AFC Feed, LLC Feed Donation to Tornado Victims

BY JESSIE SHOOK

AFC Feed, LLC, along with the help of their friends at Mid-State Farmers Co-op, have distributed 22,000 pounds of feed to farmers in need after tornadoes tore across the state of Alabama Thursday, March 25. The destruction of these tornadoes caused at least five deaths and multiple injuries to people in the state of Alabama.

“It was important that we saw our farmers and their animals in need and were able to act swiftly,” said David Riggs, General Manager of AFC Feed, LLC. “This will be one less thing that they will have to worry about during this time of clean-up and rebuilding.”

Because of Purina and Triple Crown donating equine feed, AFC Feed donated cattle feed because they did not want the beef industry to fall to the wayside. According to Bamabeef.org, Alabama ranks 15th among all states in the number of beef cows and eighth in the number of farms with beef cattle. “We felt we could be more effective on the large animal side also because these animals have the most dollar amount impact to farmer’s feed cost,” Riggs added.

AFC Feed wanted to fill this need within the community and felt the responsibility to lend a hand. Because of the location of impact from these tornadoes, Mid-State Farmers Co-op was the perfect location to distribute. “We had the means and measures to contribute to our member store who, in return, could help his direct customer base,” Riggs said.

Mid-State Farmers Co-op is located in Columbiana, Alabama, and they were eager to help distribute the feed to their community. “We sought out farmers and rescue farms, and delivered feed as needed,” said Barry Keller, Manager of Mid-State Farmers Co-op. “We hope this will alleviate some stress and worry. With so much damage, they will not have to worry about getting feed or have the financial worry during this time.”

These animals are an integral part of farms and these donations will help farmers keep their businesses running while the cleanup continues. Many animals were also displaced from their farms due to the damage. Feed donations also went to those shelters that are holding the animals until they can be identified by their owners.

When asked about the reason behind their involvement and contribution to this donation, both Riggs and Keller agreed, it’s about the community. “This is our community, family and friends who were affected by these storms,” Keller added. “Without this community, we would not survive, their livelihood is also ours.”