Plains Cattlemen Dig Out

From Ice and Snow

    Cattlemen in the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles, northeast New Mexico, Southeast Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska are digging out from back-to-back winter storms that brought rain, ice and drifting snow 10 to 15 feet high in places. 

    Federal and state agencies, along with neighbor helping neighbor, have mobilized in the area to airlift hay to thousands of cattle made inaccessible by the snow and ice.  Officials say the total impact of the storm, particularly death loss, won’t be known until the snow melts. 

    Meanwhile, NCBA sent a letter this week to President Bush asking for federal assistance.  NCBA requested that the area receive a Presidential Disaster Declaration, making cattle producers eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency.  "Furthermore, we ask that USDA allocate Livestock Indemnity Pro-gram and Emergency Conservation Program funds to aid producers who have suffered significant livestock losses and damage to critical infrastructure," NCBA said.

    Several relief funds have been established. NCBA has activated its relief program.  Those wishing to donate hay, trucking, equipment use or money to help affected cattlemen can call 866-BEEF-USA (233-3872).

    The New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association has established a snow disaster fund to help cattle-men in New Mexico.  Donations can be sent to NMCGA at PO Box 7517, Albuquerque, NM 87194. 

    The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association has established the Panhandle Ranch Rescue Fund to help purchase feed.  Cash donations can be sent to OCA at 2500 Exchange Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73108. 

    The Colorado Veterinary Medical Association has established a relief fund that accepts cash, checks and credit cards.  Contact the group at

789 Sherman Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80203 or call (303) 318-0447.

    In Nebraska, the Nebraska Cattlemen have established a hay exchange hot line.  Call (308) 762-3005 for information.