Historic wildfires have torched over 700,000 acres in Nebraska, killed one person, displaced cattle herds and left ranchers scrambling for feed. Burned pastures may come back eventually with rain, but meantime, “ranchers are still going to have to find feed for their cows until they can graze their pastures,” one livestock extension specialist said. The Morrill fire has consumed forage and more across the Nebraska Sandhills of Morrill, Garden, Arthur, Keith and Grant counties.
As a result, 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.
Nebraska Cattlemen President Craig Uden stated, “In the face of the largest wildfire in Nebraska history, our communities remain strong. We are grateful for the first responders, volunteer firefighters, and local leaders who are working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and livestock. Leadership of the Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund hopes people will consider contributing to help beef cattle producers who are being impacted by these 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.
The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations made to the Disaster Relief Fund may be tax deductible – a receipt will be sent upon deposit of funds. Those donating should consult with their tax advisor for final determination.
Funds will only be distributed to producers who experienced property loss or damage in areas where a fire was reported through the Nebraska Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Watch Center. As of today, disaster declarations have been issued for the Morrill County fire, impacting Morrill, Garden, Arthur and Keith Counties, and the Cottonwood Fire, impacting Lincoln, Dawson, and Frontier Counties.
Membership in Nebraska Cattlemen is not required for applicants to receive relief. Applications may be submitted from today until further notice. Relief funds will not be distributed until the application period closes.
Individuals who would like to donate either online or by mailing a check, please visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org/disaster-relief-fund.
