Empathizing with TX Cattle Ranchers
With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.
While we’re in an area much more prone to hurricane devastation than prairie fires, here in the southeast we are no strangers to disaster. Across the country, Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller announced his agency’s commitment to providing support to the state’s producers as they deal with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle.
At the time of this recording, the Smokehouse Creek Fire had burned through almost 1,700 square miles of land, making it the largest on record in Texas going back to 1988. Seven grain and seed operations have reported total losses.
“The fires not only threaten lives and property but will also have a substantial impact on our agriculture industry,” Miller says. “Over 85 percent of the state’s cattle population is located on ranches in the Panhandle.” He also says there are millions of cattle in the region, with some towns made up of more cattle than people.
As Governor Greg Abbott declares a disaster in 60 counties, the TDA’s State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund is calling for donations to assist Texas Panhandle farmers and ranchers.
For more information or to donate, visit https://texasagriculture.gov/Home/Production-Agriculture/Disaster-Assistance/STAR-Fund
