Idaho Cattle Association to offer relief to beef producers impacted by wildfire

The fund was established in 2022, and it is aimed at helping cattle producers impacted by wildfires. (Preston Keres / U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Cattle producers impacted by wildfires this summer have until Oct. 24 to apply to the Idaho Cattle Association’s Wildfire Relief Fund.

The fund was established in 2022, and it is aimed at helping cattle producers impacted by wildfires.

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Qualifying groups or individuals include Idaho cattle producers, rangeland fire protection associations, volunteer fire departments or organizations, and individuals or others that provided assistance or resources to fight wildfires this summer that caused losses or threatened cattle producer’s livestock, property or resources, according to a press release from the cattle association. Examples of an incurred expense might include emergency feed, transport or pasturing or fencing loss.

The beef industry is responsible for about $2 billion annually into Idaho’s economy, and it is a vital part of Idaho’s history and culture, Idaho Cattle Association president Jerry Wroten said in the press release.

“The impact of these fires on cattle producers will be felt for many years and some producers may not ever financially recover if they don’t have access to relief funding assistance,” Wroten said. “The Idaho Cattle Association is here to support producers in a variety of ways and this is just one of the most relevant during this fire season.”

In addition to accepting applications, the Idaho Cattle Association is accepting donations to the fund. The fund receives annual contributions from AgWest Farm Credit and Idaho Cattle Association funds, according to a press release from the association. All funding is privately-sourced.

To donate to the fund or receive an application, contact the Idaho Cattle Association’s office at 208-343-1615 or visit its website.

According to the website, the Idaho Cattle Association works on behalf of the more than 8,000 cattle producing families in the state of Idaho and has a membership of over 1,000 members. It is the only organization in the state that deals exclusively with the needs and interests of Idaho’s cattle industry.

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