Louisiana Farmers & Ranchers Help Flooded Cattlemen

Louisiana farmers and ranchers have responded to the call to help flooded Louisiana cattlemen by donating over 5,000 bales of hay.  The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation set up its Hay Clearinghouse webpage and hotline number shortly after record amounts of rainfall turn many Louisiana hay fields and cattle pastures into farm ponds.  Many of those pastures are still holding flood waters.

“Farmers and ranchers are some of the most generous people you will ever meet,” said Farm Bureau’s Carey Martin, coordinator of the Hay Clearinghouse.  “My phone hasn’t stopped ringing with ranchers offering hay to their fellow cattlemen in need.”

Anyone in the flooded area who needs hay can submit their request through the VoiceofLouisianaAgriculture.org website by clicking on the Hay Clearinghouse link at the top of the page.  They can also contact Martin by phone at 225-922-6226.  Farm Bureau is still accepting hay donations also. 

“There will be a need for hay for several weeks to come,” said Martin.  Once the water recedes, it may take a month or more for the grass to regrow, and until then, the need for hay will continue, he said.