STAR program helps ranchers rebuild after fires
Special to The Post
Special to The Post
BASTROP -- As Texas ranchers struggle to restore approximately 6,200 miles of fences lost to historic wildfires, Texas Agriculture Com-missioner Todd Staples led an effort in Bastrop County to help a local rancher rebuild Jan. 12.
At a local McCoy's Building Supply prior to leading the fence-building effort, Commis-sioner Staples announced 22 additional Bastrop County ranchers are receiving rebuilding vouchers worth $1,000 each through the Texas Department of Agriculture's State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund.
"The devastation in Bastrop County and across Texas is among the most catastrophic in the history of our great state," Commissioner Staples said. "We're here today to roll up our sleeves and bring help and hope to fellow ranchers in desperate need of fencing. If you're in the business of ranching, fencing is one of life's basic necessities."
Bastrop-area rancher Larry Miller participated in the Jan. 12 announcement as he redeemed his $1,000 voucher for supplies at McCoy's. Commissioner Staples then joined Miller and a team of Department of Agriculture employees on Miller's ranch to rebuild his destroyed fences.
"In a matter of minutes the fire destroyed what many of us in Bastrop spent a lifetime building," Miller said. "I appreciate all of those who are volunteering their time and money to assist me and other fire victims as we get back what we lost. Here in Texas, we truly see neighbors helping neighbors."
The STAR Fund was created solely with monetary donations from private individuals and companies, including Farm Credit, Valero and McCoy's Building Supply, which generously donated the first $20,000.
To date, farmers and ranchers across the state have received $70,000 in STAR Fund donations. STAR Fund money can be used to assist farmers and ranchers in rebuilding fences, restoring operations and paying for other agricultural disaster relief.
As wildfires and other disasters continue to impact Texas farmers and ranchers, the need for donations continues.
To make a donation to the STAR Fund, or for more information, visit www.TexasAgri-culture.gov and click on STAR Fund.
Ranchers needing more information also may call 512-475 -1615. Commissioner
The Texas AgriLife Exten-sion Service reports total to-date Texas agricultural losses due to fire of more than $217 million.
