By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Homes, barns, equipment and more were destroyed, and livestock were lost in the wildfires earlier this year.
Farmers and ranchers affected by the wildfires can apply for unreimbursed agricultural losses through TFB’s West Texas Wildfire Relief Fund. Applications, which can be found on the relief fund webpage, are due May 31.
“We encourage farmers and ranchers who suffered losses from these devastating wildfires to apply for assistance through Farm Bureau’s relief fund,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “We don’t know the full extent of the damage caused by the fires, but it will be significant.”
Completed applications can be returned to county Farm Bureau offices or to the Texas Farm Bureau Agriculture Research and Education Foundation, West Texas Wildfire Relief Committee, P.O. Box 2689, Waco, Texas 76702-2689. Include “Attention: Chris Daughtery” on the envelope.
TFB established the relief fund in March to collect monetary donations to aid in the relief effort following the devastation from the wildfires.
Dry, windy conditions fueled the fires, and the risk for fire danger is still high as drought conditions persist.
“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/wildfire-relief-fund.