AMARILLO, Texas — In response to recent devastating wildfire outbreaks impacting much of the Texas Panhandle and parts of Oklahoma, several Farm Credit System organizations have joined forces to contribute funds to support extensive recovery and relief efforts.
Several wildfires across the region, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire — the largest wildfire ever recorded in Texas — have burned nearly 1.3 million acres north of Amarillo. Two people have lost their lives and many others have been displaced from their homes. While the full scope of damage will take time to assess, losses include livestock, homes and other structures, equipment, fencing, fodder, and infrastructure.
To support agricultural producers and communities stricken by the deadly fires, 10 Texas Farm Credit District lending cooperatives, along with Farm Credit Bank of Texas, CoBank, Farmer Mac and other System organizations, have pledged a combined $380,000 for fire relief efforts. Contributors include: AgTexas Farm Credit Services, AgTrust Farm Credit, Alabama Ag Credit, Capital Farm Credit, Central Texas Farm Credit, Heritage Land Bank, Mississippi Land Bank, Plains Land Bank, Southern AgCredit, Texas Farm Credit, American AgCredit, Farm Credit Services of America and Farm Credit Mid-America.
Kay Lynn McLaughlin, Plains Land Bank CEO shared that, “Neighbors helping neighbors, despite the distance-is the Farm Credit Way! No stranger to joining forces, Farm Credit Associations and funding banks have come together to help provide relief funds and support for rural communities and agriculture producers impacted by the devastating fires that quickly altered the lives of many. Our prayers continue to be with those in need as they work to rebuild the land, they call home.”
Pledges will benefit the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund and county-level efforts compiled by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
About Farm Credit Bank of Texas
Farm Credit Bank of Texas is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank that finances agriculture and rural America. It funds 13 rural lending co-ops and two other financing institutions, enabling them to make loans to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and rural property owners. It also partners with other lenders to finance agricultural production and processing, essential rural infrastructure and more. The bank is part of the Farm Credit System, the nation’s oldest and largest source of rural financing.
