Farming is tough. But, in the worst of times a producer doesn't have to go it alone. In 2013, South Dakota ranchers faced tremendous loss of cattle due to Winter Storm Atlas. Producers in Kansas sent feed north and now South Dakotans are making sure those good deeds don't go unanswered.
Ranchers in portions of Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas have a devastating loss to recover from in the aftermath of wide sweeping wild fires. When Jed Olbertson, a farmer near Beresford, began seeing photographs and reading stories of their struggle, he felt the urge to help. Thanks to social media, wishful conversations with friends turned to plans of action. In a matter of days, producers across South Dakota and the Upper Midwest offered hay, money and time to bring relief to ranchers they had never met.
The community at-large offered resources as well. The State Bank of Alcester became destination for monetary donations and the South Dakota Farm Bureau worked to connect donations to Kansas producers in need thanks to their network of offices across the country. Loads of hay are scheduled to leave South Dakota starting this week and for the weeks to come.
To follow the project and stay up to date regarding the need for hay, monetary donations, trucking and other efforts follow the SD High Plains Fire Relief page.
The Kansas Farm Bureau created a resource page with updates regarding needs and supply: Kansas Fire Relief.