The North Dakota Stockmen's Association and North Dakota Stockmen's Foundation have pledged $15,000 to wildfire relief efforts in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado.

Dry conditions and extreme wind were a deadly combination in the four states, burning millions of acres, thousands of animals, hay reserves, fences and homes. The fires also injured and even claimed the lives of some people as they worked to evacuate their livestock and get them out of harm's way.

"Our hearts go out to those who suffered through these devastating wildfires," says NDSA President Warren Zenker, a cow-calf producer and feeder from Gackle, N.D. "We want them to know that they are not alone; the cattle ranching community is here for them."

The NDSA and NDSF have also established the Rising from the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program as a means to connect individuals who want to provide their own financial support with those ranch families who are in need.

People who want to help can send checks to the NDSF at 407 S. 2nd St., Bismarck, ND 58504 with "Rising from the Ashes" written in the memo. The NDSA and NDSF will compile these financial gifts and work with the respective cattlemen's organizations in the impacted states to distribute 100% of the money raised to the victims.

The NDSF is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, so gifts can be deducted for income tax purposes.

"It's hard to imagine what our fellow ranchers are going through after the fires scorched their land, their livestock and their dreams," says Bowman, N.D., rancher Steve Brooks, NDSF president. "We cannot undo what has happened to them, but what we can hopefully do is rekindle their hope and help them recover from this disaster."

For more information about the Rising from the Ashes Wildfire Disaster Relief Program, call 701-223-2522 or visit ndstockmen.org.

Source: ND Stockmen’s Association