Three regional Farm Credit System organizations have led the way in responding to recent devastating wildfire outbreaks impacting much of the Texas Panhandle and parts of Oklahoma.
Panhandle regional organizations AgTexas Farm Credit, Capital Farm Credit, and Plains Land Bank serve the area most directly impacted by the regional disaster, and they partnered with the Farm Credit Bank of Texas and other Farm Credit System organizations to contribute funds to support extensive recovery and relief efforts.
Several wildfires across the region, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire — the largest wildfire ever recorded in Texas — have burned more than 1.2 million acres north of Amarillo. Two people have lost their lives and many others have been displaced from their homes. While the full scope of the damage will take time to assess, losses include livestock, homes and other structures, equipment, fencing, fodder, and infrastructure.
“No matter how large or small, members of our farm credit family were impacted, including coworkers and customers,” said Jeff Norte, Capital Farm Credit chief executive officer. “When tragedy strikes, we come together to try our best to ease heartache, loss, and destruction, even when it seems impossible to rationalize the broken pieces that will mend in time. During good times and bad, Farm Credit is here for agriculture. Capital Farm Credit is here for Texas. Together, we will start to rebuild.”
AgTexas Farm Credit Services CEO Kayla Robinson shared that, “Since 1916 the Farm Credit system has supported agriculture producers and rural communities throughout America in times of abundance and adversity, alike. On the heels of the largest and most devastating wildfire in the Lone Star State’s history, it is important that producers know and feel that the support from the Farm Credit network of banks and associations remains steadfast. Our prayers are with all those impacted by the outbreak of fires across the Texas Panhandle as well as the firefighters that continue to battle the blazes. AgTexas is proud to partner with other associations and funding banks across the Farm Credit system in donating to the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund and at the county level through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.”
Kay Lynn McLaughlin, CEO of Plains Land Bank, added, “Neighbors helping neighbors, despite the distance - the Farm Credit Way! No stranger to joining forces, Farm Credit Associations and funding banks have come together to help provide relief funds and support for rural communities and agriculture producers impacted by the devastating fires that quickly altered the lives of many. Our prayers continue to be with those in need as they work to rebuild the land they call home.”
To support agricultural produc-ers and communities stricken by the deadly fires, Texas Farm Credit district lending cooperatives, along with Farm Credit Bank of Texas and other Farm Credit System organizations, pledged a combined $380,000 for fire relief efforts.
In addition to the three regional organizations, contributors include AgTrust Farm Credit, Alabama Ag Credit, Central Texas Farm Credit, Heritage Land Bank, Mississippi Land Bank, Southern AgCredit, Texas Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit Services of America, Farm Credit Mid-America and Farmer Mac.
In addition, other associations in the Texas district and other Farm Credit districts have generously contributed staff time and sent much-needed supplies.
Pledges will benefit the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund and county-level efforts recommended by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. www.agtexas.com www.capitalfarmcredit.com www.plainslandbank.com