With partnership from the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has triggered the Nebraska Wildfire Hay Recovery Program.
Aimed at supporting ranchers impacted by wildfires, the program gives quick relief by allowing Nebraskans to donate hay harvested from eligible state highway rights-of-way.
July 29 through September 15 NDOT issues permits for said harvesting each year. The program has existed in the past, but now can serve as a donation program to help producers while they recover from fires and the loss of pasture, winter feed supplies, fencing, and other important pieces to their operation.
Landowners next to eligible highways get first priority for harvesting permits through July 29. After that, other applicants can apply and are limited to five miles of harvesting distance annually. Those with permits have to obtain an NDOT haying permit, sign a liability release accepting risks on hay quality and harvesting activities, give proof of liability insurance of at least $1 million, and follow all NDOT rules and safety regulations.
A listing of transportation options and locations accepting donated hay can be found at https://nda.nebraska.gov/disasterresources. Those with questions about assistance with transportation can call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 800-831-0550 or email [email protected].
For all information regarding hay permits, contact the Nebraska Department of Transportation. Additional information is also available at https://dot.nebraska.gov/business-center/permits/hay-harvest.
