story by Lily Weinacht
In the Kansas Heartland, more than 1,000 square miles – 650,000 acres – of ground and an estimated 100,000 miles of fence have been destroyed by the largest fire in the state’s history. Ranches and fence that have been built up by families for generations were razed by flames driven at 60 – 80 mph winds, and cattle herds are significantly affected. During calving season, it’s a double blow, and with most of the fences destroyed, the cattle that remain are free ranging.
While the fires in Oklahoma and Kansas are mostly contained – the damage also extending into Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico – the work to be done is equally overwhelming. Fencing one square mile is estimated at $12,000, and some ranchers are selling what cattle remain for lack of corrals to keep them in. When one rodeo mom from eastern Kansas, Shandi Scales, saw the devastation, she began using social media to spread awareness and encourage people to help in any way they could. “It’s heartbreaking, but people need to see the damage, because it’s not something that’s going away overnight,” she says. “It will be a long process for these ranchers. I come from a ranching family, and I couldn’t stand by and not put myself out there to help.”
Another rodeo mom and friend of Shandi, Sherri Gentry, joined in, and within a weekend, the two women, along with Karen Holland, Shauni Leftwich, Susie Mackey, Jayna Dyer, and Cindy Bodine, organized a fundraiser and donation drop. It took place Monday, March 13, at Olathe Tractor Supply in Olathe, Kansas, with the help of Mike Lynn, the store manager. Eleven KHSRA and KJHSRA members took the day off school to help, and Ernie Rodina, the host of Better Horses Radio, helped with TV interviews, along with an appearance by golfing icon and Kansas native, Tom Watson. “We’re really proud of the kids that stepped up to the plate,” says Shandi. “A lot of the kids didn’t have enough notice to come out, but the ones that were able hung in there all day. Most of them are ranch kids, and they understand what it would be like to lose their animals and their livelihood after working so hard.”
Donations ranged from buckets and halters to mineral blocks, but the greatest need is for fencing. The group raised $10,000, which promptly purchased fencing materials. “We decided to focus on fencing supplies since lots of other people are hauling hay, and the Red Cross is helping with meals,” says Sherri. “We were so surprised that probably 85% of the people who came into the tractor supply thought this was just a grass fire, and they had no idea the devastation. Everyone was giving money – we were amazed!”
All of the supplies, which included two flat-bed trailers of fencing and a trailer load of hay, were taken by Shandi and her family to Ashland Feed and Seed in Ashland, Kansas. From there, it will be dispersed to ranchers in the area. “The Lord is working in awesome ways,” says Shandi. “This isn’t government funded – everyone has been helping on their own, and the stories of help are coming from all over.”
To donate, make checks to Spotts Lumber Company and send care of Ashland Feed and Seed, PO Box 635, Ashland, KS, 67831.
