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Nebraska Extension to host drought outlook webinar for cattle producers

Lincoln, NE, March 11, 2026 — Nebraska cattle producers facing ongoing drought conditions have an opportunity to learn more about the current weather outlook and potential impacts for the upcoming grazing season during a Nebraska Extension webinar on March 30.

Start Strong: Caring for your vegetable seedlings

Last week’s warm temperatures may have nudged you out of winter mode and into garden planning. While it is still too early to plant most vegetables outdoors, there is plenty you can be doing right now to prepare for the season ahead.

Grazing after a wildfire

This spring has already been a historic one for wildfires in Nebraska. Our thoughts are with the producersimpacted,andourthanks go out to the fire crews and first responders who have put in long hoursprotectinglives,livestock,and property. As producers are able to assess damage and plan next steps, grazing management will be an important part of pasture recovery.

Behavioral health resources for Nebraskans affected by wildfires

Lincoln – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) encourages Nebraskans affected by the wildfires to seek emotional support at relief centers near areas affected by the wildfires.

Gov. Jim Pillen, State Officials meet with first responders on front lines of Nebraska wildfires

March 20, 2026 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Governor Jim Pillen, joined by Sherry Vinton, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Erv Portis, Assistant Director of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, visited Valentine and Gothenburg to meet with those who have been on the frontlines of the fires near Valentine (Anderson Bridge Fire) and Gothenburg (Cottonwood Fire) firefighting efforts.

Sandhills Area Foundation establishes Anderson Bridge Fire Relief Fund

VALENTINE, Neb. — March 20, 2026 — The Sandhills Area Foundation has entered a pass-through agreement with John and Mark Johnson to administer the Anderson Bridge Fire Relief Fund. This fund has been created to provide vital financial support to those impacted by the devastating Anderson Bridge Fire and related fires across the region.

Vigilance in monitoring calf health following exposure to wildfire smoke

Wildfiresoccurringinwesternand central Nebraska mirror a broader trendof increasingwildfirefrequency and magnitude across the western United States. While the immediate impacts of wildfire are devastating to beef production and rural communities, the effects of wildfire smoke may also pose risks to both human and animal health. In the weeks and months following a wildfire event, producersshouldremainvigilantand monitorcalvesforsignsof respiratory disease or illness.

Nebraska leaders honor Agriculture Week while standing with communities facing historic wildfires

GRAND ISLAND, NEB. — Nebraska leaders, farmers, students, and industry partners gathered at Raising Nebraska on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds on March 17 to recognize National Agriculture Week and highlight the vital role agriculture plays in the state’s economy and communities. This year’s observance comes as historic wildfires have devastated parts of Nebraska, impacting farm and ranch families, livestock, and rural communities. The event, hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, showcased Nebraska agriculture’s innovation, resilience, and commitment to community support.