Temperatures will remain high throughout the middle of this week, and there are better chances of precipitation for the weekend. Crops continue to do well.

“The second cutting of alfalfa is near completion, and winter wheat harvest should conclude for most of the Panhandle this week,” said Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension water and cropping systems educator.

Irrigation water deliveries continue across the North Platte Valley, with Pathfinder and Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation districts diverting approximately 1,535 cfs and 1,400 cfs, respectively.

Assisting growers with monitoring their crop's water profile is the estimated crop water use for July 22-28.

The table information includes the estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the previous week and the upcoming week. The table is based on data gathered and calculations made by Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension educator, and Dr. Xin Qiao, extension irrigation and water management specialist, both based at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

Crop water use will vary across the Panhandle due to variations in ET, crop growth stage, temperature, soil type, wind and precipitation events. Crop water use will assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water application and use.

Register online to receive a weekly text message with the table information.

The AgriTools App can provide easy access to location-specific climate and weather information to the agricultural industry in Nebraska.