By Scout Nelson
Cattle producers in Central Nebraska, hit hard by recent wildfires, are invited to an informational meeting designed to facilitate their recovery. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m., hosted at the West Central Research, Extension, and Education Center in North Platte.
This initiative, backed by the Nebraska Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster, includes a complimentary meal for those who confirm their attendance with the Lincoln Logan-McPherson County Extension office.
The meeting promises a comprehensive support system for livestock producers, offering insights from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Nebraska Extension, and Nebraska Cattlemen.
These organizations are prepared to discuss available assistance programs, as well as strategies for cattle and range management post-fire, aiming to address the challenges producers face in the wake of the wildfires that have ravaged over 70,000 acres in central Nebraska.
Bruce Solko, the executive director of the Lincoln County FSA, highlights the necessity of patience and meticulous documentation for producers seeking compensation for livestock losses. Essential for compensation claims, producers are advised to keep photos or veterinary records of any losses.
The FSA's compensation program covers the decreased value of animals affected by the fires when sold or if they perish within 30 days following the fire. Additionally, there is support for replacing fencing and funding for alternative grazing management on burned areas, subject to approval and implementation time.
Following Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen's disaster declaration for central Nebraska on Monday, Feb. 26, state and federal resources have been unlocked to aid affected producers. This declaration is a beacon of hope, signaling the availability of various programs designed to assist in recovery efforts. Producers are encouraged to liaise with local office staff prior to initiating recovery measures.
This community-led initiative underscores the solidarity and resilience within the agricultural sector in the face of natural disasters.
The upcoming meeting provides an invaluable platform for affected cattle producers to gather essential information and support for navigating the aftermath of the wildfires, bolstered by the collective effort of local and state organizations.
Photo Credit -ministry-of-natural-resources
Categories: Nebraska, Education