With a drought decimating two-thirds of their hay production, the agricultural community of Warren County, TN was aided through Project Hayride, as Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire (BFNT) trucks delivered hay to local farmers, fully absorbing the freight costs. Thanks to this help, Warren County farmers will be provided with 1.5 million lbs. of hay at about the same price they would have paid if the drought had not occurred.
BFNT teamed with the Warren Farmers Co-op, UT Agriculture Extension Office, Warren County Economic Development Board, Warren County Cattlemen’s Association and Warren County Executive to negotiate prices with out-of-state hay suppliers, aiding 55 farmers to date. They did so while maintaining BFNT’s regular delivery schedules and working within driver time restrictions.
“Project Hayride is impacting farmers financially and mentally,” said John Pelham, Warren County Executive. “When people have had a really tough year, they need a spark…someone to give them a boost. When others are willing to step up, like Bridgestone Firestone, it helps the entire community.”
