10/13/05 Katrina aid

Katrina Aid Some victims of hurricane Katrina are getting the help they really need. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be right back to tell you about it. Almost as soon as it was safe, trucks loaded with supplies to help cattlemen repair damages and care for their livestock were rolling into states hit hardest by hurricane Katrina. Livestock Marketing Association CEO, Mark Mackey drove his own truck loaded with $18,000 worth of donated materials to a livestock market facility in Mississippi. Other trucks filled with fencing material, tools, batteries, fuel and other needed livestock supplies are coming from many state Livestock Marketing Associations. These associations are holding special sales for contributions and setting up relief funds. Jim McAdams, president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, says it's very important to contribute to agencies such as the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, but cattlemen especially want to help other ranchers. The NCBA and its state affiliate are coordinating donations of supplies, money, food and housing that have resulted in 33 truckloads of materials heading to distribution centers in Katrina-hit states. State Beef Councils have also been approved by USDA to use $100,000 in beef check-off funds to supply products such as canned beef and beef jerky to hurricane victims. You know, I hear a lot about relief not being provided quick enough and very little getting done, but these efforts were organized quickly and delivered efficiently. This is just neighbors helping neighbors and makes me feel honored to be called a cattleman. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Livestock Reporter 9/21/05 and 9/28/05