By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has extended the application deadline for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) in several Nebraska counties affected by March wildfires. Eligible farmers and ranchers now have until Wednesday, December 23, 2026, to apply for assistance.
The extension gives producers additional time to seek financial support for restoring farmland and ranchland damaged by wildfires. The program provides cost-share funding and technical assistance to help agricultural producers return their land to its pre-disaster condition following a qualifying natural disaster.
The extended application period covers several counties affected by five wildfire incidents in Nebraska.
The eligible counties include:
- Morrill Fire: Arthur, Garden, Grant, Keith, and Morrill counties.
- Cottonwood Fire: Dawson and Lincoln counties.
- Road 203 Fire: Blaine and Thomas counties.
- Anderson Bridge Fire: Cherry County.
- Ashby and Minor Fires: Grant and Garden counties.
Producers who experienced eligible wildfire damage in these areas can contact their local FSA county office to learn about the application process.
The Emergency Conservation Program helps agricultural producers recover from natural disasters by supporting approved land restoration activities.
Approved applicants can receive financial assistance covering up to 75% of the allowable cost of an approved restoration project. The maximum cost-share assistance is $500,000 per natural disaster event.
This support can help farmers and ranchers manage restoration expenses and return damaged agricultural land to productive use.
Hilary Maricle, FSA State Executive Director for Nebraska, said the agency believes it has already reached most producers who experienced eligible losses. However, the additional time gives those who have not yet applied another opportunity to access the program.
“We believe we have heard from the majority of producers who suffered eligible losses or damages and want to access this program,” said Hilary Maricle, FSA State Executive Director for Nebraska. “It’s been an intense year for these wildfire-impacted producers, and we want to give them additional time to apply for ECP if they haven’t already done so.”
Producers interested in receiving assistance should contact their local FSA county office for program details and application requirements.
The agency encourages applicants to call their county office and schedule an appointment before submitting an application. Producers can also use the USDA FSA Office Locator Tool to find contact information for their local office or book an appointment online.
The extended deadline provides Nebraska producers with more time to complete their applications and access available recovery support.
Farmers and ranchers who experienced eligible wildfire damage are encouraged to review the program requirements and apply before December 23, 2026.
For more information, visit the USDA Farm Service Agency Office Locator.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy