Cowboy entertainer Michael Martin Murphey will headline a March 18 concert in Pueblo to benefit farmers and ranchers in southeastern Colorado hard hit by snowstorms.

"He actually approached us," said Troy Bredenkamp, executive vice president of the Colorado Farm Bureau, one of the organizations planning the concert.

Besides Murphey, the Operation Blizzard Benefit will feature country entertainers Baxter Black, Waddie Mitchell and Don Edwards.

The goal of the program, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. March 18 at the Events Center on the Colorado State Fairgrounds, is to raise at least $500,000, Bredenkamp said. About half is to be raised through ticket sales and half through corporate donations.

Other than $20,000 to underwrite the concert, "All the proceeds raised will go directly to farmers and ranchers," Bredenkamp said.

A committee made up of representatives from the 10 counties hit by the disastrous winter storms will allocate the funds, he said.

Tickets are $25, $35 and, for a VIP package with a steak dinner, $150.

Tickets, information or donations: www.blizzardbenefit.org.