The Colorado Farm Bureau Foundation has activated its disaster relief fund to support farmers and ranchers who have been affected by the many fires burning throughout Colorado. One hundred percent of donationswill be distributed to agriculture producers who have suffered losses due to these fires.

“Our hearts go out to producers who see their lands go up in flames,” said Don Shawcroft, President of the Colorado Farm Bureau. “We are working to raise funds that may ease the pain of losses suffered because of fires.”

Several fires are burning throughout the state, including the Spring Fire, the third largest in the state’s history having already burned more than 100,000 acres near La Veta, Colorado. The 416 fire near Durango has burned more than 50,000 acres, with new fires popping up in the High Country and around the state.

These fires add to those that tore through the southeast part of the state earlier this year. These include the 117 Fire, that scorched more than 40,000 acres southeast of Colorado Springs and the Badger Hole Fire in Walsh, that destroyed more than 29,000 acres in Colorado and 19,000 more acres in Kansas. 

These fires are the continuation of a long, painful fire season. With moisture levels far below normal, the conditions are ripe for these kinds of disasters. Colorado Farm Bureau stands ready to support the agriculture community during this time and future times of need.

“We hope that folks from across Colorado will dig deep to help their neighbors in need,” said Shawcroft. “Agriculture is already hurting from dry conditions, severe weather and low prices. These ranchers must now figure out how to provide for their cattle with no pasture to graze them on. The unanticipated expense of purchasing feed will be difficult to overcome.”

The fires that start with the tiniest spark can quickly turn disastrous with extremely dry conditions, unpredictable winds and low humidity. With thousands of acres of pastureland burned, hundreds of miles of fences destroyed, and livestock killed by the blazes, ranchers in the area will be faced with difficult financial decisions as the summer season progresses.

The Colorado Farm Bureau has a long history of raising funds for disaster relief. Most recently the Foundation raised funds for victims of the Logan/Phillips fire, which burned 30,000+ acres in March of last year. The Foundation was successful in raising and distributing more than $350,000 in funds for impacted farmers and ranchers.

Checks payable to Colorado Farm Bureau Foundation, cash and credit card payments are being accepted at this time. Please note Disaster Fund-CO Wildfire in the memo line on the check. Cash and checks can be sent to:

Click here to make an online donation. All major credit cards are accepted