Audio

The agricultural community has proven — once again — how its co-ops, farmers, employees and friends will pull together in times of tragedy. Following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina - all sectors of the industry worked together to provide support, assistance, supplies, fuel, water and much more.

But in one small Tennessee community — home to Dairy Farmers of America's Southeast Area Council and DFA Corporate Board member — Joe T. Parker — the folks wanted to send their own Giles County Fire and Rescue Team to New Orleans to assist in water rescue efforts. But no one would take them. So, when they heard that Joe's co-op, DFA, was looking for help in clearing debris for dairy farmers, they took up some chain saws. As Parker explains, they just wouldn't take no for an answer.

Clip 1 (:37)

So Joe's sister, Janet VanZant, and the citizens of Pulaski, Tennessee raised more than six-thousand dollars to send a crew of 11 men - including DFA member Brian Flowers - to Louisiana with the supplies, transportation, and chainsaws needed to help DFA dairy farm members clear trees from fields and fence rows. Of course - as Parker points out - the crew did have to make some adjustments before leaving.

Clip 2 (:28)

Now the team has returned to Pulaski as "DFA's local heroes" - and Parker says that's exactly as it should be.

Clip 3 (:20)

But Parker says there are a number of unsung heroes as well.

Clip 4 (:27)

The town of Pulaski doesn't plan to send more teams immediately - but they are coordinating efforts to send a veterinarian and vet assistant to continue helping DFA's farmers.