Neighbors help southwest Nebraska farmers replace hay, fencing lost to wildfire

WILSONVILLE, Neb. (KLKN) – Neighbors helping neighbors. It’s what Nebraska is all about.

And that show of kindness is on full display in Wilsonville in Furnas County.

When fires ripped through places east of Wilsonville almost three weeks ago, the community rallied together to help those in need.

Now folks in Wilsonville are in need themselves.

The fires have destroyed thousands of acres of fencing and pasture for cattle. Some ranchers and farmers lost everything, including their house.

Others who lost fencing have had cattle wander off.

Those who didn’t lose things are now pitching in to help those less fortunate.

Semitrailer trucks of hay were seen coming in and out of Furnas County all day Monday.

Farmer Steve Rice was tasked as the logistical coordinator of fire relief in Furnas County. He’s also a retired fire chief for the Wilsonville Department.

He said he has friends who lost their ranch and all of the feed for their livestock.

“So you just need to step up and help your neighbors, and that’s what a bunch of people are doing here,” he said.

Rice said he’s never seen fires and conditions like he has these past few weeks.

“We have wildfires hitting all different parts of the country, and in our, in our county now, we’ve had two and in less than three weeks that were devastating,” he said. “Hundreds, not hundreds, but tens of thousands of acres have burned. It’s overwhelming.”

He’s also asking anyone, regardless of where they live, to pitch in in any way they can.

“If you have the ability to, to give something, try to help out,” he said. “There’s a lot of people out here that are going to be hurting for quite a while.”

If you want to send monetary donations, contact the Furnas County Livestock Association at 402-499-3910.

If you want to buy hay or donate hay or fencing supplies for farmers in need, contact Steve Rice at 308-695-4231.