By Scout Nelson
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture, along with support from Nebraska Extension and the Center for Agricultural Profitability, is helping livestock producers recover from wildfire and drought through the Nebraska Hay and Forage Hotline. This free service provides an important resource for producers who need feed supplies and those who have hay available for sale.
As Nebraska communities continue recovering from recent wildfires, many livestock producers face challenges securing enough hay and forage for their animals. Dry conditions and drought in several areas have reduced forage availability, making it harder for producers to meet livestock feeding needs. The Nebraska Hay and Forage Hotline is designed to help address these challenges by connecting buyers and sellers across the state.
The hotline operates as a free marketplace where producers can share hay and forage availability. Farmers and ranchers with hay to sell can create listings, while producers searching for feed can review available supplies and contact sellers directly. This simple system helps improve access to forage resources when supplies may be limited.
The service is especially valuable following wildfire events. Fires can damage pastures, reduce grazing opportunities, and create feed shortages for livestock operations. In some situations, ranchers may need to relocate animals or find alternative feed sources quickly. The hotline helps connect producers with available hay and forage, making it easier to respond to these challenges.
Listings on the hotline may include different types of hay and forage from various regions of Nebraska. This gives producers more options when searching for feed that fits their specific livestock needs. Because supplies and availability can change frequently, producers are encouraged to check listings regularly.
The hotline benefits both buyers and sellers. Producers with excess hay can reach potential customers across the state, while livestock owners experiencing shortages can locate available feed sources more efficiently. This creates a valuable network that supports Nebraska agriculture during difficult conditions.
Agricultural organizations encourage producers with hay available for sale to submit listings so more feed resources can be accessed by producers in need. Expanded participation helps strengthen the effectiveness of the hotline and improves the chances of connecting available supplies with those who need them.
Producers looking for hay should also monitor the listings often. As hay is sold and new supplies become available, listings are updated regularly. Frequent checking can help producers find suitable forage supplies before availability changes.
The Nebraska Hay and Forage Hotline represents one of several recovery resources available to agricultural communities affected by wildfire and drought. Through cooperation among agricultural agencies and organizations, producers can access information and tools that support recovery efforts and long-term farm resilience.
This resource is part of the Nebraska Recovery Roundup, a program provided by Nebraska Extension and the Center for Agricultural Profitability. The series delivers timely information, practical guidance, and helpful resources for producers and communities recovering from natural disasters.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Hay & Forage, Livestock, Weather