In the wake of Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm that wreaked havoc across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, ranchers have proven their resilience by stepping up to provide relief for their communities. Leading the charge is The I Am Texas Slim Foundation, which has swiftly become a beacon of hope, bringing together a vast network of ranchers, volunteers, and independent organizations like FAFO Farms. With homes and farms devastated, power grids disrupted, and supply chains broken, the foundation’s response has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Grassroots Organizing at Its Finest

The relief efforts took off when Texas Slim, founder of The Beef Initiative, quickly mobilized the network to respond to the immediate needs of the ranching communities. With a firm belief that action speaks louder than words, Slim established key communication channels, including a dedicated Signal group where volunteers like Christina and Clint Rarey, Beau (“Cowboy Dawg“), and Bitcoin Veterans co-founder Mike Hobart coordinated efforts.

“We knew we had to act fast,” said Slim. “These communities rely on their land, livestock, and each other. Without quick relief, the devastation could have long-term effects on their livelihoods.” By setting up staging areas in North Carolina and identifying critical needs such as livestock feed, hay, and even salt licks, the foundation quickly turned words into action.

One of the staging areas, the Western North Carolina Regional Livestock Center, became a crucial hub for relief, allowing ranchers to receive and distribute vital supplies to those in the most affected areas. The strategic placement of these hubs made it easier to get much-needed resources to isolated farms.

Community in Action: Key Players Making a Difference

The Beef Initiative community, known for advocating regenerative ranching and food sovereignty, came together in unprecedented ways. Beau, a rancher from Georgia who operates under the handle “Cowboy Dawg,” became an instrumental figure in moving supplies. Along with other truckers, he helped organize the transport of hay and agricultural inputs to ensure that no ranch was left behind. His team, equipped with a truck and a 30-foot gooseneck trailer, made several trips to the staging areas, delivering much-needed resources like coastal hay.

“Seeing everyone rally together like this reminds me why we do what we do,” said Beau. “We’re all in this together, and when the chips are down, we’re not going to let any rancher struggle alone.”

The relief efforts weren’t limited to physical supplies. Mike Hobart, representing Bitcoin Veterans, brought in Starlink-enabled communications and Meshtastic mesh networking devices to ensure that even the most rural farms could stay connected with the rest of the community. His focus was on re-establishing critical infrastructure, like power and communication, in the most damaged areas of North Carolina and Tennessee.

“Getting these ranchers back online was key,” Hobart explained. “Communication is essential, especially when trying to coordinate large-scale logistics like this. Without it, we’d be stuck in the dark, quite literally.”

Christina and Clint Rarey, of FAFO Farms based in Texas, worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Christina, who is well connected within local farming communities, used her network to identify specific needs and coordinate drop zones for donated supplies. “We have someone offering a truckload of coastal hay from Goldthwaite,” she reported in the group chat, illustrating how the community has leveraged its strengths to provide for each other.

Building Networks, Strengthening Bonds

As more volunteers joined the effort, Slim emphasized the importance of not only addressing the immediate crisis but also using this moment to build stronger, more resilient systems for the future. Breeauna Sagdal, a senior writer and researcher at The I Am Texas Slim Foundation, played a key role in spreading awareness of the relief efforts through social media and digital channels. “This is more than just about rebuilding after a disaster,” Sagdal said. “It’s about showing the power of decentralized, community-driven action. It’s a model for how we can operate going forward.”

Volunteers also began reaching out to major relief organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and the Cajun Navy, further expanding the network of support. With ranchers at the heart of this grassroots effort, the operation has stayed agile, adapting to needs in real time and providing a clear example of the power of rural communities working together. Beau, reflecting on the journey so far, commented, “There’s something about ranchers. We’re used to working hard, facing adversity head-on, and solving problems on the fly. That’s how we’ll get through this.”

The Road Ahead: Long-Term Recovery and Rebuilding

Even as immediate needs are being met, the work is far from over. The I Am Texas Slim Foundation, along with FAFO Farms and other partners, plans to continue supporting ranchers in the months to come. With extensive damage to fencing, barns, and livestock infrastructure, the long-term rebuilding process will require ongoing attention. Texas Slim remains confident that the network established during these relief efforts will lay the groundwork for something even larger.

“We’re not just rebuilding ranches,” Slim said. “We’re rebuilding trust, community, and a food system that’s built on integrity and local resilience. We’re showing that ranchers don’t need to rely on centralized systems to survive—they just need each other.”

Through the collaboration of ranchers, truckers, and volunteers, Hurricane Helene’s victims are receiving not only immediate relief but also hope for the future. The initiative stands as a testament to the strength of the ranching community and the power of decentralized action in times of crisis.

A special thank you to Ryanne Moody of Disaster Dinners for her vital coordination efforts both in the group chat and on the ground. Our deepest gratitude extends to all those involved, including many not mentioned here, whose contributions are invaluable.

Support the I Am Texas Slim Foundation in providing critical relief to ranchers affected by Hurricane Helene and the devastating fires in the Texas Panhandle. Every donation helps deliver essential supplies like hay, feed, and fencing materials to families fighting to rebuild their livelihoods. Stand with us and make a difference today—your support brings hope to those who need it most.