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Operation Hay & Grain Lift Provides Relief
to Parched Cattle in Western Nebraska
(Reprinted from the Orphan Grain
Train Newsletter, Winter 2003)
In
June 2002, Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns ordered the release
of roadside grass for haying in 51 northern and eastern Nebraska
counties, effective July 1, 2002. The Governor made the announcement
due to the deteriorating drought conditions in the state:
“With the continued hot, dry weather the decision to open the
remaining roadsides was necessary,” said the Governor. “Unfortunately,
it doesn’t appear that conditions will improve, so I wanted to
take action before the roadside hay lost its forage quality.”
In conjunction with the roadside haying release, the Governor
asked Nebraskans to consider donating their roadside hay or any
other types of forage through Orphan Grain Train. Based out of
Norfolk, this nonprofit organization has volunteered to serve
as a clearinghouse and distribution arm for donated hay. President
of Orphan Grain Train Inc., the Rev. Ray S. Wilke, said his organization
would work to assure that any contributions directed toward Operation
Hay and Grain Lift would go to needy Nebraska producers.
“While conditions are getting worse in the West, we in Northeast
Nebraska at least have had the benefit of more spring rain than
our neighbors to the West. ’Grain Train will get donated hay to
those that need it most,” Wilke said. The organization will also
accept donations of labor, trucking and cash donations as part
of Operation Hay & Grain Lift.
Governor Johanns stated: “I am pleased that Orphan Grain Train
has volunteered to coordinate this effort, particularly since
the State is not in a position to handle such a task. I hope Nebraskans
will show the true spirit of our state and reach out a helping
hand to those who are struggling."
With this press release the Governor kicked off an effort that
has resulted in more than $500,000 worth of hay, grain and services
to weather-weary ranchers in the west of Nebraska.
Soon volunteer coordinators Vern Steinman and Dr. Aaron Walter
of Norfolk hosted a meeting of church and statewide service organizations
to form an Operation Hay & Grain Lift Coalition. It is made up
of leaders from The Nebraska Grain and Feed Association, the United
Methodist Church, Nebraska Rural Ministry Project of the United
Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church and Presbyterian Disaster
Assistance, Christian Farmers, Church World Service, Nebraska
Farm Bureau, Orphan Grain Train, Pierce County Farm Service Agency,
representing farm service agencies of Nebraska, as well as Inter-church
Ministries of Nebraska and Mid-Nebraska Community Action. Together
they raised over $150,000 in cash to finance the harvest and transport
of approximately 6,000 tons of life-sustaining hay.
Most gratifying, are the letters of thanks which recognize that
it is the “Mind of Christ” that moves men and mountains of hay
in a single motion of service to their Lord.
To
read more:
A Massive Need Requires a Massive Response!
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