In Taylor County, the December 11, 2021 and January 1, 2022 tornados affected approximately 110 homes and loss of one life as it swept across the state.  Some homes were completely gone, barns destroyed or damaged and livestock running loose as fences were taken by the tornados.

After several calls from leaders within the county and a promise of front money to purchase emergency fencing supplies and a request to help from farm organizations across the state, the Taylor County Extension Office became the distribution point for donated agriculture supplies and cash donations with the assistance of many leaders, local ag. dealers and neighboring agriculture agents.

The Taylor County Extension Service was to oversee the agriculture disaster relief and volunteers, but the volunteer list was so extensive that two volunteer leaders were asked to oversee the massive list of volunteers.   The community came together these leaders coordinated thousands of volunteers who were involved in clean up, rebuild and served food to those families affected and to volunteers helping.

The Taylor County Extension Service oversaw the receiving and distribution of approximately $70,000 worth of supplies, feed and hay and began distribution of approximately 30 emergency fence kits within 5 days of the tornado to contain livestock.  The first of February $144,000 of donated monies was distributed to 40 farms according to an agricultural needs assessment developed by the Taylor County Extension Service.

The effects of these tornadoes will be long lasting not only financially but also mentally and emotionally.

As a result of the community effort, the Taylor County Extension Service was a nominee for the Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award and the Everette Lee Citizens of the Year award was presented to the agriculture agent.