Wildfires Leave Lasting Impact on Nebraska Ranches: ‘You Have to Have an Unwavering Amount of Optimism’

A Nebraska rancher says his land may not support cattle this year after 2,000 acres were burned in recent devastating wildfires across the state.

FRONTIER COUNTY, NEBRASKA (RFD News) — Wildfires in Nebraska have left behind significant damage, with ranchers now facing the aftermath.

Collin Thompson, a rancher and Frontier County Farm Bureau member, says about 2,000 acres of his land were scorched as the flames spread.

“I’ve never been to war, but if I could describe a war zone, it would look like what it looks like up here,” Thompson said. “There are areas where you see nothing but tree skeletons, and charred grass and charred hillsides.”

Thompson says the experience was surreal and that the damage could impact his operation moving forward. He does not expect the land to support grazing this year due to a lack of moisture.

Despite the loss, he says support from others in the community has made a difference.

“I guess that’s part of being in ag,” Thompson said. “You have to have an unwavering amount of optimism that the future is going to be better than what it is today.”

Those looking to help can donate to the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s disaster relief fund through its website.

Related Stories
Imported lean beef helps meet ground-beef demand as domestic cow slaughter declines
Dr. Tom Burkey discusses UNL’s top-ranked agriculture programs, hands-on learning opportunities and the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The University of Georgia is developing new ag technology with robotics and AI to identify pigweed and remotely track insect populations in crop production.
RanchHER Martha Santos shares her experience and perspective with FarmHER+ RanchHER’s Kirbe Schnoor on the new episode of the Dirt Diaries podcast, available Tuesday on all podcast platforms.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Specialty Risk’s Jake Charleston discusses PRF coverage as producers navigate drought conditions.
More than 73% of non-users surveyed say they would consider trying the practice.
Prices have steadily increased this year as growers prepare for a slightly smaller crop.
UTIA scientists use DNA analysis to identify links between cases of the foodborne illness.
Industry leaders say protecting USMCA and access to the Canadian market remains a priority.
Imported lean beef may already be trading at roughly the discount President Donald Trump has cited, suggesting the 25 percent figure reflects existing market prices rather than a guaranteed reduction in retail beef costs.