CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Tama County Cattlemen’s Association secretary Jordan Hagedon, far left, and treasurer Alex Kubik, second from right, pictured Friday, May 1, 2026, at Dolezal Farm Supply in Toledo with co-owner Darron Dolezal, second from left, and 2026 Tama County Beef Queen Belle Werner, far right. The Dolezals matched the $13,900 raised by the association during its Wildfire Relief Auction Feb. 28 in Traer.

TAMA COUNTY — In an effort to assist Great Plains ranchers affected earlier this year by wildfires that burned more than a million acres, the Tama County Cattlemen’s Association (TCCA) circled the wagons during the trade organization’s annual banquet in late February to raise more than $41,000 for its Wildfire Relief Auction.

“In the agricultural community, we support each other when times are tough. Whether it’s a neighbor down the road or a producer three states away, we understand the heartbreak of losing livestock and livelihood,” Alex Kubik, TCCA treasurer, told the newspaper in a recent email exchange. “While the Tama County Cattlemen have a long history of fundraising – typically raising $10,000 to $20,000 annually for local youth, 4-H, FFA, and scholarships – this is the first time we have coordinated a donation of this scale for out-of-state relief. It proved that when our community comes together, we can create a powerful, national impact.”

According to reporting in late April by Nebraska Public Media, in the first few months of the new year, wildfires burned well over one million acres collectively across the states of Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. “The early 2026 blazes raged for days due to high winds, low humidity and drought conditions, burning grazing pastures, cropland, homes and farm structures,” the public media outlet reported April 27. “Over 800,000 acres burned in Nebraska alone, a record for the state … In February, a wildfire that crossed the northwest border of Oklahoma into Kansas burned nearly 300,000 acres.”

Per Kubik, TCCA held its annual banquet Saturday, Feb, 28, at the Memorial Building in downtown Traer, welcoming some 250 attendees, including 4-H and FFA members, local producers, and industry sponsors. Over 100 local businesses helped ensure the event’s success through sponsorships and donations, with gold-level sponsor Iowa Premium (National Beef Packing Company) not only donating the prime rib main course but also providing significant financial support.

During the evening’s auction, Corbitt Wall, senior livestock market analyst for DVAuction, served as auctioneer for the Wildfire Relief Auction.

“To support ranchers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska – where fires impacted 45,000 head of cattle – we held a ‘rollover’ auction,” Kubik explained. “In this format, an item is sold to the highest bidder, who then immediately donates it back to be auctioned again. This continues until the bidding stops. The momentum was incredible. The item was rolled over more than 25 times, raising an initial $13,900.”

Following the auction, Dolezal Farm Supply, a third-generation feed store located in Toledo, matched the total auction, as did TCCA, bringing the grand total to $41,700.

“We are coordinating with local livestock groups [to distribute the funds],” Kubik said. “They have the boots-on-the-ground knowledge to ensure the funds reach the specific groups and individuals who need (help) the most. The needs in these areas are dire, ranging from immediate livestock feed and hay to long-term rebuilding funds for fencing and infrastructure. We chose these three states because they bore the brunt of the most recent and devastating wildfire outbreaks.”

Tama County consistently ranks among the top counties in Iowa for cattle production, supported by a network of local beef producers in the hundreds, per Kubik. He described the industry as a “primary economic driver” for the area’s rural communities – and a force for good.

“This $41,700 achievement was only made possible by the hard work of our board members and the incredible generosity of the businesses and individuals who call Tama County home.”

For more information, including how to donate to the Wildfire Relief Auction, contact any member of the Tama County Cattlemen’s Association Board, including president Ben Novak, vice president Joe Kvidera, treasurer Alex Kubik, secretary Jordan Hagedon, Tyler Beenken, Joe Hoeg, Kyle Herink, Anthony Kopriva, Jason Hamann, Doug Edler, Steve Murty, and Randy Parizek.