News

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Nebraska Extension and two federal partner agencies will hold informational meetings on wildfire recovery April 8-10 in western Nebraska to help farmers and ranchers learn about available resources and address local needs. The program will include information on wildfire disaster relief programs and technical assistance, grazing and cropping options, recovery resources, mental health support and next steps.

LINCOLN, NE – Governor Jim Pillen has issued a new series of documents to address ongoing weather conditions and areas that have been impacted by multiple wildfires across the state. Four of the largest fires have collectively burned more than 800,000 acres of land.

OMAHA, NE — March 30, 2026 - Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) announced it is contributing $250,000 to support wildfire relief and recovery efforts across Nebraska, reinforcing the cooperative’s longstanding commitment to agriculture and rural communities.

(Chadron, NE., March 27, 2026) —The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands has issued a forest- wide fire ban due to ongoing drought conditions and an elevated risk of wildfire. The ban applies to the NebraskaNational Forest’s Pine Ridge and Bessey Ranger Districts and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests, as well as the Buffalo Gap and Oglala National Grasslands.

Lincoln, NE, March 25, 2026 – Agricultural operations in Nebraska were significantly impacted by recent wildfires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from adverse natural disaster events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.

With the extension of the governor’s statewide burn ban, guests at Nebraska Game and Parks’ properties are reminded that a temporary ban on campfires remains at all Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas.

The Rock, Brown and Cherry County Hospitals have joined in a collaborative effort to support the many, many individuals, home owners, ranchers, and farmers affected by wild fires. The Rock County Hospital, using its relatively new “Partners in Life” program, helped formulate this effort to partner with other hospitals.

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 24, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a national awareness campaign promoting the voluntary Product of USA label, encouraging use of its updated standard that took effect earlier this year.

LINCOLN, NE -- An initiative launched by Governor Jim Pillen aimed at protecting and preserving Nebraska’s vital water resources, met a milestone today. In March of last year, Gov. Pillen kicked off the first executive-level meeting of the state’s Water Quality and Quantity Task Force, a group consisting of members representing industries, businesses and other relevant expertise. At today’s meeting, the Task Force presented the Governor with a report outlining key recommendations to protect and strengthen Nebraska’s water resources statewide.