Nebraska Farm Bureau Opens Disaster Relief Fund for Wildfire Victims

The fund aims to assist farmers and ranchers impacted by devastating spring wildfires across western and central Nebraska.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:13am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a small farmhouse or barn structure dwarfed by a sweeping, windswept prairie under a dramatic, ominous sky, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural world.The devastating wildfires that ravaged Nebraska's farmlands have left an indelible mark on the state's agricultural landscape, underscoring the resilience and determination of its farming communities.Lincoln Today

The Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB) Disaster Relief Fund is now accepting applications to help farm and ranch families affected by the recent major wildfires that burned nearly a million acres across western and central Nebraska. The scale of destruction has created immediate and long-term challenges for agricultural producers, particularly with the loss of critical grazing land. The fund has already raised over $250,000 and is providing up to $5,000 per household or operation to eligible applicants based on the extent of their losses and operational impact.

Why it matters

The wildfires have had a devastating impact on Nebraska's agricultural community, destroying pastureland, fencing, and infrastructure that many farmers and ranchers rely on. With insurance and federal programs potentially not fully covering the losses, the Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide meaningful support to help these families begin the long process of rebuilding.

The details

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund is administered through the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Eligible applicants may receive up to $5,000 per household or operation, with funding decisions based on the extent of losses, operational impact, and available resources. Distributions will continue until all donated funds are allocated.

  • The wildfires ignited across western and central Nebraska in the spring of 2026.
  • The Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund is now accepting applications for assistance.

The players

Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB)

A statewide agricultural organization that represents the interests of Nebraska's farm and ranch families.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation

A 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit that administers the Disaster Relief Fund.

Mark McHargue

The president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

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What they’re saying

“The impact of these fires is significant and far-reaching. Producers are facing the loss of critical grazing acres at a time when they rely on that land most. That puts pressure on feed supplies, livestock management, and the overall sustainability of their operations.”

— Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau

“Recovery from an event of this magnitude will not happen overnight. Rebuilding fences alone can take years, and many producers are navigating gaps where insurance or federal programs may not fully cover their losses. This fund is designed to help bridge those gaps and provide meaningful support as families begin to rebuild.”

— Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau

What’s next

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund will continue accepting applications and distributing funds until all donated resources have been allocated to assist affected farmers and ranchers.

The takeaway

The Nebraska Farm Bureau's Disaster Relief Fund is a critical lifeline for the state's agricultural community as they work to recover from the devastating wildfires. By providing direct financial assistance, the fund helps bridge the gaps where insurance and federal programs fall short, allowing these families to begin the long process of rebuilding their operations and livelihoods.