Thanks to contributions from individuals and businesses across the U.S., Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund on April 16 mailed out checks totaling $112,750 to cattle raisers financially burdened by February’s Winter Storm Uri.

The organization began fundraising Feb. 18, just days after the storm hit Texas and Oklahoma with record-breaking low temperatures and snowfall, along with widespread power and water outages.

The TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund is a 501(c)3 organization with a mission to provide emergency, short-term financial assistance to meet a variety of needs related to natural disasters. The fund offers supplemental relief for losses sustained due to the natural disaster that will not be satisfied, in whole or in part, by insurance or other relief payments. Relief is open to impacted ranchers and landowners in Texas and Oklahoma regardless of membership status in the Association.

Those affected were encouraged to apply for the funds through March 14. The short timeline allowed funds to be distributed as soon as possible, said TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund President Hughes Abell, a rancher from Austin.

“We know cattle raisers are hurting, and they need help now,” he said.

Abell said one of the silver linings of this storm was to see how the agricultural and rural community came together to help each other.

“We were blown away by the generosity of our members, allied industry partners, and friends,” hesaid. “Because of them, we were able to make a real difference.”