The Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) has been met with overwhelming generosity in their efforts to coordinate support for the victims of the wildfire in southcentral Kansas this week. The large wildfire started in Oklahoma and spread to Comanche and Barber counties in Kansas and burned an estimated 397,420 acres, hay reserves, fences and other personal property March 22-25. 

Due to an incredible response in the first few days after the fire, hay needs of area ranchers have been met for the time being. KLA Chief Executive Officer Matt Teagarden and local organizers in Barber and Comanche counties expressed their sincere appreciation for all the people who donated or transported hay to affected ranchers.  

The next priority for victims of the fire is cash donations to the Kansas Livestock Foundation (KLF) for fencing supplies. KLF is the charitable arm of KLA. Tax deductible checks can be made payable to the Kansas Livestock Foundation. Put “Disaster Relief” in the memo line. Send to 6031 S.W. 37th, Topeka, KS 66614. Member recommendations for where relief is most needed in Comanche, Barber, Harvey or Reno counties can be made by calling (785) 273-5115.

Several members are generously donating proceeds from the sale of animals to KLF for disaster relief. A heifer donated by KLA President Elect David Clawson and Clawson Ranch Partnership will be sold March 31 at Pratt Livestock to generate funds for KLF. The heifer will be re-sold several times. In addition, KW Cattle Company will donate proceeds to KLF from the sale of lot 21, an Angus bull. The bull will sell March 29 at the KW sale near Fort Scott. For more information on the bull, go to www.kwcattle.com.