The Board of Directors of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation last week approved a $5,000 donation to the South Dakota Farm Bureau Cares Fund to help farmers hit by the devastating blizzard in early October. The blizzard hit while many ranchers were ready to sell their calves and left families without income to buy food, pay utility bills and handle other expenses.

"These are not people who are going to ask for help, but with winter and the holidays coming up, the financial need — and the emotional stress — are mounting," the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) said in a press release.

Iowa Farm Bureau members who would like to donate to the fund can send checks to the SDFB at P.O. Box 1426, Huron, S.D. 57350. Make checks to Farmers & Merchants Bank/SD Farm Bureau Cares. You can also donate online by credit card at www.sdfbf.org.