May 30 Drought Monitor

May Temperatures Well Above Normal Statewide, Heavy Precipitation Hits Western Nebraska

June 14, 2023
May's precipitation led to atypical extremes for both sides of the state, with the western region breaking records for rainfall and eastern areas setting new records for dryness. 

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Palmer in corn
Palmer amaranth invades a corn field in south-central Nebraska. (CropWatch file photo by Amit Jhala)

Effect of Drought on Weeds: Results of Global Meta-analysis

June 13, 2023
Researchers examined more than 1,000 studies to compile a comprehensive report on weed germination, growth and seed production during periods of water stress.

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June 6 drought monitor

Weekly Weather Update: June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023
Though most of western Nebraska has reduced drought, recent rainfall hasn't been sufficient to improve eastern Nebraska's exceptional drought status, and annual rainfall deficits continue to escalate for the area.

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Pivot irrigation system
When irrigating fields early due to drought, the most reliable method to know when and how much to irrigate is to monitor soil moisture at multiple depths.

Early Season Irrigation During Drought

June 7, 2023
For producers who are irrigating early this year due to drought, it's critical to monitor soil moisture to balance crop needs with the risk of losing nitrogen and other valuable crop inputs, while also avoiding the expense of over-irrigating. 

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Farmer in droughty field
The webinar features discussion about FSA drought assistance programs by Pat Lechner, Nebraska FSA price support, conservation and environmental programs chief, Ben Henrink, Nebraska FSA farm loan program specialist, Brad Lubben, Nebraska Extension policy specialist, and Shannon Sand, Nebraska Extension agricultural economist.

USDA Drought Assistance Programs in 2023

May 25, 2023
This webinar reviews how to apply for key drought assistance programs, and discusses drought disaster designations, the FSA emergency loan program, and management principles and recordkeeping needs for producers under drought conditions.

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Corn in drought
To help producers prepare for program delivery, USDA has announced the forms that will be required to participate in ERP and ELRP for 2022 losses — AD-2047, CCC-902, CCC-901, AD-1026. For more information, see the section 'How Producers Can Prepare' below. .

USDA Previews $3.7 Billion Emergency Assistance Program for 2022 Natural Disaster Losses

May 19, 2023
Through a streamlined application process, USDA intends to send pre-filled applications directly to eligible crop producers in early summer.

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April precipitation map

Dryness Continues into April, Temperatures Slightly Above Normal

May 17, 2023
April's total precipitation was well below normal in Nebraska, resulting in worsening drought conditions and the fifth driest April for the state since 1895.

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Cattle in drought
Currently, 55 Nebraska counties are eligible to eligible to apply for the 2023 Livestock Forage Disaster Program, and all but five counties are eligible for ELAP assistance. View your county's eligibility status here.

Drought Assistance Webinar May 4

April 27, 2023
This CAP webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of FSA drought assistance programs, including current designations, eligibility and application requirements, plus information on management strategies and record-keeping for producers during drought.

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