Preliminary estimates from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service show wildfires that ravaged the Eastland Complex and parts of the Panhandle and Coryell County regions—a total of 433,000 acres—resulted in $23.1 million in agricultural losses.
The losses include more than 400 livestock deaths, lost grazing values and fence repair costs.
The preliminary estimates were calculated beginning with the early March fires and running through the end of April. AgriLife Extension economists noted the preliminary loss estimates could climb higher due to ongoing fire threats.
“Drought conditions are only intensifying the potential for further economic losses moving forward considering the prospects of hay availability and associated feed costs,” Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock economist, said.
During a seven-day span in late March, state, federal and local fire resources responded to 192 wildfires that burned 173,559 acres. More than 300 Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters and more than 200 Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System firefighters, along with firefighting personnel from 28 states, were positioned across the state to respond.
Texas Farm Bureau West Texas Wildfire Relief Fund
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB)established the West Texas Wildfire Relief Fund in March to help farmers and ranchers with unreimbursed agricultural losses.
Applications can be submitted through May 31 at texasfarmbureau.org/wildfire-relief-fund.
TFB is still accepting donations to the relief fund.
Credit card donations may be made via PayPal on the website.
Checks may be made out to the Texas Farm Bureau Agriculture Research and Education Foundation and mailed to: West Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, P.O. Box 2689, Waco, Texas 76702-2689. Include “Attention: Chris Daughtery” on donation envelopes.
The charitable donations are tax-deductible.
Other disaster assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) Farm Service Agency has approved low-interest physical loss loans to help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed qualifying physical property. To confirm eligibility and access application information, contact your local USDA Service Center.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Texas is offering financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by recent wildfires, including animal mortality assistance, deferred grazing and more. Currently, eligible counties in Texas include Blanco, Brooks, Brown, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Grayson, Hood, Mason, Potter, Randall, Runnels, Starr and Williamson. As more wildlife disaster proclamations occur, those counties will also be eligible. Applications are due July 5.
The U.S. Small Business Administration approved Gov. Greg Abbott’s request for a disaster declaration in communities affected by the Eastland Complex Fire, unlocking access to multiple loan programs. Applicants may apply for loans, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications online. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
Texans affected by wildfires are encouraged to submit property damage at damage.tdem.texas.gov to help officials identify resource needs and determine the state’s eligibility for additional disaster assistance.