By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Following the Dec. 15 Four-County Wildfire, the Kansas Livestock Foundation quickly organized to support area ag producers, including the creation of a special fund that assisted in recovery efforts.
Through the efforts of the Kansas Livestock Association more than $1.6 million was raised for the foundation, as of Jan. 20, through the contributions of over 1,400 individuals and companies.
And while they continue their efforts, applications for relief are due by the end of the month.
“If you've received significant damage… and you're an agricultural producer, you can apply to possibly get some help with your with your damages through the Kansas Livestock Association,” said Cottonwood Extension District agent Stacy Campbell. “And that application forum is due the 31st.”
The application is available on their website, KLA.org.
“It's form fillable,” Campbell said. “It's not a complicated deal. They don't ask too many questions. They do kind of want to know what kind of damages you had if you've gotten any estimates on what it's going to cost to fix that damage and so forth, (you) kind of submit those things, but it's pretty simplified and straightforward.”
Along with the KLA efforts, he said countless others worked to assist those affected.
“The ag community is just wow, they are awesome and have really stepped up to help these folks impacted,” Campbell said.
But while one source of potential funds ends, he said support will continue.
“Of course, as our folks in agriculture know, they're going to need more hay to get through the winter. So, if you're needing some assistance on that, or if you would like to donate, one of the places you could go on Facebook, it's called Ashes to Ashes. And there are some folks that are really doing a tremendous job in coordinating hay deliveries, people needing hay.”
He said the district can also help guide producers to available resources.
“If you're a need, you can give us a call and we can try to get you connected as well,” Campbell said.
For more information about the KLA, including a link to the wildfire relief form, visit their website kla.org.
For more about the Cottonwood Extension District, visit their website cottonwood.k-state.edu.