This past year has illustrated how vulnerable and helpless we all can be when natural disasters occur.   We mourned for our friends and family in Western and South Central Kentucky when they were devastated by tornadoes at the end of 2021.  Fast forward seven months later and our Eastern Kentucky brethren were severely impacted by unprecedented flooding that left many areas under water and in shambles.   Any of these disasters could have happened here.  I think all our farmers know that and want to help out other farmers who are suffering.   They are a tight knit community that is eternally generous toward one another.  

The Simpson County Extension Office partnered with the Simpson County Cattlemen’s Association to respond to each of these needs.  The Extension Agent for Agriculture worked with Extension Agents in Hopkins and Breathitt counties to organize and deliver goods after each disaster.  

In February, we delivered a gooseneck trailer loaded with specific fencing supplies that were requested to Hopkins County in Western Kentucky after the tornado.  It was reported that 23 farm families were able to benefit from these supplies.    

Eastern Kentucky Extension Agents and the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association requested certain items which included livestock feed to those impacted by flooding in Eastern Kentucky.   Within two short weeks, we were able to raise enough money to purchase 16 tons of a 3-way commodity livestock mix valued at $310 per ton.  This required a semi and driver to deliver this load to Jackson, KY about 225 miles from Franklin, KY.  Additional monies came in after the delivery that was sent as well.

In December, some farmers in Knott County began to run critically low of hay due to low hay supplies after flooding.  The Simpson County Agriculture Agent coordinated a hay delivery with the Knott County Agriculture Agent to assist those in need.  34 rolls of hay were delivered by a Simpson County farmer to help out.  The trip was 267 miles one way.  The hay and delivery cost are valued at approximately $3,500.  

The supplies and delivery for both events were valued at over $18,300 total.  Reed Graham, Extension Agent in Breathitt County, said that we have no idea how helpful our contribution was to the people of Perry and Breathitt Counties.  Their cattle literally had nothing to eat after the raging waters filled pastures with mud and swept their hay supplies away.  The outpouring of generosity from throughout the state has helped boost their spirits in tough times.