FEATURE
FLOOD RELIEF Nikki Whitaker, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Membership Coordinator The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, through the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation, raised over $9,000 to help farmers in eastern Kentucky who had suffered damage following historic flooding across the area. Beginning late on February 26th and continuing until March 1st, heavy rainfall fell on eastern Kentucky causing major flooding across several counties. The flooding came soon after a significant ice and snow storm that covered much of Kentucky. Within days of the flooding, KCA received phone calls from producers wanting to help. County Cattlemen’s chapters sent monetary donations as well as offered their assistance, delivering hay and supplies to several Extension Offices. “It’s amazing to see in the middle of tragedy, the happiness that comes from a few bales of hay and a roll of barded wire,” said Chris Mitchell, Fleming County Cattlemen’s President, who hauled supplies to Boyd County. “We truly are our brother’s keeper.” Across the Bluegrass, farmers offered a helping hand to neighbors and friends. In Madison County, a convoy of ten trucks delivered hay to Lee County. News of the flooding even reached out of state farmers who were willing to offer assistance. One farmer, Andy Jahn, brought over 800 square bales of hay from Michigan to Kentucky. Many producers have a long road ahead of them as they reseed their pastures and hope for favorable weather. The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation will continue to take donations through the summer to help purchase and deliver supplies where needed. 28
COW COUNTRY • APRIL 2021
• A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E K E N T U C K Y C AT T L E M E N ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N
