DENVER (June 26, 2008) – The National Cattlemen’s Foundation, in cooperation withthe National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), has launched a disaster relief effort to assist farm and ranch families impacted by catastrophic flooding in the Mississippi River corridor and surrounding areas. Thousands of family farm and ranch operations in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin have been devastated by flooding caused by persistently heavy rains and subsequent levee failures on the Mississippi River and other major waterways. Many families have been completely displaced from their homes, or remain without power, potable water, and other utilities. Crop losses are enormous, including hay and forage normally used for livestock feed, as well as crops targeted for fall harvest. Downed fences and other property damage have also resulted in stranded and lost livestock, with thousands of farmers and ranchers struggling to make repairs and keep their operations functioning as well as possible. NCBA is joining forces with state cattlemen’s associations across the nation to provide assistance through the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Every dollar contributed will directly assist families struggling to keep their farms and ranches operating under these difficult conditions. In conjunction with the foundation, state cattlemen’s associations from states in the affected region will manage distribution of all funds donated. Credit card contributions can be made by calling 1-866-BEEF-USA (1-866-233-3872) with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards accepted. Online contributions can also be made by going to the foundation’s Web site at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org, then selecting “Contribute Now†on the left-hand side of the screen. Donations are tax–deductible. Contributions by check can be made payable to National Cattlemen’s Foundation, with “disaster relief†included on the memo line. Donation checks should be mailed to: National Cattlemen’s Foundation9110 East Nichols Ave., Suite 300Centennial, CO 80112