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EHAY WEEKLY
A PRIMEDIA Property
October 4, 2005
If you want to view this on the web go to:
http://enews.primediabusiness.com/enews ... ower/v/158
--Louisiana Beef Producers Seek Help, Hay
Southwestern and south-central Louisiana beef cattle producers have endured a devastating hit from Hurricane Rita, reports Ed Twidwell, Louisiana State University extension forage specialist. "Many livestock producers are without hay and fencing materials," Twidwell says.
He's asking the nation's hay and livestock producers to consider lending a hand with this dire situation.
The Louisiana Ag Summary suggests that over 175,000 cows reside in the hardest-hit parishes. Although information is still somewhat vague due to communication difficulties, LSU officials know that thousands of beef cattle are stranded and without hay and fresh water. Early reports suggest that, in Cameron Parish, 3,000-4,000 cattle are in need of hay and water and 4,000 may have been killed. Likewise, Vermilion Parish was two-thirds under water as of last week. "A tidal surge wiped out the lower part of the parish, drowning many cattle and displacing thousands more," reports Howard Cormier, an extension agent in the parish. "We're working to get cattle out of flooded areas. Many are along roadsides. Abortions are common, as cattle drink salty water and deal with stress and hunger." Up to 10,000 head of cattle are in need of feed and water in that area as well. "We're in need of hay to feed the cattle on higher ground. If anyone can donate round bales, please let us know," Cormier says.
Louisiana officials are seeking veterinary supplies, round bales, range cubes, portable corrals and fencing equipment. Staging areas for beef cattle relief have been set up at five locations in southwestern Louisiana. If you or someone you know is interested in donating hay or other supplies, please contact Jason Rowntree of the LSU Agricultural Center at 225-578-3345 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or call Cormier at 337-898-4335 to ask about the emergency effort.
EHAY WEEKLY
A PRIMEDIA Property
October 4, 2005
If you want to view this on the web go to:
http://enews.primediabusiness.com/enews ... ower/v/158
--Louisiana Beef Producers Seek Help, Hay
Southwestern and south-central Louisiana beef cattle producers have endured a devastating hit from Hurricane Rita, reports Ed Twidwell, Louisiana State University extension forage specialist. "Many livestock producers are without hay and fencing materials," Twidwell says.
He's asking the nation's hay and livestock producers to consider lending a hand with this dire situation.
The Louisiana Ag Summary suggests that over 175,000 cows reside in the hardest-hit parishes. Although information is still somewhat vague due to communication difficulties, LSU officials know that thousands of beef cattle are stranded and without hay and fresh water. Early reports suggest that, in Cameron Parish, 3,000-4,000 cattle are in need of hay and water and 4,000 may have been killed. Likewise, Vermilion Parish was two-thirds under water as of last week. "A tidal surge wiped out the lower part of the parish, drowning many cattle and displacing thousands more," reports Howard Cormier, an extension agent in the parish. "We're working to get cattle out of flooded areas. Many are along roadsides. Abortions are common, as cattle drink salty water and deal with stress and hunger." Up to 10,000 head of cattle are in need of feed and water in that area as well. "We're in need of hay to feed the cattle on higher ground. If anyone can donate round bales, please let us know," Cormier says.
Louisiana officials are seeking veterinary supplies, round bales, range cubes, portable corrals and fencing equipment. Staging areas for beef cattle relief have been set up at five locations in southwestern Louisiana. If you or someone you know is interested in donating hay or other supplies, please contact Jason Rowntree of the LSU Agricultural Center at 225-578-3345 or [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or call Cormier at 337-898-4335 to ask about the emergency effort.