Posted: 12.28.2011
YOU CAN LISTEN TO PAM'S INTERVIEW WITH CARRIE MESS BY CLICKING HERE.
During the holidays we may see an increased amount of giving - but for a lot of Wisconsin farmers - the giving began months ago.
Carrie Mess is the coordinator for a special hay donation project, designed to try and assist farmers in the states of Texas and Oklahoma that were devastated by this summer's drought. Even as we get ready to roll into a new calendar year, Mess is finding that Wisconsin's giving spirit just continues.
"We have two more loads of hay that we want to get down there as soon as possible," she tells the Wisconsin Farm Report Radio show. "Right now we'd really appreciate some dairy quality hay - big square bales - to go on this next load for the dairy farmers down there that have been hurt." Mess says she's personally witnessed how the weather took its toll on farms in the region. She rode along on a delivery back in November and said that animals were scarce along the route because owners had run out of feed all together.
"They've gotten a little rain since then," Mess continues, "but it's not enough - and it's not helping feed animals right now."
Mess said they've sent six semi loads - holding anywhere between 40-44 bales or around 20 tons per semi. Mess says it's made an impact and the first comments the recipients of the hay have made were that they definitely want to "pay Wisconsin back whenever we need it". Mess says that the goodwill has probably meant more to the farmers in Texas and Oklahoma then even the hay.
Mess said each load sent down still costs around $2,500 and that they're always looking for more financial contributions to try and cover the goodwill.
One way that the general public can help keep the hay moving south is by joining in on a special fund raising event coming up Thursday, January 12th at a downtown Madison restaurant. Mess says AJ BOMBERS restaurant, 201 W. Gorham St. in Madison. The restaurant is creating a special "Hay Drive Burger" for that day - where 20 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the hay drive.
Mess says if the donations continue - so will the goodwill deliveries to Texas and Oklahoma. You can find out more on the Waupun Equipment website
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