Farmers Gain More Time to Apply for USDA Wildfire Aid

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency is giving Nebraska farmers and ranchers more time to apply for Emergency Conservation Program assistance following destructive March wildfires.

The application deadline is now October 26, 2026. The program originally opened in late April and is designed to help producers repair agricultural land damaged by qualifying natural disasters.

“Our FSA County office staff continue to work with producers impacted by March wildfires. Due to the scope of this historic disaster event, we requested this two-month deadline extension to ensure producers who suffered eligible losses or damages can apply for and receive this critical assistance,” said Hilary Maricle, FSA State Executive Director for Nebraska.

The Emergency Conservation Program provides financial and technical support to help restore farmland and ranchland to conditions that existed before a disaster. This assistance can help producers manage the costs of repairing land and restoring areas affected by wildfire damage.

Several Nebraska counties affected by March wildfires are included in the program. The eligible areas cover counties connected to the Morrill, Cottonwood, Road 203, Anderson Bridge, Ashby, and Minor fires.

The Morrill Fire affected Arthur, Garden, Grant, Keith, and Morrill counties. Dawson and Lincoln counties were affected by the Cottonwood Fire. Blaine and Thomas counties are included for the Road 203 Fire, while Cherry County is included for the Anderson Bridge Fire. Grant and Garden counties are also listed for the Ashby and Minor fires.

Eligible producers can receive up to 75% of the approved cost of an eligible restoration activity. The maximum cost-share amount is $500,000 for each natural disaster event.

The extended deadline gives affected producers additional time to review their losses, complete applications, and work with local FSA offices. Farmers and ranchers who experienced eligible wildfire damage should contact their local FSA office to learn about requirements and available assistance.

The program is intended to help Nebraska agricultural operations recover from wildfire damage and restore productive land for future farming and ranching activities.

Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency