Commissioner Staples Thanks Partners For Hay Relief Effort To Benefit Ranchers Suffering From Drought (10/14/2011)

TERRELL - As Texas ranchers continue to tally devastating losses due to historic wildfires and the worst one-year drought in state history, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today thanked the Indiana Motor Truck Association (IMTA), Indiana hay farmers, McCoy's Building Supply, Ag-Power and Mitchell & Bourland for their combined relief efforts to transport much-needed hay donations from Indiana to Terrell, Texas.

"Texas ranchers have experienced unprecedented devastation this year and continue to struggle to feed their dwindling herds," Commissioner Staples said. "I extend my sincerest thanks to the donors, truckers and authorities in Indiana as well as our business partners here in Texas who have demonstrated selfless generosity and tremendous initiative in bringing these hay donations to Terrell. Their help is desperately needed and truly appreciated."

The hay donation came about when IMTA members recognized an opportunity to load trucks en route to the American Trucking Association convention in Grapevine, Texas.

"The Indiana Motor Truck Association members are always the first to step up and help those in need," said Gary Langston, IMTA President and CEO. "This effort was made possible by the generous donations of hay from our local farmers and, of course, the motor carriers hauling the hay. We are happy to be able to send some relief to our friends in Texas."

"As the trucking association representing Texas, we are proud of the generous efforts made by the industry and thankful to our counterparts in Indiana," said Texas Motor Transportation Association President and CEO John D. Esparza. "This was an effort of great magnitude and great heart. Trucks deliver life's essentials and this is a prime example of that dedication to serving others."

McCoy's Building Supply in Terrell served as the drop-off and distribution point. Terrell John Deere dealer, Ag-Power, and local Case IH dealer, Mitchell & Bourland, provided heavy equipment for loading and unloading the hay.

The relief effort also was made possible by Baylor Trucking, Bestway Express, Grammer Industries, Prime, Inc., TransCorr, Venture Logistics, Meritor, the American Trucking Association's Share the Road program and Indiana Secretary of Agriculture Joe Kelsay.

"This show of unsolicited generosity is truly impressive," Commissioner Staples said. "I am pleased to see members of the agriculture community rally around their own in these times of great need."