In wake of the devastating October Blizzard that affected many parts of South Dakota, we at Montana Stockgrowers are deeply saddened by the news of our fellow ranchers’ losses and as ranchers ourselves we can relate when times get hard. MSGA is eager to help our fellow ranchers in South Dakota by forwarding you this information on how you can help. A designated Rancher Relief Fund has been established to benefit those affected by the storm.

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and South Dakota Sheep Growers Association established the South Dakota Rancher Relief Fund Oct. 8, 2013 with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation to provide support and relief assistance to those in the agriculture industry impacted by the blizzard of Oct. 4-7, 2013.

The fund will be administered by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association for the direct benefit of the livestock producers impacted by this devastating blizzard.

To Donate

To donate to the Rancher Relief Fund visit, http://www.giveblackhills.org and search “Rancher Relief Fund” or click on this link. Donors can also mail checks to Black Hills Community Area Foundation/SD Rancher Relief Fund made out to the “Rancher Relief Fund.” Address: PO Box 231, Rapid City, 57709.

More about the sponsoring organizations

The mission of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is to Advance and protect the interests of all cattlemen by enhancing profitability through representation, promotion and information sharing. Our vision is to be a producer-oriented organization that consumers and producers rely on for factual information to enhance a profitable business climate and promote environmental stewardship. To learn more visit, http://www.sdcattlemen.org/ or contact Jodie Anderson at 605.945.2333.

The South Dakota Stockgrowers is a grassroots, non-profit organization of independent livestock producers dedicated to the continued success and viability of the domestic livestock industry. Since 1893 our mission has remained unchanged, “to promote and protect the South Dakota Livestock industry.” To learn more visit, www.southdakotastockgrowers.org or contact Silvia Christen at 605.342.0429.

The South Dakota Sheep Growers is the trade association for sheep producers of South Dakota, representing both farm flocks and range operations. We are a state member of the American Sheep Industry, the sheep industry voice involved in: meat safety, marketing, regulations through national education, communication and lobbying and legislation. We focus on lamb and fiber promotion on a state-wide basis and keeping members updated on issues affecting the sheep industry. To learn more visit, www.sdsheepgrowers.org or contact, Max Matthews at 605.490.0726.