How to Help Nebraskans

We've all been following the heartbreaking news out of Nebraska as farmers, ranchers and entire communities have been hit hard. If you feel led to help somehow, here are a few options to consider:

Nebraska Department of Agriculture

If you are someone who needs immediate assistance OR can volunteer to help, please call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550.

A list of disaster relief resources for Nebraska farmers and ranchers is also available online at: https://buff.ly/2FbqDfU. This website includes links to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs including the Livestock Indemnity Program and information from the Nebraska Extension.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has opened a free "Hay and Forage Hotline," to connect buyers with sellers of hay, pasture and other types of forage. The hotline number is 402-471-4876. Sellers of available hay and forage can contact this number and have their name, contact information, and inventory placed on the "Sellers List," which is updated regularly.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Disaster Relief Fund

Nebraska Farm Bureau established a Disaster Relief Fund at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation to provide emergency aid to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and rural communities affected by recent storms and flooding. The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Any donations made to the fund are tax-deductible.

100% of the donations will be distributed to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and rural communities affected by the disasters.

If you would like to write a check, make it out to Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation and mail it to:

Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Attn: Disaster Relief Fund P.O. Box 80299 Lincoln, NE 68501-0299

Disaster Exchange

When natural disasters hit, there are always people in need. We also know there are always people looking to help. That’s why Nebraska Farm Bureau developed the Agriculture Disaster Exchange (ADE). Like a “want ad” page, the ADE provides a place for Farm Bureau members to seek and offer help, as well as share information during tough times.

Have extra hay to sell or donate to help a producer recover from the blizzard? Post it. Looking for extra help or equipment to help in disaster recovery? Post it. Want Nebraska Farm Bureau to know how recovery is going or problems you’re experiencing? Post it.

These are a just a few examples of how Farm Bureau members can use the ADE as a clearinghouse to share information. It’s the responsibility of portal users to contact each other to negotiate interactions or transactions.

Nebraska Cattlemen is working to assist cattle producers impacted by natural disasters by launching a new disaster relief fund. The Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund is organized in the State of Nebraska as a not-for-profit corporation and will be seeking to qualify as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization under which all donations made to the Fund would be tax deductible for the donor in accordance with applicable federal tax laws.

100% of all donations received will be distributed to Nebraska cattle producers affected by natural disasters, including recent wet weather events.

If you would like to write a check, make it out to Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund and mail it to:

Nebraska Cattlemen Disaster Relief Fund 4611 Cattle Drive Lincoln, NE 68521

Please click here to download a donation form.

Additionally, Nebraska Cattlemen has prepared and is keeping updated a list of federal disaster assistance resources as well as other pertinent state regulations to consider during times of emergency.

Community foundations

The Kearney Area Community Foundation is working with other community foundations on a disaster relief fund. Contributors can go to kearneyfoundation.org/donate to help people who suffered flood losses in the Kearney area. To give to those elsewhere in west-central Nebraska, go to gicf.org for the Grand Island area, merrick-foundation.org for Merrick County (Central City and the surrounding area) and custercountyfoundation.org (Broken Bow and the surrounding area).

The Nebraska Counseling, Outreach and Mental Health Therapy (COMHT) Program,800-464-0258, offers no-cost vouchers for confidential mental health services for persons affected by the rural crisis.

Nebraska Farm Hotline/Rural Response Hotline - 1-800-464-0258

Anyone who has more resources to share with the people of Nebraska, please let us know and we'll help you get the word out!