Resources for Impacted Producers

There are numerous resources to assist producers who have been impacted by wildfires, including resources to address immediate needs for hay, feed, fencing materials, etc., as well as resources through state and federal assistance programs.

Producers impacted by wildfires needing hay, feedstuffs, fencing materials, volunteer help, equipment, etc. are encouraged to:

1. Call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) at 1-800-831-0550 for resource information, OR
2. Visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) Fire Response Resources webpage at www.nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources. From there producers can:

• Click on the “Disaster Relief Information Sheet” link which will take visitors to a document that is updated daily identifying NDA verified donation locations with contact information. From there producers can reach out to individual locations to secure donated resources.
• Click on the “Available and Requested Donations and Services” link which will take visitors to an “exchange” spreadsheet listing needs and donations that allow individual arrangements to be made between those in need and those wanting to donate. To have donation requests listed on the exchange, producers can call NDA at 1-800-831-0550 or fill out the form at https://bit.ly/ndadonationrequests. Be prepared to share your name, contact information, address, and the assistance being sought.

Whether for insurance purposes or eligibility for disaster assistance programs, documentation of losses is critical. Gather as much information as you can to document and demonstrate losses, such as photos, videos, and lists. Access NEFB’s Wildfire Checklist here.

Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency is reminding livestock producers of the disaster assistance programs of which they may be eligible due to excessive livestock death losses and grazing or feed losses due to recent wildfires. Programs include:

• Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
• Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
• Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

An overview of programs, eligibility, deadlines and coverage is available by visiting www.usda.gov/guidance-documents/disaster-protection-and-recovery/fpac-bc/emergency-assistance-wildfire.

The Nebraska Department of Revenue is reminding property owners affected by wildfires of the opportunity to report damaged real property. Property owners who have real property that has suffered significant damage on or after January 1 and before July 1 of the current assessment year may file a “Report of Damaged Real Property” to have their property reassessed by the county board of equalization as of the date of the damage. To learn more visit www.revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/damaged-real-property.

Producers who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for assistance from these options:

• Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT, M-F)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Call, Text, or Chat by dialing 988 for 24/7 Support
• Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or Text 1-800-985-5990

The NDA has developed a one-stop shop website loaded with disaster assistance information compiled with resources from the local, state, and federal level. Those looking for more resources and information should visit www.nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources.

Resources for Those Seeking to Help

Those looking to provide non-monetary donations (i.e. hay, feed, fencing supplies, etc) or volunteer to help are encouraged to contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) at 1-800-831-0550 or visit the Nebraska Department of Agriculture’s (NDA) Fire Response Resources webpage at www.nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources. From there visitors can:

• Click on the “Disaster Relief Information Sheet” link which will take them to a document that is updated daily identifying NDA verified donation locations with contact information. From there individuals can select a location to donate and contact the individual listed to arrange donation drop-off.
• Click on the “Available and Requested Donations and Services” link which will take visitors to an “exchange” spreadsheet listing needs and donations that allow individual arrangements to be made between those in need and those wanting to donate. To have donations listed on the exchange, producers can call NDA at 1-800-831-0550 or fill out the form https://bit.ly/ndadonationsupplies. Be prepared to share your name, contact information, address, and the assistance being sought.