I don’t have to tell you about what’s been going on in Texas the past several days. Hurricane Harvey dumped an incredible amount of water in the Houston area, and many people are currently displaced from their homes. Houses are waterlogged and flooded.

In addition to the general impact of the area, farmers and ranches have suffered losses as well. Cotton crops have been destroyed in the fields, properties flooded, livestock displaced, and hay and feed destroyed by water. There have even been videos taken of cattle trying to swim through flood waters to high ground.

While any donations to a reputable fundraiser or organization are wonderful, I have a special place in my heart for farmers. I feel for them as they deal with losing not just their homes and possessions, but also their land, crops, and livestock. In addition to having their families to think about, they also have livestock to move to high ground and care for in the midst of such chaos. I also feel that farmers and ranchers won’t get as much attention in all of this mess, and those who don’t farm themselves may not even think about or be aware of the situation.

For those reasons, I have decided to focus my personal donations to directly benefit farmers and ranchers who have been impacted or displaced by Harvey. It wasn’t especially easy finding where to donate for these purposes, and it took a few messages and phone calls to find the right information. I’m sharing that information here with you so you can donate, if you can. If you can’t donate, please share these resources so others can be aware. Thank you!

1. Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team

Texas A&M has mobilized to set up emergency holding locations for displaced livestock as well as emergency food drop offs. In addition, they are also deployed with search and rescue animals to locate and rescue survivors of Harvey. Additionally, here is a list of shelters and holding facilities currently available for both pets and livestock.

2. Texas Department of Ag STAR Fund

The State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund (STAR), managed by the Texas Department of Ag, operates through private donations. The STAR fund provides aid to farmers and ranchers during natural disasters such as Harvey.

3. Farmers Hurricane Relief Go Fund Me

If you would like to support a more grassroots effort, this fundraiser is run by Liberty Farm and Garden feed store. They are raising money to donate feed to the displaced livestock in Texas.

4. Donate or Volunteer Directly

If you live near the area, consider donating or volunteering in person if you are able to do so. There are many shelters and holding locations for both humans and animals that can use volunteers to help care for animals, the sick, the young, and the elderly. They can also benefit from donations of practical items such as animal feed, bottled water, and sanitary supplies. Contact some of the resources above or research options close to you. Ultimately, without hands and feet to do the work, money alone cannot be successfully put to good use.

For all of you impacted by this disaster, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Y’all are TEXAS STRONG and will get through this. Sending my love from Tennessee. <3

Cheers