Nebraska Game And Parks Offering Grazing Land, Hay For Producers Affected By Wildfires

Apr 14, 2026

By Hannah Nazarenus

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering nearly 1,000 acres of state wildlife management areas for grazing and haying to farmers affected by recent wildfires.

A long road to recovery is ahead for ag producers and property owners whose land was ravaged in March by the Morrill and Cottonwood wildfires. Emergency managements officials estimated that the fires, which spanned more than 700,000 acres, took out dozens of structures and several homes. Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture director said it’s still early to estimate the loss of livestock, but she said tens of thousands of cattle could be affected by the sudden loss of forage.

The agency is making between 800 and 1,000 acres available, primarily focusing on regions hit hardest by the wildfires. Pat Molini, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Division Assistant Administrator, said it’s a fraction of the land burned, but hopes it can help in some way.

“It’s literally just a drop in the bucket,” Molini said. “But it's at least something. We’re trying to make an effort to help where we can.”

Farmers interested in grazing leases or hay tracts should contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Those who apply will discuss available acreage, forage quality and fencing needs before a lease agreement is signed.

Molini said the agency hopes to move cattle onto grazing tracts as soon as the advertisement period ends April 12. Haying will not be permitted until after July 10 to avoid disturbing nesting bird populations during nesting season.

This isn’t the first time Nebraska Game and Parks has volunteered its management areas. During the severe statewide drought of 2012, the agency opened areas across Nebraska for haying and grazing. This time, they are prioritizing farmers and producers directly impacted by wildfire damage.

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