Farm Rescue and FCFI Unite to Deliver Hope Through Operation Haylift 2026

In the wake of devastating wildfires across Kansas, Oklahoma, and now Nebraska, a powerful collaboration between Farm Rescue and the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI) is bringing critical relief—and renewed hope—to ranch families in need.

At the heart of this effort is Operation Haylift 2026, an initiative focused on delivering donated hay to ranchers who have lost pasture, feed, and in many cases, livestock due to the recent fires. What may seem like a simple act of hauling hay has become a lifeline for families working to rebuild their livelihoods.

A Mission on the Move

Volunteers like Mark Calderwood, a retired teacher from Sterling, Kansas, are stepping up in extraordinary ways. Using his commercial driver’s license (CDL), Calderwood now spends his time hauling semitrailer loads of hay across state lines to impacted ranchers.

“They called me up and asked if I was a CDL driver. I said ‘yes,’ and they were really happy about that because it’s still hard to get a volunteer with a CDL,” Calderwood shared.

Farm Rescue provides the trucks and trailers, while volunteers complete safety training and deliver hay directly to ranches under the guidance of dispatchers. Collection points have included locations in Woodward, Oklahoma, and Ashland, Kansas, with deliveries expanding into Nebraska as needs grow.

So far, more than 1,000 hay bales have been donated, and 18 ranch families—15 in Oklahoma and 3 in Kansas—have already received assistance. An additional four families in Nebraska have now signed up as the operation expands.

Strength in Partnership

This growing mission is made possible through the strong partnership between Farm Rescue and FCFI. During the recent Commodity Classic, key leaders connected to align efforts and resources for greater impact.

FCFI, led by Executive Director Dan Janzen, is playing a vital role by reimbursing fuel costs, supporting lodging and meals for volunteer drivers, and helping connect with farmer networks to identify both donors and families in need.

Fuel costs for the initial 18 deliveries totaled just $4,604.45—an impressive testament to the efficiency and stewardship behind the operation. As the effort expands into Nebraska, where hay must be transported from farther distances, FCFI has committed to covering increased logistical needs.

In addition, volunteers like James Funk are working behind the scenes to connect with local churches, extension offices, and emergency management teams to ensure no family in need is overlooked.

More Than Just Hay

For volunteers, Operation Haylift is about far more than delivering feed—it’s about building relationships and offering encouragement during incredibly difficult times.

“Most of my interaction has been with farmers and ranchers, and these guys are great. They’re so appreciative and kind,” said Calderwood.

Many of the families affected are facing wildfires for the second time in less than a decade. The emotional and financial toll is significant, yet their resilience continues to shine.

“The fires in the Heartland might be a brief news blip, but the recovery takes years,” Calderwood reflected. “The resiliency here is amazing—they love what they do and will get back at it.”

In one powerful example of that resilience, a rancher who had lost pasture and cattle still offered housing to Farm Rescue drivers—a reminder of the generosity that defines these communities.

Expanding Efforts, Ongoing Hope

With wildfires having burned over 701,000 acres in Nebraska alone and more than 283,000 acres across Kansas and Oklahoma from the Ranger Road Fire, the need for continued support remains urgent.

Operation Haylift teams are now actively working on the ground in Nebraska, coordinating logistics, identifying new families in need, and preparing to share updates and stories from the region.

This effort continues to demonstrate the power of faith, partnership, and community in action—meeting both physical and spiritual needs in times of crisis.

How You Can Help

Donations of hay and financial support for transportation and logistics are greatly needed. To contribute or request assistance, please visit:

Or call:

Additional Support for Kansas Landowners

Kansas
The Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Conservation continues to provide cost-share assistance through its Wildfire Recovery Initiative. Funding is available to landowners in designated counties to help restore agricultural operations impacted by wildfires.

Eligible practices include:

Landowners may receive up to $5,000 per operation. Although the initial April 3 deadline has passed, additional funding rounds or support through local conservation districts may still be available.

For more information, contact:
Dave Jones – david.jones@ks.gov | 785-564-6623
Madison Loder – madison.loder@ks.gov | 785-477-2788

Nebraska
In Nebraska, wildfire recovery support is available through local Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Programs may include:

Producers affected by wildfires are encouraged to contact their local NRD office or USDA Service Center as soon as possible, as many programs are time-sensitive and tied to disaster declarations.

Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, multiple agencies are working together to assist agricultural producers recovering from wildfire damage. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission, along with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA Farm Service Agency, offers several key programs.

Available assistance may include:

Additionally, local conservation districts may have emergency funds or materials available, including fencing supplies and hay resources.

Producers should contact their county USDA office or local conservation district to begin the application process.

A Note from FCFI
As many farmers and ranchers continue to recover from devastating wildfires, these programs can provide meaningful assistance—but they often require timely action and local coordination.

FCFI is also working to connect producers with practical help, volunteers, and spiritual encouragement during this time.

If you or someone you know needs assistance navigating these resources, please reach out—we are here to help. We are also considering establishing revolving funds to provide additional support.

If you or someone you know needs assistance navigating these resources, please reach out—we are here to help. We would consider set up revolving funds to assist. Or if you would like to volunteer to build fences or donate/haul hay:
contact dan@fcfi.org or call 6166766684.

If you would like to donate funds for hay relief or fence building https://fcfi.charityproud.org/Donate and then write in comments area what you want the funds used for.