An outpouring of local support continues for cattle producers devastated by wildfires in Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado. Andover, South Dakota farmer John Horter says the first two loads of hay from his area went out to Ashland, Kansas on Friday and there is more on the way.

He says hay continues to be donated, the biggest challenge is finding the trucks and truckers to get the hay to affected areas as the transportation costs per truck are quite large.

Horter says farm groups in the state and individuals have provided monetary donations to support their efforts.

Horter says unfortunately it will take several weeks for those areas to recover from the losses, which include thousands of cattle and a million plus acres of pasture, and so there will be ongoing need.

And with the Drought Monitor showing expanding drought areas in the central and southern plains, the need will intensify if much needed rains aren’t received soon.