At least a hundred farmers and supporters gathered at the last rest area on I-70 West before the Indiana state line to caravan across the country Friday morning. The rest area was the designated rendezvous place before Ohio farmers took supplies to victims of wildfires that continue to wreak havoc on the western plains.

Parts of Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas have seen hundreds of thousands of acres scorched this month. The loss in livestock, land and property is staggering and Ohio farmers are traveling to Kansas to help.

“You just feel for them so much,” said Jana Caudill of Champaign County, who was heading across the country with 11-year-old son Jace and cousin Brendan Bayliss of Logan County. “We want to give them whatever relief we can. The tables will turn (someday).”

At least 15 trailers heavy with hay, several semis, cars and trucks loaded with feed, fencing materials, milk replacers and other supplies came together quickly, thanks in large part to the efforts of Rose and Greg Hartschuh of Crawford County who organized the effort largely through the use of social media.

FFA chapters from Valley View and Twin Valley South high schools made snack packs for the drivers to take on their journey along with collecting other donations such as water and safety glasses.

Sarah Birtch from Duma Meats in Mogadore said her company had posted a Facebook Live video of the effort and that, coupled with coverage from a Cleveland television station, caused donations from customers to pour in – everything from cash to Pedialyte. On Friday morning, she was handing out money to drivers to help cover the cost of their fuel. Farm Bureau member benefits partner Grainger also donated 100 dust masks for volunteers.

“People were just flying to our place and donations are still coming,” she said. “Everybody wants to help. Look at this, it’s wonderful.”

Follow the group via Facebook. Ohio’s Country Journal Editor Matt Reese is accompanying the group and will be reporting throughout the trip.

Caption: Luke Dull of Montgomery County secures the farmers helping farmers sign on the back of his hay load.

My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

New and beginning farmers
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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