OCA Still Accepting Wildfire Assistance Applications

The cattle industry was hit very hard by the 2024 wildfires across Oregon, with producers losing grazing opportunities, livestock, fences and in some cases homes.  To try to help producers pick up the pieces and move forward, the Oregon Cattle Association set up a wildfire assistance fund.

“We've had tremendous response from producers that weren't affected, from people that weren't even producers that wanted to help out," said Matt McElligott, head of the OCA.  "They’ve donated as small as $20 to as large as $75,000. Businesses and banks have also stepped up and helped quite a bit and the money that we have raised their set aside in in a protective fund.”

McElligott said producers, whether they are member of the OCA or not, can apply for assistance at the Association's Website.  Those applications are due March 31st.  McElligott added he’s confident those impacted by wildfires will rebuild.

“The cattle industry again is strong and we look forward to stay that way for a few more years at least.  It's a cyclical marketing cycle, and we may be on the top end of it, right now as we speak.  It's anybody's guess.”

He noted the OCA will continue to work to advocate for the needs of producers statewide, whether that’s political issues in Salem, wildfire assistance, or anything in between.

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