Nebraska Trucking Association Seeks Drivers to Haul Emergency Feed for Wildfire Livestock

Key Details Nebraska's largest wildfire has scorched over 800,000 acres and displaced more than 35,000 cattle. The Nebraska Trucking Association is coordinating relief efforts with state agencies to transport hay and supplies to affected ranching areas. Emergency permits now allow 59-foot-6-inch trailer lengths and 15-foot-6-inch loaded heights. Why It Matters Displaced herds are penned without fresh grazing land, creating urgent demand for hay shipments. Thousands of cattle need immediate feed while ranchers assess losses. The NTA has activated its Trucking Cares Fund to provide stipends offsetting high diesel costs for participating drivers. What Truckers Need to Know The industry is seeking flatbed operators and regional carriers to haul hay from designated pickup points. While drivers nationwide have expressed interest in helping, fuel costs remain a significant barrier for out-of-state participation. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture maintains an online resource spreadsheet tracking available equipment and supply needs. NTA CEO Kent Grisham described the catastrophic scene of mixed herds frantically moved from fire zones. He emphasized the critical need for immediate hay transport, noting the region has lost thousands of acres of grazing land that will take time to recover.