News

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.

LINCOLN – With the raging wildfires across the state, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is concentrating efforts on assisting our farm and ranch families and their livestock. Producers that have been impacted by the wildfire and need hay, feedstuffs, fencing materials, volunteer help, equipment, etc.

In response to the catastrophic and historic wildfires raging though central and western Nebraska, Nebraska Community Foundation, a statewide community development and philanthropy organization, has established the Nebraska Wildfire Recovery Fund.

OMAHA, Nebraska - As multiple large wildfires continue to burn across central and western Nebraska, resulting in hundreds of thousands of acres burned and hazardous air quality in affected regions, the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is urging residents, agricultural workers and cleanup crews to take steps to protect their lungs, eyes, skin and overall health during wildfire response and recovery efforts.

Congratulations to third quarter A Honor Roll students: Ainsley Adamson, Nathan Burchfield, Gunner Ford, Isabella Garza, Fiora Moreland, Carson Walkling, Cash Cooper, Blake Lancaster, Kynzee McConaughey, Kayleigh Ravenscroft, Lilly Ravenscroft, James Walkling, and Elliah Wolff.