LINCOLN, NEB. (RFD NEWS) — As another rash of wildfires burned across Nebraska, officials on the ground say conditions are improving. Looking at the two most recent fires, officials say the Minor Fire is now 100 percent contained after burning more than 14,000 acres in recent days. The Ashby Fire, which has burned more than 36,000 acres, is now 97 percent contained.
However, these wildfires and others in recent months across Farm Country this spring have left a path of destruction, causing damage still being tallied, including the Morrill Fire, the largest in Nebraska’s history. Nebraska bison producer Dave Schroth says it appeared the animals knew what was happening as the flames began to roll in.
“The herd was in a group, you know, they’re not spread out; they were pretty tight up on a hill,’ Schroth recalled. “It’s almost like they were trying to see where it was. You know, as mainly wild animals still, [bison] understand fires. They’ve grown up with fire for generations. And so, they kind of get it. But we were very fortunate that we didn’t have to do anything.”
The Morrill Fire was brought under control after days of multi-state efforts to extinguish it.
Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
February 27, 2026 02:18 PM
·
National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne William talks about Wear Blue Day, the history of the blue jacket, and why the tradition continues to inspire pride and connection among FFA members nationwide.
February 27, 2026 12:21 PM
·
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discussed the legal process behind delisting the prairie chicken, the challenges ranchers faced under the bird’s previous protections, and the benefits of cooperative habitat management for both livestock and wildlife.
February 27, 2026 10:55 AM
·
The Ranger Road Fire is fully contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres. Ranchers face significant cattle and fence losses, with recovery efforts underway.
February 26, 2026 01:04 PM
·
Three junior heifer exhibitors continue their trek through the Texas Swing at the San Antonio Stock Show, balancing competition, friendship, and life on the road.
February 25, 2026 04:41 PM
·
Michael Kelsey of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association joined us with the latest on the Oklahoma wildfires, recovery efforts for ranchers, and the role agriculture leaders are playing in supporting rural communities.
February 25, 2026 12:13 PM
·
