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.
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
·
USDA’s 2026 Food Price Outlook projects food prices rising 3.1%, with higher beef costs and falling egg prices shaping consumer trends.
February 25, 2026 11:46 AM
·
High beef prices are squeezing South Texas restaurants, but Texas Farm Bureau says consumer demand remains strong despite record costs.
February 25, 2026 11:12 AM
·
Land equity protects solvency but does not replace profitability.
February 25, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Rail consolidation could affect grain basis, freight rates, and service reliability across major producing regions.
February 25, 2026 06:00 AM
·
For communities that depend on agriculture as their primary economic engine, the recession is not defined by headlines on Wall Street. It is defined by the quiet disappearance of the businesses that once processed, serviced, and supported the crop.
February 25, 2026 05:00 AM
·