Champaign County Farmers Donate Hay to Hurricane-Affected Areas

A shipment of baled hay is on its way from Champaign County to farmers in southeastern states impacted by hurricanes. Elizabethton, TN, is the shipping point for this initiative, which addresses the severe loss of winter hay stocks. Local farmers are involved in the donation effort, with additional loads planned in the coming months to support ongoing needs for resources in the affected areas.

On Monday, a significant shipment of baled hay commenced its journey from Champaign County, destined for farmers and livestock in the southeastern states affected by hurricanes in September. Elizabethton, located in eastern Tennessee, has been designated as the shipping point for these hay loads, which will be distributed to agricultural communities in need across Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. According to Lucas Stark, the assistant manager of Champaign County Farm Bureau, farmers in these regions have suffered substantial losses, particularly with their winter hay supplies due to the recent hurricanes.

The initiative to send hay supplies was initiated when local farmers expressed concerns over the surplus of their fourth and fifth cuttings of hay. Stark noted the importance of this effort, stating, “It is a great way, honestly, for us to get involved with the effort.” He also emphasized the continuing need for resources as winter approaches, indicating that additional shipments are planned for January and February.

The successful transportation of the first load has been made possible by Wishall Transport of Tolono, which generously donated the use of their truck. Several individuals, including Gerald and Juanita Henry, as well as Clint and Kaitlin Tharp, contributed hay donations, while Ron O’Connor provided financial support. Beyond hay, farms are also facing shortages of fencing materials and are in need of monetary donations to further aid in recovery efforts.

Those wishing to contribute can reach out to Lucas Stark at 217-352-5235 or via email at [email protected].

The devastating impact of September’s hurricanes has left numerous farmers in the southeastern United States grappling with the loss of essential resources, particularly winter hay stocks needed for livestock. In response to this crisis, local farmers from Champaign County have banded together to support their counterparts in the affected states by donating surplus hay. This humanitarian effort highlights both the resilience of the farming community and the ongoing need for agricultural support as recovery efforts continue in the wake of natural disasters.

In summary, the initiative to donate hay to farmers severely affected by September’s hurricanes underscores the commitment of the agricultural community to aid fellow farmers in need. With ongoing plans for additional shipments and financial contributions, this effort signifies not only compassion but also a practical response to the persistent challenges faced by those in the farming industry during recovery periods. Continued support, whether through hay donations or financial aid, remains critical as winter approaches.

Original Source: www.news-gazette.com