"Project Haylift"
Underway In Texas

AUSTIN — Project Haylift, a cooperative effort between agriculture industry associations and the state to deliver hay to Texas farmers and ranchers, began distributing donated hay this week.

The plan was put into action Tuesday morning at the Luling Foundation Farm in Luling, where farmers and ranchers received 178 round bales on a first-come, first-served basis.

Staging areas for delivery and distribution of hay are being designated throughout the state. The availability of hay and transportation will determine if, and how often, the staging areas will be used. Once hay is on its way to a staging area, the Farm Bureau and the county Extension office will notify area livestock producers through their county offices and the local farm broadcast network of the hay's location and time of pickup.

Each farmer or rancher will be given one large round bale or 20 square bales made available on a first come, first serve basis.

The Texas Department of Agriculture has identified 32 additional locations of donated hay in 10 different states. The working group is coordinating with trucking companies and railroad lines to transport the hay to Texas.

"I hope this effort will help our state's farmers and ranchers during an extremely difficult time," said Governor George W. Bush.

"I thank the compassionate producers from other states who are sharing so generously with us, and applaud Wal-Mart, Alamo Group trucking company, Union Pacific Railroad, and others who are helping to transport hay. I also want to thank the Texas Farm Bureau and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service for taking the lead in this cooperative effort to help livestock producers. This volunteer program is a step toward meeting the vast need for hay to feed livestock during our state's prolonged drouth."

The Project Haylift work group includes the Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Livestock Marketing Association, Texas Motor Transportation Association, Independent Cattlemen’s Association, Southwest Association, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Agricultural Extension Service, and the Governor's Office.