A picture of everyday people making a big difference! Many that visit this blog have read my posts concerning the flooding we have experienced and are still experiencing here in Nebraska. If you have been following the relief efforts, then you also know about our Platte Area Relief, which is trying to raise 100 miles worth of fencing for farmers affected. If you want to learn more then please read more here. I wanted to take a minute to thank some individuals from my neck of the woods.
I am not a native Nebraskan, in fact I’m a Boilermaker, but before Purdue I was a Patriot. Jay County, Indiana is home to the Jay County Patriots, 800+ farms (USDA/NASS 2012), about 21,000 people, and my family. Jay County is made up of several little towns that each have their own unique style and charm. A place that has a lot of heart and is made up of good people, similar to any Midwest farming community. However, this is my hometown and they came together to help local farmers here in Nebraska.
The Tuesday after the crest of the flood, I made some calls and within an hour we had a full blown relief effort going in Indiana. Larry Temple and Mark Valentine took the bull by the horns. They organized and advertised a fencing supply drop off area at Mark’s feed store, Valentine Feed and Supply. That day he donated several rolls of barb wire to the effort. I have never cried over fence before, but I did that day. The Commercial Review and WPGW radio, the major media outlets in my hometown, relayed the message around the area. Many on social media shared, commented, and reposted our Platte County Relief efforts further spreading the story. After two weeks, a trailer full of fencing supplies and monetary donations is currently in route to Columbus. Not to mention, the offers of hay and volunteers that was made by several local farmers. My Mom and Dad are currently making the trek here to deliver the items collected by Jay County residents. This story is just one example of Midwestern hospitality that we have seen here in Nebraska.
The amount of love, support, and compassion displayed by these donations has given light to a dark situation. This is what the farming communities of America are all about, helping neighbors near and far. We have a long way to go to recover, but we are one step closer. To Mark, Larry, my parents, Ray Cooney, Rob Weaver, Purdue Extension, all Jay County locals, and all the farmers in East Central Indiana/West Central Ohio that donated and helped this cause, thank you. I wish I was a better writer, so I could pen words to encapsulate the appreciation I have in my heart, but I’m not. So I will just say thank you, for all you have done for a hometown girl and her new home.
Forever grateful,
Megan Taylor
P.S. You are all official Huskers now!
Crop Talk Megan 
I received a call this afternoon that brought me to tears. A friend went to pick up fencing supplies and was greeted with the offer of feed. I was to pick up fencing supplies on Monday since I had tickets to the red and white game and decided to go and get away from Columbus for the afternoon. That phone call was so unexpected the generosity of these farmers is almost as overwhelming as looking at the flood damage. I want to thank each and everyone that reached out to Nebraska and cared. THANK YOU doesn’t seem like enough i will not forget them , will pay it forward and god bless.
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