Let's put our money where our mouth is. Having giant brains and sitting in front of a computer all day does pay pretty well.

Larry, would it be difficult to set something up where we could chip in donations toward some cattle or should I just go with the spaghetti dinner idea?

One could also consider helping with the distribution of the critters. No, I am not joking. People, trucks, and trailers will be needed.

Black Hills Pioneer: Donate a heifer

Montana rancher gathers cattle donations for ranchers affected by winter storm Atlas

"MILES CITY, Mont. - With most of winter storm Atlas' deep, heavy snow gone, and power restored to nearly all who were without, the blizzard is all but a memory for most South Dakotans. But not for ranchers; with an estimated 80,000 head of cattle lying dead from the storm across the state, the nightmare is still very real. After hearing of the South Dakota ranching community's devastating losses, one Montana rancher decided he was going to try to make a difference.

On Oct. 8, 33-year-old Miles City, Mont. rancher Ty Linger set up the "Heifers for S. Dakota" Facebook page, hoping to start a campaign in which ranchers in the surrounding area unaffected by winter storm Atlas could pledge to donate cattle to South Dakota ranchers suffering a loss of 25 percent or more of their herd. As of today, exactly one week later, Linger is reporting more than 130 head of animals, valued at more than $200,000, have been pledged to his cause, he's set up a standalone website (www.helpforsouthdakota.com), his Facebook page has more than 4,300 "likes," his project is 90 percent of the way to official establishment as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and he has 17 communication/organization/outreach branches set up - eight in Montana, two in Wyoming, one in south central South Dakota, one in western North Dakota, one in Nebraska, one in Minnesota, one in Iowa, one in Utah and one in Virginia.

. . .

Linger said one of the best ways individuals can help him achieve his goal right now is by identifying ranchers who could use his help. He needs names, numbers and details, because without a list of those in need, a list of pledges is worthless.

Linger can be contacted through e-mail at heifersforsdakota(AT)outlook.com. More information on Help for South Dakota can be found at www.helpforsouthdakota.com, as well as on the project's regularly updated Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pledgeheifer."

David, I don't have any heifers. I think it would be nice if we might pool our money to buy some, rather than donating cash that those Dakotans will just spend on booze and hookers.

Or new pickup trucks.

That's for tax purposes.

Buck,

Great idea, I will match whatever what ever verified amount you care to donate to buy cows.

Being born and raised in western South Dakota and as a youngster remembering the loss of 1200 head of sheep out of 1600, and later the loss of 376 head of cows out of 500 in spring blizzards. I'm well acquainted with the heart break and financial ruin these events bring on.

Ike, I'll send you cash and you can match it and find someone to donate it to. I wish I could do more, but it's going to be another 30+ years before I have the benefit of Social Security and Medicare.

Buck,

Wonderful gesture that shows your true character. A probable fantasy, is that the MC.com community, despite our petty bickering and diversity could come together and raise enough to actually buy a heifer to donate. :mc

My address is:
E.N.Eichler
519 Eichler Lane
Miles City 59301

A check would be better than cash. Whatever the case be assured I will get it to the right group.

One heifer - if bred and pregnant - is worth about $1700.

[This message has been edited by Bill Zook (10/19/2013)]

Bill,

That well illustrates the enormity of the losses. What I had in mind, was a this years calf that was going to be kept over as a replacement heifer. Slated to be given to the little guy commercial operator.

How did you get a street named after you Ike?

There are several roads and streets named after people. Years ago my father was confronted about having the water plant road named after him . At the time we had a warehouse where the crematory currently is. He opted not to have his name put on the road. The road going past the meat packing plant is also named after a person. It was named that way about the same time that my father was asked about the pumping plant road.

I think that this is very good news...

http://news.yahoo.com/usd...02698.html

From the article Jeri posted:

"Scuse also encouraged producers to submit forms to the Farm Service Agency, documenting their losses in the hope that lawmakers in Washington will quickly pass a Farm Bill to reauthorize the livestock disaster assistance programs that have expired."

It'll be interesting to see if the "lawmakers" can act and who, if anyone, throws up roadblocks.

Jeri,

What's so good news about the story. All it says is they would dispose of the cattle.

"The agency would help producers dispose of livestock carcasses, replace destroyed fencing and rebuild shelters that were damaged by the storm, U.S. Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse told livestock producers in Rapid City, South Dakota."

What the ranchers need is help with restocking there herd. We are talking over 1.4 billion in economic losses for the region.

I know it sounds limited but it is something to create awareness of how bad the situation is and possibly expedite the Farm Bill which cannot seem to get enough votes. I think it will also give them an idea of who needs help. Good that they will rebuild the shelters and fences as well as dispose of the dead cattle. North Dakota also has an area that was hit real hard.

I see this is back in the news as people make good on their promises.

Just curious, Ike. Did you ever get that cash or check from Buck? You should give credit, where credit is due.

Yes, credit or discredit where they are due. Never received a penny from anyone.

With the start-up idea from local Ty Linger the program has been a huge success. The response from the cattle producers, without questioning the recipients political leanings has been remarkable.

No surprise there.

They have been doing a wonderful job. No need to make it more complicated by bringing in another layer to make a donation. They accept cash, checks, cows, etc.

[This message has been edited by Amorette F. Allison (12/2/2013)]

If you read the whole thread, it will become clear that the issue in this case was, "Putting your money where your mouth is." !!

As an aside, as one of your friends commented, on MC.com she just starts typing without a clear thought in her head.

Never mind.

[This message has been edited by Amorette Allison (12/2/2013)]

Back to the positive... Great job TY!