MISSOURI FARMERS BEGIN SHIPMENT OF HAY TO OKLAHOMA

The Missouri "hay lift" to Oklahoma and Kansas is working.

"Some Oklahoma ranchers in Creek County and adjacent counties received first truck loads of Missouri hay this week," said Gerald Bryan, University of Missouri Extension specialist in Jackson. "And they're grateful."

Four trucks delivered the hay, which arrived at their destinations Monday.

"We have another 20 truck loads ready to go as soon as we can arrange transportation," said Bryan, who organized the statewide hay lift to assist ranchers whose pastures and hay have been destroyed by wildfires.

"We're happy with the responses," said Bryan. "The telephone has been ringing, and farmers are responding to the needs of their fellow farmers in other states."

Donations of from two to 50 round bales and 20 to 800 square bales have been pledged.

Trucks from DanCo Transportation Inc. near Gordonville hauled the first two tractor-trailer loads of round bales, and two loads of square bales were taken by Hall Trucking of Old Appleton.

"We've had help from a lot of people," said Bryan. "Farmers are giving, truckers are donating their time and drivers, and Mid-America Teen Challenge provided labor to help load the square bales."

Larry Miller of Ironton organized his own loads to head for Oklahoma.

"Miller is providing the trucks. He contacted some farmers in that area who are providing the hay, which will be delivered this weekend," said Bryan.

In addition to Missouri hay, Bryan has arranged for some Kansas farmers with hay to transport it into Kansas areas damaged by the wildfires.

New wildfires were reported today in parts of Kansas. An estimated 600,000 acres have been affected by fires in the two states. Pastures and stacks of round-bale hay, some homes, barns and other outbuildings have been destroyed. "They have another 45 to 50 days before new grass, and some farmers were already short in supplies because of a drought last summer."

Estimates indicate that more than 100,000 cattle are affected by the hay shortage.

"Missouri farmers are asked to look at their hay supplies and figure if they will have any hay left over this year," said Bryan. "Every little bit will help, even if its only one, two or four bales."

Creek County, Okla., is one of the hardest hit counties, where wildfires have burned more than 100,000 acres and destroyed a number of homes and barns. A total of 55 counties suffered fire damages in Oklahoma.

No-burn orders have been issued in Oklahoma and Kansas, and will continue through March.

Bryan is in contact with extension agricultural specialists in the burned areas.

"Hopefully some of the truckers in those areas will send trucks here for the hay," said Bryan. "Meanwhile, we're looking for truckers here to haul hay to Oklahoma.