Mason County delivers hay to Lyon County
Muhlenberg County receives a donation from the Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation
Governor Andy Beshear speaks to volunteers at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Governor Andy Beshear speaks to KCA staff and leadership at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Calloway County receives a donation from the Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation
The Christian County Cattlemen's Association grilled for residents staying at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Taylor County receives a donation from the Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation
Over $230,000 Raised to Help with Tornado Relief Nikki Whitaker Kentucky Cattlemen's Association The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, through the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation, received over $230,000 to help farmers in Western Kentucky who had suffered damage following historic tornados across the area. Beginning late on December 10th and continuing into the early hours of December 11th, a violent, long-tracked storm moved across Western Kentucky, producing catastrophic damage in numerous towns, including Mayfield, Princeton, Dawson Springs, and Bremen. The National Weather Service reported that in all, 66 powerful tornadoes created a path of destruction through eight states, many with an EF3 or EF4 rating. It was the deadliest and longest-tracked tornado outbreak Kentucky has seen. Across the Bluegrass, farmers offered a helping hand to neighbors and friends. Within days of the tornados, multiple 26 • Cow Country • February
funding relief efforts were put into place and donations of health supplies, farm supplies and food began pouring into the University of Kentucky Extension Offices. Many local Cattlemen’s chapters grilled steaks and hamburgers for volunteers and residents, and several others delivered hay and volunteered in the debris cleanup. “Through all of this, we are so thankful and see the benefit of a strong network,” said Dave Maples, KCA Executive V.P. “From Cattlemen’s members across the Nation that have donated money, to our county chapters in Kentucky receiving those donations and delivering supplies to cattle producers - the cattlemen’s network is a strong one.” The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation quickly began distributing funds to the impacted areas, working with local Cattlemen’s chapters, ANR Extension Agents, and local farm supply stores.
Funds were used to purchase items such as feed bunks and hay rings to distribute to farmers who had lost theirs in the storm. “It is so gratifying to see our county and regional Cattlemen’s groups working so hard to identify specific needs for individual farmers,” said Charles Miller, a KCA past president who helped to raise donations in Jessamine County. “They along with our Ag Extension Agents are the boots on the ground guaranteeing that our funds are serving the greatest and best use.” Many producers have a long road ahead of them as they continue to access the damage done to their property and operations. The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation will continue to take donations to help purchase and deliver supplies where needed. To learn more about the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation, visit the KCA website at www. kycattle.org.
