In response to recent devastating wildfire outbreaks impacting much of the Texas Panhandle and parts of Oklahoma, Southern AgCredit along with several Farm Credit System organizations have joined forces to contribute funds to support extensive recovery and relief efforts.

Several wildfires across the region, including the Smokehouse Creek Fire — the largest wildfire ever recorded in Texas — have burned nearly 1.3 million acres north of Amarillo. Two people have lost their lives and many others have been displaced from their homes. While the full scope of damage will take time to assess, losses include livestock, homes and other structures, equipment, fencing, fodder and infrastructure.

To support agricultural producers and communities stricken by the deadly fires, 10 Texas Farm Credit District lending cooperatives, along with Farm Credit Bank of Texas, CoBank, Farmer Mac and other System organizations, have pledged a combined $380,000 for fire relief efforts. Contributors include: AgTexas Farm Credit Services, AgTrust Farm Credit, Alabama Ag Credit, Capital Farm Credit, Central Texas Farm Credit, Heritage Land Bank, Mississippi Land Bank, Plains Land Bank, Southern AgCredit, Texas Farm Credit, American AgCredit, Farm Credit Services of America and Farm Credit Mid-America.

Pledges will benefit the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Disaster Relief Fund and county-level efforts compiled by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.