In an effort to assist Johnson County farmers with the severe drought suffered this summer, Neva and Shady Valley Volunteer Fire Departments went the extra mile for their communities. Recognizing their capacity to transport water in huge quantities, they hauled the scarce commodity to area farmers for their scorching crops and thirsty livestock.

Friday of last week, Farm Credit Services of Mid-America made the decision to return the favor on behalf of the farmers they serve. Mike Blevins, Financial Services Officer for Farm Credit, presented checks to the two fire departments to help defray the costs incurred by their good deed.

“This last year with the drought and water shortage, lots of people ran out of water. Ponds dried up, streams dried up,” said Blevins. “To help farmers get through, the fire departments volunteered to haul water to these farmers until it did rain. Of course, there was expense involved there, and what Farm Credit elected to do was to help reimburse the fire departments for their expense. This will help put the money back in their coffers.” [Story in the Mountain City, TN Tomahawk]