Four hurricanes in six weeks greatly have increased the need for
assistance to farmers and cattlemen in the Southeast, so the National
Cattlemen’s Beef Association has established a permanent Disaster
Relief Fund. Money and products collected through the effort were
sent to the local state cattlemen's associations to ensure the most
efficient distribution. The fund will be earmarked for cattlemen in
areas that qualify for disaster assistance under federal guidelines.
“Today, the urgent need is in Florida and Alabama, but next
year there could be forest fires in Montana or drought in the Midwest.
By establishing this fund, we’ll have resources and the means
in place to help producers when they need it,” says Jim McAdams,
NCBA president-elect.
NCBA organized a relief effort for Florida following Hurricane Charley,
the first hurricane to hit this season. To date, about $50,000 in
donated materials, services and money have been received and forwarded
to Florida for distribution.
Individuals who wish to contribute to the NCBA Disaster Relief Fund
can call 1-866-BEEF-USA for information. Donations also can be sent
to NCBA Disaster Relief Fund, c/o NCBA, P.O. Box 3469, Englewood,
CO 80155.
“When you get blown away, the need for help is pretty immediate,”
says Dr. Billy Powell, executive vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s
Association. “Hurricane Ivan hit the Gulf Coast, moved inland
and dropped lots of rain, went back through Florida and then over
to Texas. It was kind of like a Stephen King novel.”
Powell says that in 12 counties already declared 100 percent disaster
areas, about 4,200 Alabama cattlemen were hit by Hurricane Ivan, and
the damage extended well beyond that area. As in Florida, fences are
down everywhere, buildings are destroyed and material costs to replace
them have skyrocketed.
Jim Handley, executive vice president of the Florida Cattlemen’s
Association, called the situation there “Tough. There’s
a world of water. But the most pressing need is for the federal government
to expedite disaster relief.
NCBA staff in Washington, D.C., worked with the congressional delegations
from the affected states on the issue and disaster assistance was
passed. In addition to finding funds, it is important to identify
the programs through which they will be distributed. NCBA will establish
a hotline for producers seeking information about relief efforts once
those programs are identified. ©
