By Libby Schaneman
As many are recovering from the worst wildfire disaster in Nebraska’s history, it is awe inspiring to witness the ways people from the across the state, country, and the globe are banding together and showing their support for producers in the Beef State. The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund (NCDRF) has received more than $2.2 million from more than 2,570 donors across Nebraska, 48 states, and five countries. To every individual, family, business, and organization that gave — thank you. Your support is helping Nebraska’s beef cattle producers recover, rebuild, and move forward after the devastating wildfires.
What to Know About Applying for Relief
The NCDRF will close for donations and relief applications on Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2026. 100% of the donations will be distributed to impacted producers and membership in NC is not required for applicants to receive relief. Once the fund is closed, applications will be reviewed by a committee convened by the NCDRF and eligibility of expenses will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Funds are not distributed until the applications period closes and all applications are reviewed.
Funds will only be distributed to producers who experienced property loss or damage in areas where a fire was reported through the Nebraska Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Watch Center. As of July 28, 2026, the following counties have been reported through the NEMA Watch Center:
- Arthur County (Morrill, Vasa fires)
- Blain County (Road 203 Fire)
- Buffalo County (Elm Creek & Odessa fires)
- Cherry County (Ashby, Anderson Bridge fires)
- Custer County (Pressey Fire)
- Dawes County (Ash Pole, Clay Creek fires)
- Dawson County (Cottonwood Fire)
- Fillmore County
- Frontier County (Cottonwood Fire)
- Gage County
- Garden County (Morrill, Minor fires)
- Grant County (Ashby, Minor fires)
- Holt County (Peterson Fire)
- Jefferson Co
- Keith County (Morrill Fire)
- Lincoln County
Source : unl.edu