PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
August 1, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is coordinating with emergency operations officials in Western Nebraska regarding the potential needs of farmers and ranchers affected by the wildfires. Agriculture Director Greg Ibach said today the most immediate need appears to be hay and other feed sources for displaced livestock, and he encouraged individuals who want to help to work through a system being established in the Panhandle.

"At this point, individuals can help serve the immediate needs of farmers and ranchers in the affected area by donating money or feed supplies," Ibach said. "First National Bank of Chadron has established an assistance fund, and individuals can designate donations to help purchase feed for livestock. Also, a hay and feed donation collection site has been set up at Crawford Livestock Market."

Donations of money can be sent to Dawes-Sioux Fire Fund, P.O. Box 1125, Chadron, Nebraska 69337. Donors are asked to specify the funds direction for livestock assistance.

Individuals who want to donate hay or other livestock feed can deliver the donations to Crawford Livestock Market, West Beach Street, in Crawford. To contact the Crawford Livestock Market, please call toll-free 866-665-2220 or (308) 665-2220.

Ibach said a local Needs Assessment Team has been established to distribute the donations.

"We understand that they are working to identify the producers who have been directly affected by the wildfires and have a need for these resources," Ibach said.

Don Blausey, spokesperson for the Dawes-Sioux Fire Fund and a member of the Needs Assessment Team, said donations of other items, such as posts, wire and other fencing materials, also will be accepted at the Crawford Livestock Market drop site.

"These are items that may not be needed immediately, but will be a necessary part of the recovery effort for affected ranchers," Blausey said.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture hay hotline lists available forage for sale and might be useful to those looking for hay, Ibach said. Individuals can access that resource by calling 800-422-6692 or by going on-line to www.agr.ne.gov.

Ibach said the Department of Agriculture is coordinating with other appropriate officials regarding the fire situation.

"We have contacted United States Department of Agriculture officials at both the state and national levels, as well as our Congressional Delegation," Ibach said. "We will continue a dialogue with them as we get a better assessment of losses."

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