The destruction caused by wildfires in the Great Plains in March didn’t generate much national coverage from the mainstream press. But word did spread through agriculture circles via social media. It was obvious people there needed help, and many responded, including Hoosiers.

“Ranchers need all the help they can get,” says P.J. Griekspoor, editor of Kansas Farmer, sister publication to Indiana Prairie Farmer. “God bless Indiana for caring.”

Some of the first in Indiana to respond were John and Amanda Canary, Franklin. These Farm Bureau members felt like they had to do something to help. They found Phil Ramsay, a Shelby County farmer, with 20 tons of hay he and his wife wanted to donate. The Canarys located three other drivers willing to help, and four truckloads of hay were soon on their way to Kansas. Their destination was Ashland, a rural town in the heart of one of the hardest-hit areas.

“The people seemed overwhelmed to see us when we arrived, and were surprised we drove all the way from Indiana to bring hay,” John Canary says. “Other convoys of hay were arriving at the same time.

“Meanwhile, local people were loading trucks with hay to go to where it was need most. Hay was coming in and out of the central location we visited, all at the same time.”

While they didn’t have time to tour damaged areas, the Canarys saw enough on the way in and out of town to get at least a small appreciation for what the ranchers and farmers there were facing. “There wasn’t anything left growing anywhere where we were,” Canary says. “It was a bleak sight.”

Gov. Eric Holcomb relaxed regulations so trucks carrying hay could pass through Indiana without interference. The Delaware County Farm Bureau soon organized another hay convoy and supplied the fuel so Hoosiers could get hay to the Great Plains. Some FFA chapters got involved as well, including Pioneer FFA in Cass County, which helped organize a hay drive.

Help still needed
A few weeks ago a rumor circulated that the folks in the Plains didn’t want any more hay. Canary called his contact in Kansas. The response was telling. “Who told you that?” the person asked.

Canary and Daniel Hiatt, Delaware County, formed a Facebook group called "Hoosiers helping the panhandle." The goal is to coordinate efforts among Hoosiers who want to donate hay, haul hay or make financial donations.

Canary is convinced that the need for help will continue for a long time. One consequence of the wildfires has received even less coverage than the destruction of cattle, property and fence, he says. “We could tell that the soil was just bare, and that soil erosion was going to be a big problem,” he says. “Soon after we returned home, a blogger from the Plains posted pictures of so much dirt blowing that it was hard for volunteers to continue working. It brings back images of the Dust Bowl that occurred in the '30s out there.”

If you want to help, here are two places you can start. Visit the Kansas Livestock Association website, kla.org, or the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association website, okcattlemen.org.

Hoosiers have stepped up to the plate to help fellow farmers and ranchers in their time of need. If you haven’t done so yet, Canary assures everyone help is still welcome. Now is your chance to show why God truly does bless Indiana and her people.