From floods to fires: Northeast Nebraska neighbors lead hay convoy to western Nebraska

PIERCE,Neb. — Northeast Nebraskans are teaming up to help their neighbors out west rise from the ashes after historic wildfires tore through hundreds of thousands of acres.  

"It’s kind of like when you hear the tunnel walk for the Huskers, you get those chills," Austin Harrison said. "It’s just going to be a lot of guys in trucks going down the road."

Austin Harrison says a group of Pierce farmers organized a hay drive for those affected by the wildfires. 

The group is currently traveling more than 5 hours to a feed yard just west of Oshkosh with a convoy of more than 10 semis. Despite the initial wave of donations, Harrison noted that more help is still needed.

“I think we’ve all had hard times in life and if we can just give back, we’ll give back when we can, so here we are,” said Austin Harrison.

Jerry Krueger is no stranger to natural disasters, having lived through the 2019 floods. He contributed to the hay drive with donations and his time behind the wheel, explaining that he felt compelled to help because others had done the same.

“Glory to God that we got this many people to donate,” Krueger said. “In ’19, when they all came rolling in when we had the floods, it put a lump in your throat that just didn’t really quit.”

The convoy departed Pierce at 7:30 a.m Tuesday, with the local fire department leading the way through town. Before hitting the road, Krueger offered a final message for the community.

“If anybody can help in any way, God bless them, and I hope they can,” Krueger said.