Helicopters air drop supplies to affected farmers after Harvey

BEAUMONT, Texas (KTRK) -- The Army National Guard has been delivering hay to livestock in flooded areas around Houston and Beaumont.

"The request came down from some local ranchers that the cows had been underwater for a couple of weeks, standing in water, and nothing to eat," explained Chief Warrant Officer Randolph Robinson.

It's still too early to calculate Harvey's total impact on livestock, but state officials say there are at least 1.2 million beef cows that graze in affected counties.

"In a lot of cases, they are on these little islands that are completely surrounded by floodwaters," said Chief Warrant Officer Robinson.

The National Guard says its crews delivered 75,000 pounds of hay on September 4th, the first full day of its mission.

"We don't like the circumstances, but it's an honor to be able to come out and help fellow Texans," Chief Warrant Officer Robinson said.

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