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.
Dairy farmer and Discover Ag co-host Tara Vander Dussen joined us to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, her experience at the signing, and what’s next for her family and farm.
January 21, 2026 12:42 PM
·
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
January 21, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:25 PM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
