Temperatures will increase dramatically from Wednesday, July 10 to Monday, July 15, with the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming forecasting temperatures as high as 107°F in the Scottsbluff area before decreasing.

“Irrigators should try to keep their fields watered and minimize stress to the crop,” said Gary Stone, Nebraska Extension water and cropping systems educator. “I realize there are many acres to cover with limited amounts of water, but do the best you can.”

Hailstorms across the southern Panhandle have affected winter wheat yields, but the remainder of the crop looks good. Dry beans that were replanted have started to emerge, and other crops are doing well.

Irrigation water deliveries continue across the North Platte Valley, with Pathfinder and Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie irrigation districts diverting approximately 1,600 cfs and 1,425, respectively.

To assist growers with monitoring their crop's water profile is the estimated crop water use for July 8-14.

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.