DONNELLY, Idaho — The Moser family had family and friends lose cattle and grazing lands near Weiser because of the Tartar Fire, so they decided to start a campaign to help out those ranchers.
"Finding acreage and green grass for cows is hard, but my dad found a few people who are willing to give some of that land up for a few cows," Morgan Moser said. "The ranchers have lost grazing grounds, cows and fencing."
WATCH | See the cows arrive at their new grazing grounds—
Multiple landowners in Valley County have stepped up to the plate, including developer Craig Groves, who provided a 160-acre plot of land with grass for the ranchers to bring cattle to.
"The way I understand it, there are more than 25 families that have been affected by the grass fire in Weiser," said Groves. "This one pasture might be able to hold 80 or 90 cows, but it’s what we can do to help."
Idaho News 6 was there when a rancher transported 47 cattle to this plot of land. They said they plan on making another trip to bring more cows to Donnelly. The rancher had 85 cows burn in the fire.
The Moser family prepared for the cows by pumping water from a well using solar power so the cattle would have water. Their entire family and volunteers also spent days putting up fencing to keep the cows on this plot of land.
“Building fence is hard," said Morgan Moser, who has raised $2,000 out of their goal to raise $10,000. "We are trying to secure a spot for $4,000 where we can put some more cows for as long as we can."
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The Moser family started a GoFundMe page to support the effort, which is also being used for fencing supplies and feed, as the price of hay has gone up substantially in recent weeks because of the demand.
However, they are grateful to the landowners and the people who have helped them so far.
"I’m blessed to live in a community that gives out money, donations, and now land to help farmers and ranchers in need," Moser said.
If you are interested in helping out, you can visit the GoFundMe page here.
