Catastrophic.
This one word sums up the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the Texas Gulf Coast.
It’s still far too early to fully assess the impact of the storm that first made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane. The images of cattle wading through water to reach higher ground, and a bumper crop of cotton underwater and strewn across fields is gut wrenching for farmers and ranchers – both those directly impacted, and those empathetic to this drastic impact on others’ livelihoods.
SUPPORT FOR IMPACTED AGRICULTURE
Financial Support
The Water Grows Initiative encourages those wanting to offer support to the farmers and ranchers impacted by the storm to contribute to the Texas Farm Bureau’s Harvey Relief Fund. Tax-deductible donations through the TFB’s Agriculture Research and Education Foundation can be made HERE.
According to TFB, 100 percent of the funds collected will go directly to the farmers and ranchers impacted by the havoc of Harvey through an application process. Donations will be designated for counties that have been designated as disaster areas by the federal government for this event.
Click here for details of the relief fund and how to apply for assistance.
To donate through TFB, CLICK HERE.
Please contact Janice Neckar at [email protected] or 254.751.2494 with donation questions.
If you prefer to pay by check, it should be made out and sent to:
Texas Farm Bureau Agriculture Research and Education Foundation
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
P.O. Box 2689
Waco, TX 76702-2689
Attn: Cyndi Gerik
Livestock Supply Donations
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has set up the following Animal Supply Points. Items requested at this time are: square bale horse-quality hay, various types of hay for cattle in round or square bales, all-stock feed and range cubes/protein supplements. Fencing supplies are not currently being accepted.
Before collecting or delivering donations, contact the AgriLife Animal Supply Point Hotline at 979-845-7800 to confirm needs and delivery.
San Patricio County Animal Supply Point:
San Patricio County Fairgrounds
219 W 5th St, Sinton
Brazoria County Animal Supply Point:
Brazoria County Fairgrounds
901 S. Downing St., Angleton
Harris County Animal Supply Point:
La Porte High School
301 E. Fairmon Pkwy, La Porte
Chambers County Animal Supply Point:
Winnie-Stowell Park
335 Spark St., Winnie
Additional Animal Supply Points will be set up in other regions as the conditions allow.
Rural Food Supply Donations
As much as 30,000 people are expected to be put in temporary shelters because of the hurricane. Food banks are an important asset during hurricanes. They provide relief to families and residents who have lost access to food and water during disasters. USDA-NRCS employees and others are helping to feed citizens and first responders impacted by the hurricane. The following food banks are serving as clearinghouses for needs in the rural areas impacted:
Houston Food Bank
535 Portwall St.
Houston, TX 77029
832.369.9313
Contact: Marly Maskill at [email protected]
San Antonio Food Bank
5200 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy.
San Antonio, TX 78227
210.337.3663
Contact: Chat at [email protected]
Additional Donation Opportunities
STAR Fund
The STAR Fund through the Texas Department of Agriculture offers assistance to farmers and ranchers in rebuilding fences, restoring operations and paying for other agricultural disaster relief. Click HERE for more details.
A New Day: Texas Agricultural Education Disaster Relief Fund
This fund will help FFA chapters and agricultural education programs rebuild following natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey. Click HERE for more information.
Texas 4-H Relief Support Campaign for 4-H Programs Affected by Hurricane Harvey
The Texas 4-H Youth Development Program and the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation are facilitating a monetary campaign to directly support 4-H clubs and county programs in the hurricane zone. Click HERE for more information.
Resources for Farmers and Ranchers
Click here for details of the TFB relief fund and how to apply for assistance.
Resources for livestock support are available on the TFB’s website HERE.
The Texas spirit is strong, but perhaps greater is the tie that binds us together when times are tough for our fellow agriculturists. Thanks to those who lend whatever support they can as these Texans begin picking up the pieces.