CARROLL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, Ill. — Northwestern Illinois farmers and community members sent feed to livestock owners impacted by Hurricane Helen.
On Saturday, Nov. 30, 20 producers from six counties dropped of hay bales at the Ogle and Stephenson County Fairgrounds. The six semi-loads of hay arrived at two locations in western North Carolina on Monday, Dec. 3.
“The ag industry is one that is always looking out for one another," Ogle County Farm Bureau Young Leaders Chairman Ryan Reeverts said. Reeverts, along with other county farm bureau groups played a role in organizing the event. "It's extremely fulfilling to provide the assistance and help to these people when they're dealing with one of the worst disasters that they've probably ever seen in their life.”
Reeverts said an abundant hay crop in northwestern Illinois this year created a perfect scenario to give back.
"We know the support would be there on the other end if it ever needed to be reciprocated," Reeverts said.
Megan Poole, who brought the idea to the Ogle County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, worked with the North Carolina Farm Bureau organize the drive. The feeds travel costs were paid for by donations from local fuel cooperatives, FFA chapters and Frankfother Trucking.
"Everybody was willing to kind of pitch in and provide what they could to get this thing across the finish line," Reeverts said.
Carroll County dairy farmer Riley Getz said he was heartbroken thinking about the devastation the hurricane caused southern livestock owners. "You're kind of tied up to the mercy of what's next," he said. "If you don't have the resources, it's either sell out or try to find them."
The outpour of support was immense. "A lot more were willing to donate that were unfortunately not able to, because we ran out of truck space," Getz said.
Group leaders commented if another natural disaster would strike in the future, they would be willing to supply more bales or support.
“It shows the strengths and values of the American farmer," Getz said. "How loyal they are to each other and how they support each other through thick and thin.”