An estimated 85% of beef cattle in Texas are raised in the Panhandle, with expectations the disaster will see prices of beef going up in supermarkets nationwide. 12 million cattle are, or were, estimated to be in the Panhandle in or in the path or near to the fires.
Researchers find the Texas fire season has grown by two months with warming climate, and the season is expected to intensify and lengthen as temperatures rise and extreme weather conditions worsen. Further, an underlying risk for new fires will continue in both the Texas Panhandle and South Texas, until spring green-up.
The TSCRA; or Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has established a donation link to help families who have lost their homes and everything, including or excepting livestock. Texas A&M Professor and Extension Livestock Specialist suggests the greatest need will be cash donations to help families rebuild and get ranching going again. Through the TSCRA website, this is the location to get donations in to families:
STAR Fund
Texas Department of Agriculture
1700 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701 Alternatively; the phone number for the TSCRA is 800-242-7820
TSCRA has also established a drop off location in Gray County, offering burned out ranchers fencing, hay and feed resources at a time there is little to no way to feed surviving animals. The STAR fund donations are not used for livestock or crop compensation, but for materials to help ranchers begin again.
Investigation continues into the case of the Smokehouse Creek and other fires. The Texas Tribune reports Friday, a homeowner in Hemphill County filed a lawsuit against Xcel Energy, alleging a company owned power pole started a fire when it fell.
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