A local company is working to help farmers in areas of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene to provide grain for their animals.

The last few weeks have been the coldest in recorded history in North Carolina, therefore livestock need additional calories to stay warm. The animals in the northwestern part of the state cannot forage for food in pastures that are covered with a foot or more of mud, due to the landslides from Hurricane Helene. Farmers and ranchers from other areas had been doing what they could to try to keep the animals fed, but since frigid weather is happening across the nation, donations of hay have slowed down considerably.

Todd and Wanda Johnson of Lottsville Milling Company have supplied local New York and Pennsylvania farmers with textured grain, but the situation in North Carolina calls for fortified grain. They have reached out to one of their longtime suppliers, to ask for help for the struggling farmers.

“The livestock need fiber,” Mrs. Johnson said. “Seventy-five percent of their diet is roughage. Our global supplier makes a pellet that is a complete feed with vitamin fortification.”

ADM of Sugar Creek, Ohio, has agreed to match monetary donations, therefore the Johnsons are asking for help with the effort. Mrs. Johnson said $10,000 in contributions will cover the purchase of 24 tons of grain, including delivery.

“One-hundred percent will go to the cause,” she adds. “Buck-Up Relief Mission, who has boots on the ground, will meet the truck to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.”

There are three ways to contribute to this urgent need. Donations can be made in person, by calling 814-489-3977 or by mailing to Lottsville Milling, 17235 Route 957, Bear Lake, PA 16402.