The Government Won’t Save Us—But We Will
From the Panhandle to Hurricane Helene relief and Orlando, we’re rebuilding through powerful partnerships and community action
As we close out October, the I Am Texas Slim Foundation continues to lead critical relief efforts in both the Texas Panhandle and areas devastated by Hurricane Helene. This month has shown us the immense challenges our ranchers face and the power of community to lift each other up. Here’s an update on our ongoing work and a deeper look at our recent trip to the Weston A. Price Foundation's Wise Traditions Conference in Orlando.
1. Critical Update from the Texas Panhandle: Ranchers in Desperate Need of Support
Author: Beef News (Featuring Lee Wells and Natalie Meeks of Cattle Mafia)
Ranchers in the Texas Panhandle are still struggling after the devastating wildfires earlier this year. With winter approaching and government assistance delayed, the I Am Texas Slim Foundation is stepping in to provide immediate help. Volunteers like Natalie Meeks of Cattle Mafia and Lee Wells are delivering essential supplies, such as hay, feed, and fencing materials. Despite promises from the **Farm Service Agency (FSA)**, many ranchers are still waiting for reimbursement, forcing them to dip into retirement savings just to stay afloat.
This is a moment for the community to come together, because as Natalie says, “Together, we’re stronger.”
2. Ranchers Unite for Hurricane Helene Relief
Author: Beef News, FAFO Farms
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, the I Am Texas Slim Foundation and FAFO Farms has been at the forefront of grassroots relief efforts. Volunteers from the ranching community, like Beau ("Cowboy Dawg") and Bitcoin Veterans’ Mike Hobart, have played key roles in delivering supplies to the most affected areas. The Western North Carolina Regional Livestock Center has served as a vital hub for distributing feed, hay, and other necessary resources.
These efforts go beyond immediate recovery—they are about building a more resilient future, ensuring that communities can recover stronger.
3. Honored to Partner with Weston A. Price: The Wise Traditions Conference
Our recent trip to Orlando for the Weston A. Price Foundation’s Wise Traditions Conference was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together. The Weston A. Price Foundation has long championed traditional and regenerative farming practices, promoting nutrient-dense foods and a holistic approach to health. We were invited to this conference because our missions align—we are both committed to restoring integrity to food systems, and the foundation has always been a beacon of leadership in this space.
Lee Wells perfectly summed up why these partnerships are so important when he said, “We need everyone—every Texan, every rancher, every person who cares about what’s right—to put the pressure on and get these ranchers what they’re owed.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the work we do at the I Am Texas Slim Foundation—we know that waiting for bureaucratic systems to help will leave our ranchers behind. Instead, we focus on grassroots, community-driven solutions, just like Weston A. Price does so well.
We were especially honored to reconnect and have meaningful conversations with Will Harris from White Oak Pastures, whose leadership in regenerative agriculture continues to inspire us. We also connected with a wonderful family from Minnesota, raising regenerative cattle for their local community—a perfect example of how small, local efforts can have a massive impact. These partnerships will continue to strengthen as we move forward, building a future based on mutual support and shared values.
A message from our sponsor:
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