Financial relief for drivers hauling hay hundreds of miles to producers in need after wildfires

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – With over 800,000 acres burnt due to Nebraska wildfires, commercial truck drivers from all backgrounds have driven hay and other supplies to farmers and ranchers in need off their own dime.

The President of the Nebraska Trucking Association, Kent Grisham, says truck drivers are always first on the front lines of crisis.

He referenced the times they provided essential items and services during the 2019 floods, COVID, and currently, after the wildfires in central Nebraska.

With nearly 900 members in their group, Grisham says supporting drivers through a relief fund is the least they can do.

“It’s not unusual for the trucking community to respond this way, but when the response is so challenging, like with the incredibly high diesel cost right now, that’s when we have to step up with something new and creative and try to provide some relief to the guys and gals who are providing relief,” said Grisham.

The Nebraska Trucking Wildfire Relief fund is giving drivers a 50-cent-a-mile stipend, up to 500 miles.

“We can’t buy all the fuel that they might need, but we can help shave the top off of it. We can help equalize the price of it,” he said.

In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, the needs of those affected by the wildfires are being identified, and people with donated goods are being connected with willing drivers.

Grisham says hay is the most immediate need, but it’s just the beginning.

“The cattle have to be fed; however, their fencing supplies, all the fences have burned up, and in order to keep those herds under control and keep them in proper locations, we have a huge job replacing fencing all across those 800 and some odd thousand acres that have been burned,” he said.

Andrew Olsen owns a lawn care company and says his employees can handle things at his business, allowing him to make these trips, which he has completed four already.

Olsen says he usually loads up his truck around 5 a.m. for a few hours. After that, he drives approximately 400 miles to deliver hay, sometimes within a convoy of up to 20 other trucks.

Why does he do it?

“They’re also working long days and helping their neighbors recover, and each splits the hay up, and there are so many things that they have going on too,” said Olsen, describing the hardships many of these farmers and ranchers are facing.

“But, it’s just rewarding, so I don’t really feel like it’s so tiresome on our end.”

His message to others who want to help?

“Take a Saturday, take a Sunday, take any time off that you’re able to, even if you can’t donate supplies or hay or anything like that. There are plenty of ranchers looking for help right now. They’ll be glad to take your help,” said Olsen.

Grisham says they are actively growing the relief funds as more needs become known.

If you would like to sign up for aid or donate to this fund, you can click here.