By Marina1408/DepositPhotos image
(ADAI/MONTGOMERY, AL/April 2, 2024) — Two weeks ago, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) launched an effort to provide hay for Texas cattle producers who suffered catastrophic losses from the recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle. ADAI partnered with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) and the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) to help gather and transport hay for cattlemen in Texas.
“The response and generosity from Alabama farmers has been overwhelming,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Rick Pate. “Five truckloads of hay were delivered to Texas last week, seven loads are on their way now and nine additional loads are scheduled later this week, for a total of 21 truckloads altogether.”
The hay relief effort has directly helped Texas cattlemen in a matter of days. Once the hay arrives at the delivery point, it is immediately unloaded and distributed to farmers in need. This effort would not have been possible without cooperation from ACA and ATA.
Transportation has been the biggest challenge of effort to provide hay to our fellow cattlemen in Texas. ADAI would like to recognize and thank several trucking companies who have stepped up to help. These companies are Boyd Bros Transportation, Inc., DMT Trucking, LLC and P&S Transportation.
Many Alabama cattlemen have donated entire truckloads of hay, so the initial strategy has shifted to load the hay directly from those farms. For now, the drop point location(s) are on hold until the “on the farm” pickups are complete.
A video of the first truckload of hay sent to Texas can be found at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gltkir0h7la5e426bv8u8/Final-Edit-2.mp4?rlkey=69vd50wqesx1fvcug0j8e4zr8&dl=0. This video was filmed at Billy Hixon’s farm in Banks, AL.
For media inquiries or more information about the Texas hay relief project, please contact, ADAI Communications Director Amy Belcher at amy.belcher@agi.alabama.gov or 334-240-7126 or ADAI Assistant Director of Communications Laura Jean McCurdy at laurajean.mccurdy@agi.alabama.gov or 334-240-7127.
Visit https://agi.alabama.gov/2024/03/alabama-launches-texas-hay-relief-effort/ for the initial press release on the Alabama to Texas Hay Relief Effort.