Nebraska Governor Signs Order to Assist Farmers Impacted by Wildfires

Executive order waives restrictions to speed delivery of livestock feed and supplies

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:44pm

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Due to the severe impact of wildfires on livestock feed and supplies in Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen has issued an executive order to provide emergency relief. The order waives hours of service restrictions and adjusts maximum load width/weight limits for commercial motor carriers delivering assistance to affected areas and industries.

Why it matters

The wildfires have burned over 600,000 acres across central and western Nebraska, severely disrupting the state's agricultural industry. The governor's order is aimed at quickly getting critical supplies to farmers and ranchers to support their livestock operations during this crisis.

The details

Governor Pillen's executive order (26-07) is effective immediately and will remain in place for the next 14 days. It is intended to speed the delivery of livestock feed, water, and other essential supplies to producers impacted by the wildfires. The order relaxes regulations on commercial trucks to allow them to transport larger and heavier loads to the affected regions.

  • The executive order was signed on March 17, 2026.
  • The order will remain in effect for 14 days.

The players

Governor Jim Pillen

The current governor of Nebraska who signed the executive order to provide emergency assistance to the state's agricultural industry during the wildfire crisis.

Craig Uden

The president of the Nebraska Cattlemen organization, which thanked the governor for the executive order to support the state's livestock producers.

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What they’re saying

“Nebraska's producers are facing a real need right now, and we have the responsibility to stand with our farmers and ranchers. The faster we get feed and supplies where they're needed, the more we can do to support our livestock industry.”

— Governor Jim Pillen

“We thank Governor Jim Pillen for quickly signing this important executive order as producers are fighting against the devastating effects of wildfires.”

— Craig Uden, President, Nebraska Cattlemen

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This executive order demonstrates the state government's commitment to supporting Nebraska's agricultural community during an emergency situation. By cutting red tape and expediting the delivery of critical supplies, the governor is taking proactive steps to help farmers and ranchers protect their livestock and operations.