By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Homes, barns, equipment and more were destroyed, along with thousands of livestock and tragically, human lives, in the wildfires that burned more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle.

Farmers and ranchers affected by the wildfires can apply for unreimbursed agricultural losses through Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund. Applications, which can be found on the relief fund webpage, are due May 31.

“These fires caused devastating losses to farmers and ranchers and agriculture in the region,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “We encourage farmers and ranchers who suffered losses to apply for assistance through the Farm Bureau relief fund.”

Completed applications can be returned to county Farm Bureau offices or to the Texas Farm Bureau Agriculture Research and Education Foundation, Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Committee, P.O. Box 2689, Waco, Texas 76702-2689. Include “Attention: Chris Daughtery” on the envelope.

TFB established the relief fund in February to collect monetary donations to aid in the relief effort following the devastation from the wildfires.

It is not required that applicants be Farm Bureau members.

The risk for fire danger remains high as drought conditions persist in the Panhandle.

“We know many farms and ranches were hit hard by the wildfires,” Boening said. “A lot of our members, friends of agriculture and other organizations have helped raise money through our foundation to help farmers and ranchers cover unreimbursed agricultural losses.”

TFB is still accepting monetary donations through the Texas Agriculture Research and Education Foundation. Contributions are tax-deductible, and all funds collected will be distributed.

For more information and an application for wildfire assistance, visit texasfarmbureau.org/panhandle-wildfire-relief-fund.