OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has established a relief fund to help cattle producers who have been affected by the recent wildfires in Northwest Oklahoma.
“We are coordinating with boots on the ground leaders in the Panhandle and Northwest to identify ranchers that are in need,” said Michael Kelsey, Executive Vice President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. “The wildfire relief fund at the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation will distribute 100% of received funds to impacted cattle producers. The OCF will establish an application process later this week and encourage impacted producers to let us know the extent of the damage to their cattle operation so we can help directly.”
Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, said “I’m at a loss for words at the size and scale of the wildfires sweeping across Woodward, Texas and Beaver counties. My heart goes out to my constituents who have suffered property damage and to those who have had to leave their homes behind. I also know there are many families in the area who are anxiously waiting to see what happens next as firefighters work tirelessly to get these wildfires contained.
“I’m grateful to all the firefighters, emergency management personnel, law enforcement officers and first responders working on the front lines. My family and I will keep these brave first responders in our prayers as they risk their lives to keep local residents safe.
“I’ve been in constant contact with local emergency officials and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management as they work together to keep Oklahomans safe. I appreciate Governor Stitt’s swift action in declaring a State of Emergency for Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties, which will help with emergency response and recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also approved requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Stevens Fire in Texas County, the Ranger Road Fire in Beaver County and the 43 Fire in Woodward County.
“The residents of Northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle are resilient. We have faced wildfires before, and once this is all said and done, we will join together to recover and rebuild. As high winds make conditions unpredictable, I urge everyone to remain cautious and stay informed. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.”
If you would like to donate to the Oklahoma Cattlemen’ s relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. OCF is a 501c(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association. Make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put Fire Relief in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online, visit okcattlemen. org.
The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation was founded in 1979 and is funded by personal contributions. The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association exists to support and defend the state and nation’s beef cattle industry. The OCA officers, board of directors and membership encourages you to join us in our advocacy efforts to ensure less government intervention, lower taxes and a better bottom line. For more information about OCA membership or activities visit okcattlemen.org.