Last Of Over $5 Million Going Out To South Dakota Cattle Producers

A relief fund for western South Dakota ranchers who lost tens of thousands of cattle in an early October blizzard is set to disburse the last of $5.4 million in donations.

South Dakota Stockgrowers Association President Bob Fortune says the outpouring of support to the Ranchers Relief Fund for those impacted by the storm far exceeded the association's expectations.

Fortune says, 'The fund is able to distribute meaningful contributions to more than 600 ranch families who suffered losses.'

South Dakota Cattlemen's Association President Cory Eich says, 'Nearly 43,000 head of livestock were reported lost by fund applicants.'

The fund's steering committee has established a goal of closing the fund by June 1.Donations are still being accepted until that date.