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Fischer: Nebraska ranchers recovering after devastating wildfires
By Filed Under: Ag Weather, Ag Weather, Drought, Nebraska, News, weather
Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer says cattle producers in her state continue to navigate the aftermath of this spring’s wildfires.
“There’s about 35,000 head of cattle that have to be rehomed. There’s no pastureland. When I was there and flew over, you can imagine that thousands and thousands and thousands of acres were burned.”
Since mid-March, nearly 900,000 acres have been lost due to several outbreaks. The largest in the state’s history burned almost 600,000 acres.
Speaking with reporters at NAFB’s 2026 Washington Watch, she told Brownfield grassland recovery is very slow or non-existent in some places. “They’re sand dunes right now. Thank heavens our diversity of grasses in the Sandhills provide a strong root system, so that’s holding it. It’s blowing. It’s blowing and there’s no moisture. As soon as there’s moisture, it’s going to be fine.”
Fischer says ranchers are also concerned about accessing financial assistance with local banks. “To find homes for those cattle. To be able to purchase fencing supplies and start the recovery process.”
She says Ag Secretary Rollins has reopened a local FSA office in Oshkosh to allow producers to access resources more quickly. And, Fischer says, she’s optimistic her bill that expedites USDA disaster relief will move through the House soon. The legislation passed the Senate last month.
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