CHS aids Montana ranchers impacted by wildfires

Many Montana ranchers are being affected by the Lodgepole Complex fires that have burned nearly 300,000 acres of land and displaced livestock throughout eastern Montana.

CHS has made a $100,000 contribution on behalf of eastern Montana CHS Payback feed dealers to provide CHS Payback feed at a discounted rate for livestock producers affected by the fires.

“Ranchers across eastern Montana have been working around the clock to defend their land and livestock from the wildfires,” says Rod Paulson, vice president, CHS Processing. “Long after the blazes subside, many of these hard-hit ranchers will need assistance to rebuild herds, fence and other infrastructure. Through this contribution, we hope to alleviate some of the recovery costs as these ranchers work to restore their livelihoods.”

Additionally, CHS employees in Montana are volunteering to help local ranchers by arranging feed distributions and working to identify other short- and long-term needs for assistance.

Some CHS locations, such as CHS Big Sky Cooperative, based in Lewistown, Mont., have made monetary contributions to relief efforts and are coordinating the delivery of feed and ranch supplies to ranchers impacted by the fires.

“Across the CHS trade area, our employees and customers are stepping up to assist their neighbors and those affected,” says Mark Biedenfeld, vice president, Aligned Solutions and Stewardship, CHS.

Ranchers are encouraged to contact their local Payback dealers for more information on the feed discount program, and local authorities are asking landowners to report any losses of livestock, pasture, hay and fences.