Ohio Relief Haulers, a nonprofit organization the aims to help farmers battle against natural disasters like flooding or fires, was begun in 2017 by Travis and Brittany Hamlin. The couple, who run the Hamlin Livestock Ranch in Rootstown, have farming in their blood; Travis is part of the multi-generational Derthick’s Farm in Mantua.
As the couple cares for their young family and growing business, they’ve also made it a priority to help others. They began Ohio Relief Haulers in as a way to help deliver tools, farm supplies, and feed to farmers affected by natural disasters. “We don’t just deliver hay and supplies to ranchers and farmers in need,” Travis shared. “We do a little more than that. We deliver hope with every load that goes down the road. Hope that God has a bigger and better plan than what we may see, hope that instills pride in being an American farmer and rancher,” he concluded.
They began by assisting Kansas farmers and ranchers affected by wildfires in 2017. Since then, they’ve assisted the farming communities near and far, including those in Nebraska who experienced record floods last year. Recently, they’ve focuses their efforts closer to home, in nearby Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.
On the afternoon of October 13th, a barn at Trotacre Dairy Farm caught fire, consuming roughly one-quarter of the structure. While owners Dave and Jill Trotter were grateful that no one was hurt and that they were able to rescue their 16 yearling calves from the barn, they lost 200 round bales of hay meant to feed their herd through the winter months.
“This late in the year losing all your hay can be devastating,” Travis shared. “Hay that was put up all summer long to feed the cows this winter and spring is now gone.” So Ohio Relief Haulers got to work, sending out a call for help through their Facebook page’s rural community. The request was promptly answered, with the first trucks delivering large round bales and small square bales from generous farmers across the area by the end of the week.
So far, bales have been donated by Jason Nuhfer, Courtney Lund, Bill Kornbau, Derthicks Farm, Todd Bricker, Darren & Bridget Durr, Keston Gildersleeve & family, Kyle Lawrence, and Dave Winchell. Bales have been delivered by David & Nicole Kapity, Tyler Calhoun, Bar Lee Jerseys, Mark, Brooke & Colton Boley, Andrew Rothermel, and the Hamlins.
Dave and Jill’s daughter, Abby, posted the family’s gratitude on the Ohio Relief Haulers page on Facebook. “On behalf of my family and Trotacre Farm, THANK YOU! The outpouring of love, support, donations, time and prayers given to us through you all is overwhelming! Everything that goes into what you all do for farmers and ranchers in need is hard to put into words. Your generosity and kindness is truly unmatched. THANK YOU is not enough. The hope you have given, the love you have shown is more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for doing what you do!”
Brittany noted, “God blesses us in many ways, and helping a local farmer in need seems to not just bless those who receive, but also touch the hearts of those who give.” She noted that anyone able to donate bales or willing to trailer a load should message Ohio Relief Haulers on Facebook or call (330) 281-2860.
In addition, Witmer’s Feed & Grain in Columbiana has set up a donation program for Trotacre Farms, allowing those who are able to donate to purchase bags of feed ($11 each), or donate towards milk replacer or other needed supplies in lieu of bales or delivery. Call Witmer’s Feed & Grain at (330) 892-3031 and let Cindy know you’re making a donation for Trotacre Farm.
