Audio

When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf states - she left a path of destruction leaving thousands of farmers wondering how they could continue their day to day activities. Victims of the storm had no electricity and no phone service. But one Smithdale, Mississippi dairy producer was able to drive out far enough to get a cell phone signal in order to call his dairy farmer cooperative and ask for help.

Clip 1 (:32)

That's 3rd generation dairyman Buckey Jones. He says producer stress levels were running high following Katrina due to the lack of electricity - and says the diesel situation was "freakish and very upsetting" as it disrupted the way of life for dairy producers - including himself.

Clip 2 (:47)

Now - Jones says in his area - electricity has been restored for 85-percent of families. He notes the number-one dairy producing county in the state of Mississippi however - only has power back on for 45-percent. Nonetheless - Jones says conditions are improving.

Clip 3 (1:11)

Jones says all of the efforts of his milk marketing co-op, Dairy Farmers of America - including delivery of diesel and other support and assistance through DFACares - proves the importance of farmer cooperatives in times of strife.

Clip 4 (:42)

Jones says his hometown sustained winds of up to 107 miles-per-hour during Katrina. His home is more than 100 miles inland. While Jones says he never feared for his life during Katrina - he says he did fear for his farm and his livelihood.