News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(Lincoln, NE, March 20, 2026) – Agricultural operations in Nebraska have been 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 these adverse weather events.

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.

LINCOLN, NE - As Nebraska continues to deal with the devastating fires, the Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI) is encouraging residents who experienced property damage to document all losses and contact their insurers.

Lincoln, Neb., March 17, 2026 — Rcent wildfires in Nebraska have left many cattle operations facing urgent management decisions. Once humans are safe, producers should focus on three priorities: stabilizing livestock through health checks and access to clean water and feed, documenting losses and engaging with insurers and/or assistance programs, and developing a grazing recovery plan that protects rangeland health going into the next grazing season.

Open Fields and Waters public walk-in access properties and wildlife management areas affected by wildfires are closed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission until further notice. Hunters are urged to stay away from OFW sites and WMAs affected by the recent wildfires in Lincoln, Dawson, Keith, Arthur, Morrill, Garden, and Cherry counties for public safety reasons and to allow recovery efforts to proceed.