Garfield County Rancher and MFU Board of Director Brett Dailey (left) presents a check for $25,000 to Farmers Union Oil Co. Manager Bob Wilson  in Jordan, Montana.

Donation will help those hurt by wildfire

Montana Farmers Union is helping Montana farmers hurt by the 270,000-acre fire in Eastern Montana.

This week Montana Farmer's Union and four other Farmers Union states made a donation to the Farmers Union Oil Co-Op in Jordan, MT.

Montana Farmers Union Board of Director, and Jordan rancher Brett Dailey, presented the manager of the co-op Bob Wilson with a check for $25,000. The donation, which includes funds from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota farmer's unions,  will go to replace fencing lost in the fire. Farmers or ranchers interested in qualifying  for fencing donations should contact the co-op directly. Donations are on a first come, first served basis.
“Montana Farmers Union is a great organization to try to help get things back in operation,” said Wilson. ”We certainly appreciate the support.” Wilson said it’s going to be a challenge to get all the fencing up, but said relatives are coming from all over to help get the process started.

Montana Farmers Union President Alan Merrill said he is appreciative of the partner states for stepping up. “Farmers Union is a family, we all help each other in times of need,” said Merrill. “We know it will be a process to rebuild for the residents of Garfield County, but are confident in their ability. Montana farmers and ranchers are strong, resilient and with the help of neighbors will come out stronger than before.”

Dailey’s ranch is located west of Jordan and was mostly spared by the fire with the exception of a smaller pasture he uses to grazes yearlings. He said the support has been overwhelming. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors here,” said Dailey. “We thought a perfect solution to help the county was to donate to the local co-op as Montana Farmers Union was formed on this principle.”
 
According to Wilson in Garfield County and the surrounding areas cattle, sheep and wheat are the primary sources of income for producers. He also said some farmers are now experimenting with peas and dryland corn. One advantage Wilson said the ranchers have is the ability to keep livestock on their land rather than transporting to a feedlot. He said this is thanks in part to the overwhelming donations of hay from across the region.
 
Those interested in helping area farmers and ranchers affected by the fire are encouraged to contact the Farmers Union Oil Co. in Jordan by calling 557-2215.