American ranchers who lost cattle in last winter’s storms now have cattle returning to their ranches through the generosity of others.
The first 80 cows in the One Good Cow program were delivered to their new homes in Montana and North and South Dakota ranches recently.
Judy and Roger Molberg of Battle View, N.D., lost 11 cows during the winter and received six cows. Carla and Harlan Rolla lost 48 cows of their 100 cow herd. They received 31 bred cows through the program.
“This was the answer to my prayers, I’ll tell you that,” said Carol.
Read Also
Manitoba searches for Plan B on canola oil exports
A new report explores Manitoba’s current canola oil trade and possible alternative markets to the U.S.
Since the program began, more than 3,000 cattle have been promised to help devastated ranchers replenish their herds.
Keep ranchers ranching
The One Good Cow program is the brainchild of Montana rancher Michelle Tebay and Montana extension agent Lisa Schmidt, who worried about livestock producers being forced to leave their farms because the cold and snow killed so many cattle last winter.
They thought if other cattle producers could donate just one cow it wouldn’t be a financial hardship for them, but it could be enough to keep other families in business.
Seven families received the first 80 cows two weeks ago. There are 300 applications for 6,000 cows. Organizers hope to find promises for another 3,000 cattle by the end of the year.
Schmidt said cash donations are used to buy feed, pay for cows and trucking costs.
Donated cattle are eligible for a tax deduction.
