‘I just can’t believe the generosity from Tennesseans’ Farmers receive donations from agriculture community

NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE) — The farming community in East Tennessee is a brotherhood. That was on full display as a large convoy of farmers made their way to Newport delivering much needed supplies to those impacted by the floods.

As bales of hay continued pouring into Wilson Livestock Market, farmers and those making the donations were blown away.

“I just can’t believe the generosity from Tennesseans and these gentlemen from Claiborne and surrounding counties have been so generous,” Wilson Livestock Market owner Randy Hodge said. “They have probably brought in over 600 bales of hay. We’ve had calls and donations from, people have brought us as few as three square bales of hay from Indiana in to here and it’s just been overwhelming.”

Donations like hay, animal feed, and fencing supplies have come in by the truckload for Cocke County farmers. It has truly been a team effort to get people back on their feet.

“It’s just been a working group,” Cocke County resident Mike Sharp said. “We’ve been out at the fairgrounds taking in hay, fencing materials and stuff like that. They’re out there giving it out today.”

The farmers who were part of the convoy to Newport said seeing people along the road cheering them on from the side of the road showed what this means to the community.

“It was pretty awesome to see all that take place,” Claiborne County farmer Scott Edwards said.

“I was amazed by the time we left Harrogate this morning all the people on the side of the road filming, waving and saying thank you,” Claiborne County farmer David Riley said. “It was a blessing and I’m glad we are still a USA and we can all come together to help each other.”

Mike Sharp said the farmers in need were looking out for others in the community that needed help.

“You nearly had to twist their arm to get them to come and get it,” Sharp said. “They have enough pride that, “I’m going to make it on my own.” They wanted the bare minimum and they left other stuff so somebody else could have some too.”

Donations are still being accepted. They can be dropped off at the Cocke County I&A Fairgrounds from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

So far, volunteers there have helped 57 families, not including those who have been helped by the donations made to the Wilson Live Stock Market.

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