Ag Community Relief

09/03/2026

We’d like to honor the life of officer David Taylor.
Thank you for your service to your country 🇺🇸

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is mourning federal wildlife officer David Taylor, 38 of Scio, Oregon, who is believed to have died while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire.

Officer Taylor was going door to door alongside local emergency crews helping families get to safety. His last contact with dispatch came while he was helping a family evacuate their home. Evidence recovered from a structure where he was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.

Everything we know about David's actions reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, fellow officers and all who served alongside him. We will never forget his service.

07/30/2026

Out battling in this heat is hard on man and machine. Good job fellas!

07/27/2026

Friends,

We are on day three of dangerous heat. As our producers and livestock find little relief, the picture grows increasingly difficult. Please join us in praying over our team, our producers, and everyone carrying the heavy burden of watching this relentless heat take such a toll on the animals entrusted to our care.

Lord, please watch over our drivers today. Keep them safe, healthy, and well-hydrated as they work through these dangerous conditions. Keep their equipment mechanically sound, their routes smooth and free of delays, and the animals entrusted to their care healthy enough to make the journey.

Lord, let the breeze continue to blow across these cattle. Bring them comfort in this oppressive heat, and may their time on our trailers be a small measure of relief from these miserable conditions.

St. Anthony the Abbot, patron of farmers, ranchers, and domestic animals, intercede for us. Pray for those who devote their lives to caring for God’s creatures. Watch over these animals that cannot escape the sweltering heat. Protect them from sickness and suffering, and strengthen those who are doing everything in their power to care for them.

Father, walk beside every producer, feeder, rancher, truck driver, and caretaker responsible for our livestock. Their hearts are heavy as they watch their animals endure conditions beyond anyone’s control. Grant them wisdom, discernment, and peace. Remind them that they are faithfully doing all they can for the animals and the people who depend on them. Help them lead with patience, strength, and compassion through these difficult days.

Lord, we know You hear our prayers, and we give You all the glory for every blessing You pour upon us. Continue to walk beside us through this trial. We trust in Your presence, Your provision, and Your perfect timing, knowing that this season, too, shall pass.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

07/15/2026

Wild footage from inside a locomotive during the recent wildfire outbreak in Northern Ontario

07/04/2026

07/04/2026

Happy 250th Birthday America 🇺🇸
Thank you for the freedom we love!

06/30/2026

Michigan native Emily Barker was one of three that recently lost their lives fighting wildfires in Colorado. Our prayers go out to their families

We are very saddened to hear of the passing of 38-year-old Emily Barker, of Clinton Township, who died bravely fighting a wildfire in Colorado this past weekend.

Barker was with a squad of four other firefighters sent into the Knowles Wildfire (which later became the Snyder Wildfire) in Colorado to battle the blaze on the ground when the fire overtook them in what’s called a “burnover.”

The crew was forced to deploy their emergency shelters, but tragically the fire claimed the lives of Ms. Barker and two others, and left two hospitalized.

Emily was studying at college in northern Michigan when she became more into firefighting, leading her to becoming a volunteer firefighter, and ultimately to her being assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack crew based out of Rifle, Colorado.

We thank Emily for her dedication and bravery throughout such a difficult job. We send our most sincere condolences to her friends, family, and coworkers! Rest in peace, Emily.

06/29/2026

Very sad loss in the Wildland fire service community

We are saddened to share the identities of the three firefighters we lost responding to the Knowles Fire in western Colorado on Saturday. The firefighters were assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew and were engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire when the incident occurred.

The deceased firefighters have been identified as:
💜Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack.

💜Nick Hutcherson, 27 of Glendale, Arizona, assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Kaibab National Forest.

💜Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rifle Helitack.

Two additional firefighters were injured during the incident and are receiving medical care.

“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” said U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service. Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”

The full press release can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/identities-released-three-firefighters-who-died-responding-knowles-fire-colorado