Support our fellow Nebraskans

Though we are knee-deep in snow drifts after last week’s monster blizzard, we have fared much better than our eastern half’s residents, many of whom are facing knee-deep floodwaters.

At this point, over 40 counties have declared emergencies and dozens more have been evacuated. According to Weather Channel’s Ron Brackett, nearly “200 miles of levees have been topped or breached in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas.”

As we sift through countless photos and videos of the damage, our hearts ache. Our rich farmland and cattle-filled pastures have been wrecked by ever-rising waters and foot after foot of snow, and many of us are in disbelief. We face an uncertain future.

However, in the midst of epic disaster, we have seen some of the best in humanity. A man from Houston drove hundreds of miles to bring supplies to Nebraska after being helped out by Nebraskans a few years back. Another man from South Dakota volunteered a helping hand to aid ranchers with calving, lambing and other ranching needs for a few days. Hundreds of emergency services personnel have exhausted themselves and risked everything to rescue stranded residents, prevent accidents and simply help Nebraskans in our hour of need.

However, during these times critics of the ag community come out of the woodwork. Radical activists rage from their keyboards while those affected by flooding watch their lives crumble under rushing water. Sometimes, the victims are robbed of a voice.

Ranchers and farmers aren’t simply losing money; they’re losing their way of life. It will take months to years to recover from flooding, and it will take even longer to rebuild cattle herds and the genetics that were built with hard work and careful planning. According to reports from the Omaha World Herald, many will not be able to recover at all. 

Images of farmers collecting bodies of cattle cover the web. Regardless whether you work with animals it’s heartbreaking to see loss of this magnitude. For ranchers, the loss hurts more with deaths of beloved animals. Despite what many think, farmers and ranchers do love their livestock. 

Criticism follows tragedy, but comments and posts claiming ranchers and farmers deserve this is an outrage. Keyboard warriors who type before they think should realize that this is no time to criticize those mourning for their animals and state. 

Critics, imagine trying to move cows, catching calves before they freeze and keeping your family safe all at the same time. Hard to picture? That’s because ranching is difficult, but with tons of water and snow on top of that, it’s nearly impossible. 

It may not be flooding where you are, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be affected. Nebraska may be a flyover state, but from corn to cattle we are a top food producer. The days ahead of us are dark, but Nebraska will emerge stronger than before. To help the cause, consider donating to relief efforts and remember to support our state’s ranchers and farmers. Our time to rally is now.