Weather continues to be one of the most influential — and unpredictable — factors in crop production. From short-term fieldwork decisions to long-range planning, having timely, reliable weather information can help growers reduce risk and make more informed management choices.
Nebraska producers have several ways to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and climate outlooks from Eric Hunt, Nebraska Extension agricultural meteorology and climate resiliency educator with the Nebraska State Climate Office. Through a combination of online updates, webinars, and broadcast segments, Hunt provides regular insights into current conditions and longer-term weather patterns that may impact the growing season.
Weekly and Quarterly Updates Online
Nebraska State Climate Office maintains a collection of weekly weather updates and quarterly climate outlooks, offering growers a consistent source of information on precipitation trends, temperature patterns and seasonal forecasts. Weekly updates are also available in podcast format on CropWatch, providing a convenient option for listening on the go.
Monthly Webinar: First Friday
Hunt also provides regular weather outreach through Nebraska Extension and CropWatch webinars, including the monthly “First Friday” weather outlook series. The recorded updates focus on seasonal forecast trends, precipitation outlooks, drought development, soil moisture conditions and other weather factors affecting Nebraska crop production and irrigation management. Videos are posted online through CropWatch for producers and agricultural professionals to access as needed throughout the growing season.
During years with widespread drought concerns — such as 2026 — Hunt has also begun sharing drought-focused webinar recordings and updates through CropWatch’s news section, expanding access to timely weather and irrigation outlook information for producers across the state.
Weekly Segment on Market Journal
Hunt also delivers a weekly, on-camera weather update through Market Journal. Similar to a traditional broadcast forecast, this segment provides a visual, easy-to-follow overview of recent weather activity and what to expect in the near term. The segments are published on YouTube following each episode.
Together, these resources offer multiple ways for growers to access timely weather information — whether they prefer reading, watching, or listening — helping them stay informed and better prepared throughout the growing season.
