Just when it seemed like the largest wildfires in Nebraska history had tamped down, the Pressey Fire burned another 9,141 acres in Custer County, beginning on April 22. This large fire accompanied at least eight other vegetation fires that broke out across the state on the same day.
It’s the same old story: Long-term drought, excess vegetation left over from last year, low humidity and extremely high winds combined with lightning strikes or blown-over power poles ignite fires that are difficult to contain over rugged and remote terrain.
While a little precipitation and cooler temperatures have brought some relief to drought areas of the state, the wildfire danger continues.
“What we’ve seen with wildfires this spring is devastating,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “The fires burned hundreds of thousands of acres, wiping out pasture, fencing and feed right in the middle of calving season. That creates immediate financial stress and long-term uncertainty for farm and ranch families.”
Farm Bureau relief fund
McHargue said the Nebraska Farm Bureau Relief Fund is designed to provide direct, meaningful support where it’s needed most.
“It will support things like replacing fencing, covering feed losses and addressing other needs that come with loss,” he explained. “The fund will distribute 100% of the donations to support farmers, ranchers and rural communities affected by the wildfires.”
Eligible applicants can receive up to $5,000 per household or operation, McHargue said. “A committee will review applications once per month to determine distributions,” he added. “Amounts will be based on the extent of losses, impact on the operation and available funds.”
This is just the latest in a long list of disaster relief efforts for those affected by the wildfires. The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund is also accepting monetary donations, and 100% of those will also be distributed to producers impacted by the fires.
Heavy toll
Since March 12, nearly 1 million acres in Nebraska have burned — including the Morrill Fire, which is considered the largest wildfire in state history — displacing up to 35,000 head of cattle and burning stored forage piles and rangeland in Nebraska’s Sandhills.
“In agriculture, there’s a tendency to just push through,” McHargue said. “But after a disaster like this, it’s important for people to know it’s OK to take a step back and ask for help. Mental health matters just as much as physical recovery, and there are resources and people ready to support them.”
In addition to resources from the Farm Service Agency, visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture disaster resources page for more information and help.