Coleman donation boosts storm disaster relief
US - Relief efforts coordinated by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) to aid farmers and ranchers in the wake of recent snow and ice storms received a major donation today from Coleman Natural Foods.
12 January 2007
2 minute read
Based in Golden, Colo., Coleman is a leading processor and distributor of natural and organic proteins, including a popular line of premium beef products. The company employs nearly 2300 people in six states, with facilities in 17 different locations, including three in Colorado.
“Coleman recognizes the challenges faced as a result of these storms by farmers and ranchers across the High Plains region,” said Mel Coleman, Jr., chairman of Coleman. “These family operations are exactly the kind of partners that help make Coleman successful, and we want to do what we can to help them through this difficult time.”
Hundreds of farms and ranches in an area stretching from northern Texas and New Mexico through Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Nebraska have been severely impacted by a series of recent snow and ice storms. Adverse weather has made many rural roads impassable and has knocked out power and other utilities for extended periods of time. These conditions have made it especially difficult for ranchers and feedlot operators to provide adequate food and water to their cattle, resulting in significant losses and drastically higher operating costs.
“This has been a real catastrophe in the heart of the Beef Belt, and cattlemen need assistance to get back on their feet,” said Terry Stokes, NCBA chief executive officer. “It’s gratifying to see the value Coleman Natural Foods places on the well-being of our nation’s farmers and ranchers, and their willingness to help out.”
Tax-deductible contributions can be made to this relief effort through the National Cattlemen’s Foundation by calling 866-BEEF-USA (866-233-3782) or by visiting the foundation’s Web site at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. Contributions of hay, feed, and other supplies are also welcome. Donations are also being collected at Denver’s National Western Stock Show through Jan. 21. Every dollar contributed to the relief fund will provide direct assistance to farms and ranches impacted by the storm, with state cattlemen’s associations helping to target aid where it is most needed.
Stokes is hoping for some of the same positive results that NCBA was able to achieve when coordinating relief efforts for farmers and ranchers devastated by hurricanes in the fall of 2005.
“Some of the first people to step up to the plate with donations have been cattlemen from Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, who remember the outpouring of assistance they received from across the nation,” he said. “They’re still struggling to recover, but wanted to provide some help to their fellow farmers and ranchers in need.”
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