Contact:            Sara Christmas, 303-850-3372 or schristmas@beef.org
                        Courtney Kalous, 303-850-3393 or ckalous@beef.org

Hurricane Ike Wreaks Havoc on Texas, Louisiana Cattlemen
Donations Needed to Help Secure, Feed and Water Cattle

DENVER (Sept.16, 2008) – Relief efforts are underway nationwide to assist Texas and Louisiana cattlemen hammered by the effects of Hurricane Ike. The campaign is being spearheaded by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and coordinated by cattlemen’s organizations in the affected states.

In the Texas counties of Jefferson and Chambers, only 15,000 cattle have been accounted for out of an estimated 40,000 head. Roaming cattle have no fresh water or feed and concern exists that they will have trouble surviving long under current conditions. While troughs for fresh water are an immediate need, new fencing materials will be required in the short term.

Currently there are approximately 7,000 cattle trapped in water or on levies from Cameron to St. Bernard Parishes in Louisiana. Fresh water is a concern here as well, and hay is a critical need to those in Louisiana.

In-state relief efforts are already underway by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as well as the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association. The National Cattlemen’s Foundation effort is also being coordinated with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“People from all over the country have always been generous when it comes to offering assistance to those farmers and ranchers who have been devastated by Mother Nature,” says Bob Josserand, a beef producer from Hereford, Tex., and chair of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Board of Trustees. “We’re hoping that will be the case during this devastation to their neighbors to the South.”

Tax-deductible contributions can be made to this relief effort through the National Cattlemen’s Foundation by calling 866-BEEF-USA (866-233-3782) or by visiting the foundation’s Web site at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

Contributions of hay and fencing and other supplies are also welcome. To make arrangements for hay contributions to Louisiana producers, contact Bob Felknor, executive vice president of the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, at 225-343-3491.  

The National Cattlemen's Foundation advances the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen.

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