McMINNVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 20, 2007) –Bridgestone Firestone trucks filled with desperately needed hay are rolling into Warren County, Tenn., to help drought-stricken farmers just in time for Thanksgiving.

After the drought caused Warren County farmers to lose two-thirds of this year’s hay production, the agricultural community was faced with two options: pay double for hay from elsewhere because of the added freight costs or sell their cattle. Project Hayride provided a third option. Through the program, Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire, LLC (BFNT) trucks returning from neighboring states are bringing hay to local farmers with BFNT absorbing the freight cost. By the end of January, BFNT and its partners will provide Warren County farmers with 1.5 million pounds of needed hay at about the same price they would have paid without the drought.

“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.”

Seeing the farmers’ need, BFNT offered its complex system of trucks, trailers and drivers to bring hay back from Arkansas, Missouri and Kentucky and to cover the freight costs that are burdensome to the farmers. With that offer of help, the Warren Farmers Co-op, UT Agriculture Extension Office, Warren County Economic Development Board, Warren County Cattlemen’s Association and Warren County Executive joined the effort. Together with BFNT, the team found out-of-state hay suppliers, negotiated prices, checked routes to ensure BFNT trucks could reach the farms and helped 55 farmers (to date) sign up for the program.

The team overcame logistical challenges along the way, including working within driver time restrictions while maintaining BFNT delivery schedules and identifying hay supplies along existing BFNT routes to make the program a success.

It was well worth the effort. By removing the shipping cost, farmers are getting truckloads of feed at about the same price as they would have paid without the drought.

 “Farmers are the backbone of the country — they provide the food that feeds America,” said Don Robbins, Warren Farmers Co-op Manager. “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on how blessed we are, and we’re blessed that Bridgestone Firestone is giving back to those who give to America. No matter the season, Bridgestone Firestone’s Warren County plant is always giving to our community.”

 “This drought has been the worst I’ve ever seen; other years don’t compare,” said John Pelham, Warren County Executive. “Our herds could have been decimated. When [BFNT Warren County Plant Manager] Ron Brooks saw what was happening in the community, he said ‘What can we do to help?’ This program is going to allow our families to keep their cattle. BFNT has always been such a great corporate partner; they do so much more than build tires.”

“If we lost 10,000 head of cattle, it would spill over and affect equipment sales, feed sales and tire sales; it would take maybe a decade to recover,” said Jeff McCormick, Director of Economic Development, McMinville Warren County Industrial Board. “By providing farmers the necessary hay, Project Hayride stops the ripple effect, helping to protect the entire economy. We just want to thank Bridgestone Firestone.”

“Our private fleet is the tool that connects our top two priorities — our products and our customers,” stated Ron Tartt, General Manager, Private Fleet, BFNT. “It makes us proud when we can use our fleet to help others in a time of need.”

“Who better to give back to than the farmers of America?” added Ron Brooks, Warren County Plant Manager, BFNT. “We have a culture of giving in our company that starts right at the top with the example of community service set by our Chairman and CEO Mark A. Emkes. We have partnerships with dozens of charities throughout Middle Tennessee, so it was just natural for us to step up and help when we were made aware of the farmers’ plight. We’re pleased to be in a position to help them.”

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