Local couple donate hay bales to Texas rancher affected by wild fire

Still not fully contained, Texas is currently experiencing its largest wild fire in state history. Over one million acres have burned—roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island. Texas grazing lands have been decimated. Thousands of cattle have died. Some farmers and ranchers have lost everything. Hearing this, Elisa Large knew that she had to help in some way.
Once she heard about the extensive damage and loss faced by the ranchers and farmers in Texas, Elisa said it “felt like a calling from God.” She called up her husband, Dale Large, and asked if they had any spare hay bales. Luckily, it had been a good year with extra moisture, which meant extra bales. Elisa did a quick Google search to figure out where they could deliver donations and with that, the project was set into motion.
Dale and Elisa spent the next couple of days preparing for the almost 400-mile journey to Canadian, Texas. Neighbors helped by lending extra tarp straps and wide load signs. The Larges were also able to collect a donation from the congregation at the Imperial Methodist Church that went to the Canadian Volunteer Fire Department to distribute where it is most needed.
On Tuesday morning, Dale and Elisa hopped into their semi-truck loaded down with hay bales and started their 8-hour journey down to Texas.
The journey was not without its challenges. Elisa recalls approaching a bridge in Kansas that boasted a 14’ height warning sign. She asked how tall they actually were and Dale confirmed that they were about 16’ tall. Somehow, they managed to creep under the bridge and continued their trip. The wind, unsurprisingly, was also gusting at times.
The town of Canadian remains mostly untouched by the fire. It was a very fast moving blaze but most buildings could be saved. However, you can see places where the flames had nearly reached structures. Dale and Elisa noted that there was definitely a haze in the air and you could smell the smoke and ash.
Once they arrived in Canadian, they called up the local feed store—which is the point of contact for donations in the area. Then, they were directed to one of the local ranches. They were able to take their bales directly to the ranch and talk to the rancher personally.
In talking to the Texas rancher, they found out that he had 120 head of cattle and had lost all his bales and pastures. His summer grazing had been burned, as well. The rancher also lost two of his tractors. Dale estimates that he will rely on donated bales until July, at the earliest. Donations of hay bales will be vital to many Texas ranchers over the next several months.
Dale and Elisa both agreed that it was nice to be able to have a conversation with the person they were helping out. Elisa felt that, in a nation that feels very divided at times, this was “one American helping another American.”
Elisa noted an encouraging sign—several small, green corn plants pushing their way through the ash.
Anyone wishing to help out can go to www.texasfarmbureau.org for ways to assist.
There have also been a rash of fires in the state of Nebraska. Those wanting to make donations or find ways to help out can contact Randy Saner of the NE Extension Office in North Platte at 308-532-2683.