A fast-moving relief effort for Nebraska ranchers impacted by wildfires has now surpassed the $1 million mark, highlighting widespread support from across the country.
The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund has raised $1,090,511 as of Tuesday morning, with nearly 2,000 donors contributing from all 50 states and two countries. The fund was launched as fires scorched more than 800,000 acres across central and western Nebraska, damaging farms and ranches.
A two-hour telethon hosted by KETV helped jumpstart donations, bringing in more than $190,000.
Association president Craig Uden said every dollar raised will go directly back to producers.
“One hundred percent of the proceeds that we collect, we keep absolutely nothing. We give it back to the people.”
Producers do not need to be members of the organization to apply for assistance. A committee will review applications and distribute funds based on need as recovery efforts continue.
In addition to financial support, Nebraska Cattlemen has also been coordinating donations of hay, fencing supplies and transportation, connecting those resources with producers in need across the fire-stricken region.
Uden emphasized the urgency of both immediate aid and long-term rebuilding.
“We’ve got a lot of rebuilds… immediate needs are being covered. I think long term there’ll be a lot of things that we have to help out on.”
He said the organization has also served as a central hub for resources, linking producers with state and federal agencies, as well as mental health support.
Despite recent scattered moisture, much of the affected region remains dangerously dry, raising concerns about ongoing fire risk and recovery challenges.
