16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN June/July 2026 both donors and operations that needed something, mark them as ‘new,’ ‘in progress’ or ‘completed.’ That has been a tremendous asset in getting supplies to those who need it most.” The fire burned 90 percent of the Fairleys’ pasture, with what remains being unusable islands of grass in the burn scar. There Is Always Hope In the wake of tragedy, the agricultural community is well-known for lending a helping hand and banding together. Hay donations have been coming in from across the country. “We really have seen the best of people through this,” Fairley says. “Even during the fire, there were people from miles away, entire different communities, who sent fire departments. That’s just what you do in agricultural communities. “The outpouring of support, whether it was hay, fencing supplies, financial donations or people offering their feedlot space to dry lot animals, has been tremendous. I know that God was taking care of us throughout this whole thing, and the community coming together is a great example of that.” RESOURCES Resources are available for those impacted by the Nebraska wildfires or those who would like to donate. NEBRASKA SANDHILLS RANCHERS FIRE FUND Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 291, Oshkosh, NE 69154 NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN DISASTER RELIEF FUND Checks can be mailed to Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521-4309 “We really have seen the best of people through this. Even during the fire, there were people from miles away, entire different communities, who sent fire departments. That’s just what you do in agricultural communities.” — Jake Fairley The Morrill County and Cottonwood fires were just the first in a series of wildfires that plagued Nebraska in March and April. The Morrill County Fire burned more than 640,000 acres. The Cottonwood Fire burned more than 131,000 acres. It is estimated that between all of the fires, more than 800,000 acres burned across Nebraska. It has been estimated that more than 44,000 head of cattle were shipped out of the burned area to find grass elsewhere. USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service are implementing programs to assist producers with wildfire recovery. Contact your local service center for more information. To find your service center scan the QR code. ~NC~ TALES FROM THE FIRE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 CONSIDER THIS
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