Two Montana ranchers hope cattle producers will donate one good cow to those whose herds were lost from winter blizzards and spring floods.
“We really just want to keep those people in business,” said Lisa Schmidt, Montana extension agent and one of the program organizers.
The One Good Cow program was thought up by Montana rancher Michelle Tebay. While feeling sorry for herself calving cows this spring, Tebay realized her problems were minor compared to ranchers in North and South Dakota and eastern Montana who lost thousands of livestock from bad weather and may face bankruptcy.
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It’s estimated more than 600,000 head of livestock died in the storms and floods in the three states.
The idea was originally to send cattle from Montana to North Dakota, but the program grew to a nation-wide effort, said Tebay.
“It’s got to be heartwarming for the people in trouble to see people reach out and help those who’ve lost so much. … It gives me courage to go on,” said Tebay, of Whitehall. “If everyone that made it through the winter with their livestock intact, if they could just give one good cow we could put those people back in business,” she said.
Hope to double number
So far about 4,000 cows from a dozen states have been promised in the program. The organizers hope to have about 80,000 cows before they begin distributing them in October.
Farmers in need of replacement livestock must apply to the program. Those chosen will receive enough cattle to replace their losses, up to 100 head apiece.
“It wouldn’t do any good to give one cow to each person. We need to keep their operations financially viable,” said Tebay.
Iowa farmers Lee and Cindy Haug have donated a cow and became organizers for farmers in Iowa wanting to donate a cow or money to the program.
The Haugs are no strangers to hardship. They survived the farm crisis and were forced to sell some of their land to hang on to their New Market farm.
Know from experience
“We went through the farm crisis. It’s not any fun. Maybe this is one way to help someone else out,” Lee said, adding he hasn’t actively solicited more cattle from the area.
“I haven’t gone out and begged my neighbors. This is something they have to do themselves.”
Schmidt said donating a cow is one way an individual can help rebuild cattle herds without too much financial hardship.
Because farms are not a non-profit organization, donated cattle will not be eligible for a tax deduction. If a donor takes a tax deduction the producer must pay taxes on the donation.
Money donated to the program is eligible for a tax deduction because it’s being funneled through the Montana Stock Growers Association. It will be used to help pay for trucking the donated cows.
No cattle from Canada have been donated, but Schmidt said she would be eager to help someone organize the program in their area. For more information about the One Good Cow program, call Lisa Schmidt at 406-287-3282 or Michelle Tebay at 406-287-3390.
