By Scout Nelson
United States Department of Agriculture continues providing recovery support for Nebraska farmers and ranchers affected by recent wildfires across the state. Several federal programs are available to help agricultural producers recover from livestock losses, damaged land, destroyed fencing, and other wildfire impacts.
USDA officials encourage producers to contact their local USDA Service Centers to learn about financial and technical assistance programs. The agency says application deadlines may vary depending on wildfire locations, county rules, and specific program requirements.
“USDA has been implementing a number of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from wildfires,” said Hilary Maricle. “I encourage impacted producers to contact their local USDA Service Center for information about options available to assist in their recovery needs. It’s important for producers to note deadlines to apply for assistance programs.”
The Farm Service Agency offers several important recovery programs. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program helps cover feed losses, transportation costs, and grazing losses. The deadline to apply for ELAP assistance is March 1, 2027, for 2026 losses. The Livestock Indemnity Program supports producers facing livestock death losses caused by wildfire conditions. Deadline to apply for LIP assistance is March 1, 2027, for 2026 losses.
The Emergency Conservation Program also provides cost-share assistance for fence repair, debris cleanup, water system restoration, and shelterbelt rehabilitation. Several Nebraska counties currently qualify for wildfire-related ECP assistance during a limited application period. The application window began on Monday, April 27, and ends Friday, June 26, 2026.
In addition, the Conservation Reserve Program allows emergency haying and grazing access on enrolled lands to support livestock producers needing additional forage after wildfire damage. USDA also continues offering emergency and operating loans to eligible producers recovering from physical and production losses.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is also providing technical and financial support through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Eligible practices include grazing management, cover crops, fencing, livestock water systems, mulching, and emergency animal mortality management. The deadline to apply for assistance is May 31, 2026.
“NRCS is actively providing both technical and financial assistance to help landowners recover from wildfire damage and restore the health and productivity of their working lands,” said Nebraska USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Rob Lawson.
USDA officials encourage producers to apply quickly and work closely with local service centers during the recovery process.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Government & Policy, Livestock