Having been 'computerless' for about a month, it's no surprise to find that ranchersnet friends have wanted to help.
I think things are well underway with the coalition of groups mentioned, plus the pre-existing financial/emotional help group covering the Black Hills area.
I will say that storm was very unusual, and the factors which made it so devastating were, most hopefully, one of those "once in a lifetime" circumstances.
First, the weather had been un-seasonally warm for quite a while, with it being over 70% several days prior to the rain. It got colder as the rain progressed, with several inches in most areas, before turning to snow. Cattle were drenched with that cold rain before the snow piled up on them. The snow froze onto their faces, so they couldn't see where they were going. They got confused and dis-oriented, too. They stress caused some heart-failure, as well as the hypothermia and other problems.
Personally, our losses were small, as we seemed to be on the eastern edge of it. Many nearby had heavy losses in similar terrain, etc. We also were north and east of the worst snow, as most melted as it fell, here. I think we ended up with over five inches of moisture. But cattle were stressed to varying degrees here, and we have lost an occasional one to illnesses since the storm.
It is hard just to hear of the stories, and so much worse for those experiencing it.
Both families who have spent a lifetime working to be near retirement age, and older, to have your life work lost in a matter of days with nothing you can do, or could have done, to change the outcome; and those young people who have worked hard to get a start on a herd and have it all disappear, are tragedies!
BTW, my understanding is that the committee working at distributing the benefits of the fundraising is at work, may have some distributions already, and are well aware of the difficulties in being charged with such a heavy responsibility. We can all help them by our prayers for their good judgement. Not an easy job, and they can only try their best.
For those who have said such ugly things about the ranchers, they surely must be suffering to have that kind of hate in their hearts. It has probably spurred quite a few donations to counter that kind of meanness!
Fortunately, there is so much more kindness in this life that can nearly wipe out the mean spirited bitterness with our kind thoughts, words, and actions.
mrj