By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter

Another group of farmers and ranchers is stepping up to the plate to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. This week, the San Patricio County Farm Bureau (CFB) announced its intention to donate $10,000 to help the community recover.

“We need to step up and take care of our own and make it right for our community,” Matt Setliff, San Patricio CFB president, said.

Thursday, CFB leaders fired up the grill for their neighbors. They handed out hotdogs and burgers at the CFB’s office in Rockport.

It’s something Setliff said the group has done individually on separate occasions since Harvey hit.

“The other part that funding is going to go to is the housing of animals and things like that—4-H pens, arenas, stalls, FFA projects, 4-H projects,” Setliff said.

“We’re going to use one of our contacts in the City of Corpus and Port Authority to help us to get in touch with these kids who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey and help them.”

Although replacing pens and other items may not be the first thing on some people’s minds, Setliff said the need is there.

“Some were total destruction,” Setliff said. “The first priority might not be a tent for their animal. It might more so be a house to live in, but when the time comes, we’re going to be there for them.”

The group also plans to donate $500 to each of the volunteer fire departments.

He said although not everyone in San Patricio and Aransas counties suffered large losses, many did. And the county Farm Bureau wants to be there for its neighbors in their time of need.

“It comes from the heart. We have to take care of our own,” Setliff said.

The CFB isn’t alone in its efforts to help Hurricane Harvey victims. Other CFBs have gathered donations for those in need, held cookouts and collected donations.

Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is also accepting donations for farmers and ranchers affected by the hurricane. Tax-deductible donations may be made to TFB’s Agriculture Research and Education Foundation.

Farmers and ranchers in the federal disaster area may apply for assistance here.