ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. — Animals gotta eat, too.

A load of baled hay began its journey to the Southeast on Monday, leaving Champaign County headed for farmers and livestock affected by September’s hurricanes.

Elizabethton in East Tennessee will serve as a shipping point from where loads of hay will be transported to farms in need.

Impacted by fall hurricanes were Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Florida.

“They’ve lost a lot of their winter hay supplies,” said Lucas Stark, deputy director of the Champaign County Farm Bureau.

A second load will leave soon when a truck is located to transport it.

Wishall Transport of Tolono donated the use of the truck to transport the first flatbed trailer load carrying hay.

Stark said the hay distribution effort was sparked by a few farmers who noted they had their fourth and fifth cuts of hay and wondered if anyone affected by the hurricanes could use it.

“It’s a great way, honestly, to get involved in the effort,” Stark said, adding that people shouldn’t forget that the need will continue throughout the winter, so he’ll be sending more loads in January and February.

Gerald and Juanita Henry and Clint and Kaitlin Tharp donated hay and Ron O’Connor donated money.

Hay isn’t the only thing farmers need.

In some states the fence is also required.

Monetary support is also welcome.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact Stark at 217-352-5235 or [email protected].