A large wildfire that started in Oklahoma and spread to Comanche and Barber counties in Kansas burned an estimated 397,420 acres, hay reserves, fences and other personal property March 22-25. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback declared a State of Disaster Emergency for the affected area. This declaration authorizes state resources to assist communities impacted by the fires.
Due to an incredible response in the first few days after the fire, hay needs of area ranchers have been met for the time being. KLA Chief Executive Officer Matt Teagarden and local organizers in Barber and Comanche counties expressed their sincere appreciation for all the people who donated or transported hay to affected ranchers.
The next priority for victims of the fire is cash donations to the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) for fencing supplies. KLF is the charitable arm of KLA. Tax deductible checks can be made payable to the Kansas Livestock Foundation. Put “Disaster Relief” in the memo line. Send to 6031 S.W. 37th, Topeka, Kansas 66614. Member recommendations for where relief is most needed in Comanche, Barber, Harvey or Reno counties can be made by calling (785) 273-5115.
Several members are generously donating proceeds from the sale of animals to KLF for disaster relief. A heifer donated by KLA President Elect David Clawson and Clawson Ranch Partnership will be sold March 31 at Pratt Livestock to generate funds for KLF. The heifer will be re-sold several times. In addition, KW Cattle Company will donate proceeds to KLF from the sale of lot 21, an Angus bull. The bull will sell March 29 at the KW sale near Fort Scott. For more information on the bull, go to www.kwcattle.com.

Article Shared from Kansas Livestock Association. Photo shared from Facebook.