McElligott: You Are Not Alone During This Trying Time

This year has been particularly hard on the Oregon cattle industry, but not because of meat prices, or input costs, but because of wildfires.  Nearly two million acres have burned across the state, which means for many producers they lost their summer grazing land, and some unfortunately lost an outbuilding, or even their home.  Matt McElligott, President of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association said it was hard for the entire industry, not only the operators that lost everything, but even for those that were spared thanks to timely rain showers.

“It's pretty tough on families that have been generational ranches to watch your livelihood, and your hard work just disappear in a matter of minutes.”

McElligott pointed out that disasters don’t care how long a cattle business has been operating.  So, this year saw devastating consequences for first generation ranchers, as well as families that have been farming the state for over a century.

“So, they have to start rebuilding and they rebuild those ranches and in time they will get rebuilt. And the ranges will rehabilitate. But it's not an overnight deal. When fire rages through your outfit, burns up all of your pasture, it can take a year to two years just to rehabilitate those pastures to where you can use them again, stock them to start your livelihood all over again.”

McElligott added often ranchers are too proud, or perhaps stubborn, to ask for assistance.  But he noted there are resources to help during this difficult time.

“You're not alone. The industry pulls together and helps each other, and we are here to help you and there's resources out there to help you through this.”

Listen to our entire conversation with McElligott here:

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