We may have our quarrels, but as has been shown time and again in 2017, when ranchers and their livestock need help, the ranching community steps up. Big time.

Such is the case now, as money and supplies are flowing to give Texas Gulf Coast ranchers affected by Hurricane and then Tropical Storm Harvey a hand up. Here’s how you can help.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has established animal supply points for livestock and other animals in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and has set up a phone bank to take calls from those who would like to make a donation.

“These ASPs have been set up to shelter animals and for the storing and distribution of hay and feed and as a location from which to coordinate volunteer assistance,” said Dr. Andy Vestal, AgriLife Extension emergency management specialist, College Station.

Vestal said donations to these locations are being supported through the Animal Supply Point Phone Bank at 979-845-7800.

Jeff Ripley, AgriLife Extension associate director – county operations, College Station, said livestock-related donations to these sites are needed and those general items being requested are:

Ripley said pet food may also be needed at some of the locations.

“Not all locations will need the same items, so when people call the phone bank we will try and connect them with the location needing those items they want to donate,” Ripley said. “We are only equipped to accept these donations at one of our active Animal Supply Points.”

Vestal said those contacting the phone bank will have their donated items matched to the needs at the following locations:

“These are just some of the facilities that have been set up and that we are supporting through our phone bank,” he said. “But there are many other sites around the affected area offering assistance, and we encourage people to donate to those as well.”

“We’re asking that items that are not livestock-related be donated to Red Cross, Salvation Army or another charity of choice,” Ripley said. “But we will gratefully accept those items needed to provide food, shelter and protection to any livestock that have been displaced.”

According to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, if you wish to make a monetary donation, consider these:

Cattle Raisers Relief Fund
The fund is administered by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation. Donations go to assist ranching families affected by natural disasters.
Click here to donate online or send checks to:
TSCRF
1600 Gendy Street
Fort Worth, TX 76107
 
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
The fund is administered by the Texas Farm Bureau. Donations go to farmers and ranchers in designated disaster areas.
Click here to donate online or send checks to:
Texas Farm Bureau Agriculture Research and Education Foundation
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund
P.O. Box 2689
Waco, TX 76702-2689
Attn: Cyndi Gerik

State of Texas Agricultural Response (STAR)

Administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, STAR is a fund where agricultural producers  may apply for a matching grant for expenditures incurred for agricultural response, materials or other losses. Click here for more information.