The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) is encouraging Texans who wish to make financial donations to ranchers affected by the recent Texas wildfires to do so through the Texas Department of Agriculture's Star of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) fund.

The STAR fund will use financial donations to help purchase hay and fencing supplies for ranchers in the affected areas. Donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made at www.texasagriculture.gov or by calling 512-475-1615.

"Many ranchers across parts of West Texas have been completely devastated by the raging wildfires. Thousands of grazing acres have burned, cattle have been lost, and hundreds of miles of fences have disappeared," said Joe Parker, Jr., a rancher in Clay County and president of TSCRA.

"Thankfully, most of these fires are under control; however, the dry and windy conditions continue to pose a serious threat, which has us all feeling a little uneasy.

"The flood of support from Texas ranchers, the industry, and state and local officials has been remarkable. We here in the cattle industry know what it means to work together to help each other out, which is why the continued effort to support those affected by the fires is so important. TSCRA would like to thank Commissioner Staples for his ongoing support and efforts for these ranchers."