Texas Farm Bureau distributes nearly $178,000 to wildfire victims

Thanks to nearly 150 generous contributions, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and its West Texas Wildfire Relief Fund recently distributed $177,930 to farmers and ranchers impacted by spring wildfires in the state.

“While the wildfires were still burning, Farm Bureau members, organizations and others from across the state called in asking how they could help,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “While this aid cannot replace everything that was lost, we hope it truly helps those still recovering from the disaster.”

Wildfires burned over 150,000 acres across the state in March, causing millions of dollars in damage. Fires devoured pastureland and farmland, as well as livestock, homes, barns and equipment.

Farmers and ranchers with unreimbursed agricultural losses were encouraged to apply for assistance. The TFB West Texas Wildfire Relief Fund was established through the organization’s nonprofit Agriculture Research and Education Foundation.

“We cannot say thank you enough for the generous contributions sent in to help our fellow Texans,” Boening said. “Farm Bureau members have always stepped up to help their neighbors in need, and this wildfire relief fund collected tax-deductible donations to meet the needs in affected areas.”

A group of volunteer leaders selected by the TFB board of directors determined the allotment of aid. TFB and non-TFB members received funding for unreimbursed expenses related to the wildfires.

“Farming and ranching is an expensive business,” Boening said. “We hope with this support, those impacted can continue to rebuild and recover from the wildfires that devastated areas of our state.”