Following the grass fire damage that destroyed miles of fencing, members of the S-E-M FFA Chapter are organizing a fence supply drive and volunteer effort to help area farmers and ranchers rebuild and recover.
The idea for the project came after seeing the impact of recent fires, including the Cottonwood fire near Brady, where fencing losses directly affected producers livelihoods.
“I came up with this from after the Cottonwood fire and Brady,” Owen Schroeder said. “A lot of the farmers and ranchers around that area, their fence posts and fences just got destroyed and that’s like their livelihood.”
An FFA chapter in the area previously organized a similar fence drive, which inspired S-E-M FFA members to take action locally.
“They really need those fences and without them they can’t put food on their table for their families,” he said. “And it’s a great way for the FFA to give back to the community.”
The drive is collecting essential fencing materials identified by impacted ranchers, including barbed wire, smooth wire, staples, T-posts, T-post clamps and wooden posts. In addition to collecting supplies, FFA members plan to volunteer their time to help rebuild damaged fencing. Schroeder noted that due to the significant amount of damage the FFA chapter will likely require multiple days of work.
“We talked to one of the ranchers impacted and that’s what he said he needed most,” Schroeder said. “We didn’t want individuals impacted to do all of the repairs by themselves after going through this stressful time.”
Many FFA members already have fencing experience through farm and ranch work, so the students plan to use that experience to assist with repairs. Details on volunteer work days are still being finalized, but efforts are expected to take place outside of school hours or on weekends.
Donated supplies can be dropped off at the CO-OP in Sumner on the northeast side by the dry building.
605 Main Street in Sumner NE 68878
The chapter is also accepting monetary donations to support the project. Contributions can be made directly through S-E-M Public Schools.
“If anyone would like to give a check or cash, they can bring it to the school and say it’s for the S-E-M FFA Chapter and it will get to where it needs to go,” Schroeder said.
The effort also reflects a broader connection to the Miller Volunteer Fire department. Schroeder, whose father serves as the Miller Volunteer Fire Chief, said he witnessed the response firsthand.
“I was out at that fire helping my dad, bringing stuff to the fire and helping out at the Miller fire hall,” he said. “It was a stressful time…but we were all willing to help each other.”
This project highlights the importance of community support during times of hardship and the role young individuals can play in recovery efforts.
For more information or questions contact Maci Kalsbeck at (308) 440 – 6078
Previous articles related to the fire near Sumner:
