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.
Nebraska Cattle Rancher Joe Van Newkirk shares his firsthand insight on devastating wildfires in the Sandhills, discusses challenges facing ranchers, long-term calf health concerns, and the recovery efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:53 PM
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Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association President Craig Uden shares the latest on Nebraska wildfire conditions, discusses challenges facing producers, and outlines relief efforts underway.
March 20, 2026 01:21 PM
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March 20, 2026 10:28 AM
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Governor Jim Pillen joined us to share the latest on the Nebraska wildfires, discuss relief efforts, and outline considerations for producers navigating the ongoing situation.
March 19, 2026 12:51 PM
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Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.
March 18, 2026 12:53 PM
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Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue shares the latest on the wildfires, their impact on agriculture, and the challenges farmers are facing as they navigate both natural disasters and economic uncertainty.
March 17, 2026 11:57 AM
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