The estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops for the previous week and the upcoming week is shown in this table. It 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.

The exceptionally wet spring and severe storms containing hail and high winds have caused highly varied crop growth stages across the Panhandle. The weather also caused delayed planting and replanting of crops. The first cutting of alfalfa is all over the place. With that in mind, we are trying to provide the best crop growth stage estimates based on what is observed across the area. Precipitation amounts from April 1-July 4 across the Panhandle are Scottsbluff PHREEC 13.16 inches, Sidney HPAL 9.77 inches, and Alliance 9.16 inches. These numbers are from the Nebraska Mesonet weather stations located across the state.

Crop water use will vary across the Panhandle due to variations in temperature and precipitation events.

Crop water use will assist growers with irrigation scheduling and efficient water use.