HAY FARMERS RETURN THE FAVOR

During the record floods of 1993, help for flood-affected farmers and residents poured in from throughout the nation. This year, farmers in Southeast Missouri had the opportunity to return the favor.

When prairie wildfires swept through parts of Oklahoma and Kansas earlier this month and wiped out grains and pasture that feed western cattle herds, the University of Missouri Extension organized a statewide hay lift to help the Western ranchers.

Officials estimated 600,000 acres were affected by the fires, resulting in food shortages for as many as 100,000 cattle.

Last week, some of the ranchers received their first truckloads of Missouri hay. Not only did area farmers donate hay bales, but local trucking companies volunteered drivers and trucks for the effort. Also, youth from Mid-America Teen Challenge helped load hay bales on the trucks.

Southeast Missourians know too well the devastation natural disasters like floods and fire can wreak. They also know what a godsend unsolicited help from other Americans can be -- as much a blessing for the giver as for those receiving the aid.