The Elk Fire is burning 75,000 acres in Sheridan, Wyoming; farmers step in to help

Nearly 75,000 acres of land are up in flames across Wyoming. The Elk Fire has been burning since late September, and ag officials there say they need as much help as possible.

The ag community is coming together to help get cattle out of the affected areas, with lines of trucks on the road. Thousands of acres have burned since the fire began last month. Officials say nearly 700 firefighters are on the scene, and right now, they are focused on getting ahead of the fire.

Other states are stepping in to help. North Dakota’s Ag Commissioner has opened a “hay hotline.” Ranchers displaced by fire can call to request hay drops for hungry livestock.

If you were affected or know someone who was, you can call the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association at 701-223-2522 or CLICK HERE.

Related Stories
“The other fruits and veggie guys, they’re just kind of a wait-and-see type of position.”
“We find lots of public support when there is a natural disaster, but maybe a little bit less when people think prices are too low.”
Agriculture Secretary nominee Brooke Rollins has been in the hot seat before the Senate Ag Committee all morning.
“The impacts of wildfire in California are felt statewide.”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.
The New Year is here, but in Oregon, some ranchers and livestock producers are still trying to recover from record wildfires back in 2024.
The U.S. Forest Service takes us on the same journey from a tree farm in Nevada across America to experience the magic of Christmas in the U.S. Capitol.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.