By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Generosity from area farmers and ranchers continues to flow into parts of Kansas hard-hit by March wildfires.

Shane Williams, manager of Cooperative Grain and Supply’s Canton location, said volunteers have taken truckloads of supplies three of the last four weekends to help victims of the largest wildfires in Kansas history.

The relief effort started rolling when Nathan Fish, at Cooperative Grain and Supply’s Hillsboro location, coordinated collection and delivery of the first round of supplies, headed to the Ashland area. Fish has friends in that region who lost everything except their home.

Cooperative Grain and Supply contributed barbed wire and steel fence posts, Countryside Feed donated milk replacer for orphaned calves and those whose mothers’ udders were burned, and Jost Fabrication supplied fence posts. Other businesses and people have provided cash or purchased supplies.

The first round of donations filled a semi.

“One of the first trips we made, we hauled a load of hay along with hedge posts,” Williams said.

Hillsboro Animal Clinic donated milk replacer bottles, Williams said. Riding tack, range cubes, gloves for barbed wire replacement, and other essentials have been sent.

Williams said he’s seen many county residents, already financially strained from recent farming losses, willing to step up and help.

“A customer came in yesterday and said he wanted to donate $100 and we could use it for whatever we think is needed,” Williams said. “If something like that happened in our area around here, I would hope people would help us.”

Williams said even small donations, when put together with other donations, add up to a lot of help.

Area farmers are also helping by trucking supplies to the region, Williams said.

“I’m willing to sell things at cost,” Williams said. “People want to help and get the best deal for their money. I’m willing to help.”

He said many people have donated supplies to the effort.

“It’s been overwhelming the support we’ve been able to help generate. A lot of people don’t know anyone down there,” Williams said.

Anyone interested in donating can contact Williams at (620) 628-4459 or Fish at (620) 877-0986.