Nebraska Wildfire Resources

USDA FSA Programs & Resources

*FSA Wildfire Response Resources: County FSA offices will be assisting producers impacted by wildfires in the state. These three programs may be options: the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) can assist livestock owners with financial compensation for death losses above normal mortality; the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) can assist producers with grazing and feed losses and the Emergency Conservation Program can assist landowners with financial and technical assistance for replacing or restoring fences, as well as removing debris from their land. For all of these programs, documentation of loss and the response is critical. Those impacted are encouraged to communicate with their county FSA office for more information.  

* Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program: USDA is providing $11 billion to producers of commodity crops through a one-time bridge payment. Common Nebraska commodities covered by this program include corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum, as well as others. Pre-filled applications for qualified producers are now available online or at your county FSA office. To find your application online, please visit this FSA web page. The application deadline is April 17, 2026.

* Conservation Reserve Program (CRP): County FSA offices are now accepting Continuous CRP offers. These will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and will be reviewed in “batches” with the first batching period to end on March 20, 2026. FSA will begin accepting General CRP offers on Monday, March 9 through April 17, 2026.

* Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Stage 2: County FSA offices are taking applications for SDRP Stage 2. This assistance program is designed to provide financial relief to producers with losses incurred due to certain weather-related events in 2023 and/or 2024. For more information, producers can visit the link above or contact their FSA office. Please note the SDRP Stage 2 application deadline is April 30, 2026

Nebraska Department of Agriculture

Below, you can find information on resources available to farmers and ranchers impacted by the Nebraska wildfires. Additional information will be added when available. If you’d like to suggest an addition of a resource, please email agr.webmaster@nebraska.gov.
 
Mental Health Resources: 
  • Rural Response Hotline: 800-464-0258, 8am to 5pm CT, Monday through Friday 
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Call, Text, or Chat for 24/7 Support 
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text: 1-800-985-5990 
    Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.” 
    For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.

Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund

Leadership of the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund announced they are accepting monetary donations and relief applications to assist beef cattle producers who are being impacted by fires.
The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund will remain activated and accept monetary donations until further notice by leadership of the Disaster Relief Fund. 100% of the donations will be distributed to producers who were impacted.
 
For any questions, please contact the Nebraska Cattlemen office at (402) 475-2333 or email disasterrelief@necattlemen.org.
Please mail your check to the following address:
Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund
4611 Cattle Drive
Lincoln, NE 68521-4309
 
To donate online, you can click the donate button below to give to our PayPal account. Funds donated to our PayPal account will be transferred into the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund. Please note, a convenience fee for online donations may apply.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Relief Fund

In response to the wildfires, the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation announced the launch of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund to support farmers, ranchers, rural firefighters, and rural communities affected by the fires.
The losses many families are experiencing right now are heartbreaking. The Nebraska Farm Bureau is establishing a disaster relief fund to provide support. Our agricultural community has always stepped up to help neighbors in times of need, and we will continue to do so.
To donate, visit here. 

Nebraska Sandhills Rancher Fire Relief Fund

 The primary purpose of the fund shall be to assist victims of natural fires in Nebraska, primarily
in the counties of Garden, Morrill, Arthur, Keith and Grant to assist in disaster recovery. We hope
to enhance and improve the quality of life of the Nebraska residents that have suffered a financial
hardship due to events beyond their control. A local grants committee will accept grant assistance applications and determine awards based on need. Learn more or donate here. 

Nebraska Property Tax Relief

 Please be made aware of an important opportunity for property tax relief on property damaged by the fire (2026 taxes).
Here’s what to do:
• Search “Damaged Real Property” online to find the Nebraska Department of Revenue page
• Follow the instructions on how to apply for tax relief
Additional local guidance:
• You can also go directly to your County Assessor’s Office
• Sign the required form
• The application will then be submitted to the County Commissioners for approval
This is an opportunity that many may not know about—please help spread the word to anyone impacted.
If you have questions, please talk to your local courthouse. 

This information is subject to change and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.