The Cooperative Extension Service has always been a strong network of land grant universities, across the United States. They have historically worked together to serve our many communities in time of need.  During the devastating flood in Eastern Kentucky in 2022, many extension colleagues helped out from neighboring states during that time.  When devastation hit our neighboring state in North Carolina from flooding from hurricane Helene, in 2024, our Mountain Cattleman’s Association had reached out to county agriculture agents in affected communities to spear head ways to assist fellow farmers in North Carolina. With assistance from the Kentucky Extension Disaster Coordinator, ANR agents began gathering needs and ways to assist.

Extension Agents and Mountain Cattleman members, along with community members, began collecting items and fundraising.  First loads of donated hay, water, and other essential supplies began going out in less than two-weeks after the devastation hit.  MCA leaders and Agents had secured over ten thousand dollars’ for supplies including seeds to stabilize hundreds of acres of eroded soil, fencing supplies, and other essentials were delivered to agriculture distribution centers in early November by agents and MCA members.  One farmer at the distribution center came over and thanked the Kentucky group for coming and giving, he said this gives him the hope to continue raising cattle which he enjoys.  The group stayed overnight and cooked meals at one of the distribution centers for over two-hundred volunteers and community members in need. Efforts continued as toy drives for affected children at Christmas, and plans to help families with gardening needs this spring.