers Cooperative Equity Company (1447 NW River Road) in Medicine Lodge have been identified as locations to receive hay donations. Tractors will be available to unload. Questions on delivery logistics can be directed to Sandra Levering at (620) 518-2247 for Coldwater or Chris Boyd at (620) 243-2584 for Medicine Lodge.

Picture from kake.com

The Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF), the charitable arm of KLA, is accepting cash donations to help those affected by the fire. Make checks payable to the Kansas Livestock Foundation and put “Disaster relief” in the memo line. Send to 6031 S.W. 37th St., Topeka, Kansas 66614.

Proceeds from the progressive sale of a heifer donated by KLA President Elect David Clawson and Clawson Ranch Partnership will be sent to KLF as part of the relief effort for wildfire victims. The heifer will be re-sold several times March 31 at Pratt Livestock to generate funds.

Source: Kansas Livestock Association