36 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN June/July 2026 PEERS RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITY ON THE ROAD AHEAD TIFFANY HENG-MOSS | INTERIM NU VICE PRESIDENT FOR AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES AND INTERIM UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN VICE CHANCELLOR, INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES As we move further into spring, our thoughts remain with the ranchers, cattle feeders and rural communities impacted by the recent wildfires across Nebraska. For many, the work of recovery is just beginning – assessing losses, rebuilding fences, restoring grazing plans and caring for livestock under difficult conditions. These fires have underscored how quickly circumstances can change and how important it is to have both strong local networks and reliable information at hand. To support those efforts, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has launched a centralized wildfire information website, wildfire.unl.edu. This resource is intended to provide critical information in one place, including fire updates, disaster declarations, emergency assistance programs and recovery resources available through university, local, state and federal partners. Producers can find guidance on topics such as livestock assistance, debris removal, fencing resources and financial support programs, along with contacts for agencies and organizations supporting producers during this time. Just as important, the site serves as a way to stay connected as conditions evolve, ensuring that those affected can access the latest information and that those looking to lend a hand know where to plug in. Recovery will take time, but Nebraska’s strength has always been its willingness to step up for one another, and that spirit is already on full display. Even as we navigate those challenges, Nebraska’s strengths were on full display April 29-30 in Omaha, where state and national leaders gathered for the Council on Competitiveness’ “Competitiveness Conversations Across America.” Hosted by the UNL System, this convening focused on the future of the bioeconomy and what it will take for the United States – and Nebraska – to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. For those in production agriculture, the conversations in Omaha are more than theoretical. The bioeconomy centers on using renewable, bio-based feedstocks – the very products grown and raised by Nebraska producers – to create fuels, materials and new technologies. From sustainable aviation fuel to bio-based manufacturing inputs, the opportunities tied to agriculture continue to expand well beyond traditional markets. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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