Contributed report

LIVINGSTON – The devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina caused people in Louisiana and Mississippi to evacuate to parts of West Alabama. Many of the evacuees have sought shelter in the Student Union building on the campus of University of West Alabama in Livingston.

To help in the relief effort, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association on behalf of the Alabama beef producers presented the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross a check in the amount of $2,500 for purchase of beef meals to distribute to the evacuees who are being housed at the University of West Alabama. Eric Smith, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) president-elect stated, “Our first concern is to help people who experienced the devastating impact.”

“The meals and other needs are being provided overwhelmingly, thanks to organizations like the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, area businesses, churches and other organizations,” Shanon Dockery, shelter manager with the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross said. “Everyone is very appreciative and a huge thank you goes to the community and everyone who has helped.”

“In addition, ACA, Alabama beef producers and our Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) is contributing an additional generous donation of $27,500 to provide assistance in many ways to help our neighbors in need,” Smith said.

The following donations were made:

$7,500 to provide beef jerky to evacuees still in relief shelters

$7,500 to the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Foundation to help cattle producers and provide beef for evacuees in the affected region

$7,500 to the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Foundation to help cattle producers and provide beef for evacuees in the affected region

$2,500 to sponsor a Katrina Relief concert featuring the group ALABAMA who themselves are Alabama cattle producers.

The Southeastern Livestock Exposition also contributed $2,500 for sponsoring the Katrina Relief concert.

The beef industry is the second largest segment of Alabama’s farm economy representing a $2 billion industry with annual sales of cattle and calves exceeding $450 million. The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, founded in 1944, is one of the nations largest state cattlemen’s associations with an annual membership of 12,700. For more information visit the website at www.bamabeef.org.