LINCOLN, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — Wildfires continue to burn across parts of Nebraska causing unimaginable losses to the state’s grasslands and cattle industry. As of Wednesday morning, officials say that the Morrill Fire alone has burned approximately 650,000 acres, is just 18 percent contained, and has claimed the life of one person. The Cottonwood Fire, burning in Dawson and Lincoln counties, is the second-largest fire, burning 120,000 acres. Two additional fires, the Road Fire and the Anderson Ridge Fire, are also being monitored.
The Morrill Fire began nearly a week ago and is the largest fire in state history. Investigators believe it was sparked by a downed power line, and firefighters have been dealing with windy conditions since its start.Right now, it is too early to determine the extent of the damage, but Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Laura Field warns that the damage will be significant.
“I think, with the reality that they’re still burning, and this has now been officially declared the largest wildfire in the state’s history, there’s still so much information to gather, but we know the situation is tough out there as people are still kind of surveying what’s going on and trying to stay safe in the middle of an active fire. Yeah, it’s one of those things where, as hard as it is to think about the disaster looming, it is really a time when we see the absolute best in the agriculture community. It’s calving season out in that part of the state.”
Notably, the fires will have a dramatic impact on the state’s largest industry, cattle, and grazing lands for the cows. Field says these fires are burning up a lot of summer pastures, meaning producers are losing grass that cattle would have eaten later this year.
“So many people have started calving later to avoid the harsh winters, and so, a lot of people have their cows in close, which is a blessing sometimes, and a difficulty,” she explained. “If they’re all together, they can move them more quickly. However, if they’re in a place where a fire is headed, to get them moved quickly can be challenging, too.”
According to the Nebraska Cattlemen, cattle outnumber people 4 to 1 in the state. The cows and the 4.7 million head that are fed here annually total nearly 6.64 million. Cattle sales total more than $6.2 billion a year, and the impact on Nebraska’s economy is unmistakable.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln officials say growers and producers in the state may soon qualify for disaster aid through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant and loan programs following the recent announcement of similar resources for producers recovering from wildfires in Texas. Programs may include LIP, ELAP, LFP, and emergency loans.
UNL experts urge farmers and ranchers to keep detailed herd records, receipts, and photos of losses, and contact your local FSA office promptly. For more information, visit: https://go.unl.edu/a2xo
Ways to Help Nebraska’s Farmers and Ranchers in Crisis
The Nebraska Cattlemen have set up a disaster relief fund to help producers recover from the fires. To donate, click here: www.nebraskacattlemen.org/disaster-relief-fund
The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund is accepting monetary donations and relief applications to assist beef cattle producers who are being impacted by fires. 100% of the donations will be distributed to impacted producers and membership in NC in NOT required for applicants… pic.twitter.com/uLgSi4xY4P
— Nebraska Cattlemen® (@NECattlemen) March 17, 2026
