Trucking Company Coordinates Hay and Supply Deliveries for Kansas Wildfire Victims

Steve Hilker Trucking in Cimarron, Kansas is mobilizing to transport donated goods to farmers and ranchers affected by recent wildfires.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A trucking company west of Dodge City, Kansas is working to organize donations of hay and other supplies for farmers and ranchers devastated by wildfires in southwest Kansas. Alleah Heise, president of Steve Hilker Trucking, said her company is coordinating the movement of donated goods to fire-affected areas, leveraging their expertise in hauling cattle to provide disaster relief. The company previously assisted with relief efforts during wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma, and is now focused on connecting trucks and trailers with people who want to donate hay and other essential supplies to those in need.

Why it matters

Wildfires can bring a string of logistical challenges that add up quickly for farmers and ranchers, making coordinated relief efforts critical. Steve Hilker Trucking's experience in disaster response and their connections within the industry position them well to efficiently transport donated supplies to the hardest hit areas.

The details

Heise said donations have accumulated quickly, with 20 bales in one phone call and another 100 bales shortly after. However, the biggest challenge is covering the fuel costs, as each of the company's trucks holds an average of 275 gallons of diesel, which is currently averaging $3.34 per gallon in Kansas. Heise said the situation is still in the assessment phase, but they plan to have trucks loaded and on the road next week to deliver not just hay, but also cattle mineral and water to those in need.

  • The wildfires occurred recently in southwest Kansas.
  • Steve Hilker Trucking previously assisted with relief efforts during wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma last year.
  • Heise said they plan to have trucks loaded and on the road next week to deliver supplies.

The players

Steve Hilker Trucking

A trucking company based in Cimarron, Kansas that primarily hauls cattle but has experience in disaster relief efforts.

Alleah Heise

The president of Steve Hilker Trucking who is coordinating the company's efforts to transport donated hay and supplies to farmers and ranchers affected by the Kansas wildfires.

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What they’re saying

“This is kind of like our side hustle, and we have the philosophy that if you put good out, good comes back.”

— Alleah Heise, President, Steve Hilker Trucking (KWCH)

“Where are the trucks? Where do we think there might be trailers? And how do we connect the people we know have trucks with trailers with the people who want to donate?”

— Alleah Heise, President, Steve Hilker Trucking (KWCH)

“Just in one phone call we had 20 bales, and another 100 bales, so it turns into a big number really fast.”

— Alleah Heise, President, Steve Hilker Trucking (KWCH)

“Getting those trucks moving to get the hay in, it takes some money.”

— Alleah Heise, President, Steve Hilker Trucking (KWCH)

“Neighbors have given what they can give, and they're going to start relying on the people from up around here and eastern Kansas, and even further out, to help bring the hay in and the things that are going to keep the cattle fed that survived the fire.”

— Alleah Heise, President, Steve Hilker Trucking (KWCH)

What’s next

Heise said the company plans to have trucks loaded and on the road next week to deliver hay, cattle mineral, and water to the affected areas.

The takeaway

Steve Hilker Trucking's experience in disaster response and their connections within the industry allow them to efficiently coordinate the transportation of donated supplies to farmers and ranchers impacted by the recent wildfires in southwest Kansas, demonstrating the critical role that logistics can play in disaster relief efforts.