Short-term weather and longer term climate data are an integral part of agricultural production in Nebraska, for both crop and livestock producers.

Soil temperatures can guide planting and fertilizer applications and precipitation and crop water use data can guide irrigation applications for optimal “crop for drop.”  Another tool alerts livestock producers to when critical conditions might endanger animal health. Tools can also estimate plant growth stage and the likelihood plants will reach maturity before the first historical fall freeze for a given area.  They can estimate temperature-based insect development (see common stalk borer forecast) and predict scouting and treatment windows or forecast periods conducive to increased outbreaks of plant disease.

These are a few examples of the weather and climate data currently being used by Nebraska agricultural producers. Now the newly created Nebraska State Climate Office wants to know what other weather/climate tools you could use to better manage your crop and livestock operations.  They are prioritizing projects and seeking your input through a short online survey that will be open until March 31.

For a sampling of Nebraska weather tools, visit the CropWatch Weather page.