Last year’s wildfire season was one of the worst in history for Oregon cattle producers.
Nearly 2 million acres burned, and the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association says they are still recovering.
According to Matt McElligott, “People are trying to rebuild fences. There are hundreds and hundreds of miles of fences to rebuild. In some areas, the fire was so hot that the wire literally melted. So, there are contractors on the ground building fences, and they have been for months, and they will for months in the future.”
McElligott says that many producers still feel lost, with some having to sell all of their animals after being burned out of their ranchland.
“People are picking up the pieces and moving forward. They either totally got out of the business, took their cattle and really reduced their numbers so that they could still stay in the business, but in a reduced fashion so that they could protect the range ground and then grow back into it again as the conditions reflect, whether we get good rains or a good snowpack and rebuild that way,” he adds.
New Nebraska wildfires near containment, but damages still mount for ranchers across the region.
April 02, 2026 11:32 AM
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Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
March 31, 2026 02:26 PM
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Firefighters are making good progress on two major wildfires burning across parts of Nebraska.
March 30, 2026 01:16 PM
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Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Michael Kelsey joined us to discuss wildfire impacts across the Southern Plains, the importance of community support, and the path forward for affected producers.
March 27, 2026 11:40 AM
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After devastating wildfires swept through Nebraska, Sen. Deb Fischer is championing a bill to expedite the relief process for farmers and ranchers. She joins us with updates on recovery efforts, conditions on the ground, and how the ag community has stepped up to help.
March 25, 2026 10:58 AM
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Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins surveys Nebraska wildfire damage as cattle losses, tight supplies, rising imports, and beef industry investigations impact U.S. markets. Roger McEowen outlines legal and tax considerations for ranchers recovering from wildfire damage.
March 23, 2026 11:18 AM
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