Water News Archive

Can Superabsorbent Polymers Buffer Soybean Against Drought?

Can Superabsorbent Polymers Buffer Soybean Against Drought?

Water is the first thing that limits a soybean crop in Nebraska, whether you farm dryland or irrigate. So when a product promises to hold more water in the root zone and carry the crop through dry stretches, it’s worth a hard look. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are soil-applied granules and powders that swell and hold many times their weight in water and have been marketed for exactly that job.
Using Drought-Stressed Corn for Forage: Evaluating Options and Managing Nitrate Risk

Using Drought-Stressed Corn for Forage: Evaluating Options and Managing Nitrate Risk

Drought can leave producers with non-irrigated corn that is unlikely to produce a profitable grain crop. Before terminating the crop, consider whether it has value as livestock forage. The best option depends on crop stage, expected yield, harvest logistics, herbicide restrictions and nitrate risk. While drought-stressed corn often contains elevated nitrate concentrations, nitrate risk can usually be managed successfully with the right harvest and feeding strategy.
Watering the Landscape During Periods of Water Restrictions, Heat and Drought

Watering the Landscape During Periods of Water Restrictions, Heat and Drought

If your property is currently under a water restriction or is just in a period of heat and drought, it’s prudent to implement some commonsense practices when watering lawns, vegetable gardens and landscape plants. For various reasons, some communities restrict water application.  Regardless of whether your local authority has placed limits on watering amounts and frequency, several techniques can be helpful.

Lagoon Water Levels, Are They Important?

Lagoon Water Levels, Are They Important?

One of the most common wastewater questions during the summer months, and definitely during times of drought is about the water level in lagoons. Many say the water level stays at only about 2 feet or even less and ask if that’s a problem, and if so, how do they keep the water level higher?

Nebraska Water Tour learns about the Republican River

The 2026 Water and Natural Resources Tour was

100th tower brings milestone for Nebraska Mesonet and weather data

Better data helps support wildfire, drought, and severe weather response, along with a wide variety of other tools for Nebraskans.

UNL grad launches "Conservation Works" on NET

Conservation Works

Managing Drought-Affected Wheat Stubble

Managing Drought-Affected Wheat Stubble

Nebraska producers using ecofarming practices are familiar with managing wheat stubble after harvest, but 2026 presents a different set of challenges. Across much of the state, drought and late spring freeze injury limited both grain yield and residue production, leaving many fields with substantially less surface cover than normal. As a result, post-harvest management decisions become even more critical because every inch of stored soil moisture and every pound of remaining residue may influence the success of the following corn crop.
Soybean Management Field Days to Showcase TAPS Results, Production Strategies

Soybean Management Field Days to Showcase TAPS Results, Production Strategies

For over 25 years, growers have benefited from the latest advancements in soybean production, management and marketing at Nebraska Extension’s Soybean Management Field Days. This August, the annual event offers practical insights into cutting-edge soybean management practices and technologies, along with opportunities to network with fellow farmers and industry experts.
Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel No. 2 Replacement Moves Forward

Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal Tunnel No. 2 Replacement Moves Forward

The first stage of replacing Tunnel No. 2 on the Goshen/Gering-Fort Laramie Canal has been completed. This phase focused on the inlet and outlets of Tunnel No. 2 to prepare for the full tunnel removal/replacement, which is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.
2026 UNL-TAPS Field Days Set for Mead, Gothenburg and North Platte

2026 UNL-TAPS Field Days Set for Mead, Gothenburg and North Platte

Every management decision has consequences. See how irrigation, nitrogen, marketing and other in-season choices are shaping real corn and soybean competition fields at this year's UNL-TAPS Field Days.
Two Northeast Nebraska Field Days to Showcase Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Two Northeast Nebraska Field Days to Showcase Regenerative Agriculture Practices

Producers, landowners, agricultural professionals and community members interested in soil health, profitability and resilient farming systems are invited to attend two upcoming field days focused on regenerative agriculture in northeast Nebraska this July.
Precipitation insurance deadline approaches for annual forage planted in 2026-2027

Precipitation insurance deadline approaches for annual forage planted in 2026-2027

Forage will be in short supply this year and likely throughout 2027. For farmers and ranchers planning to fill the feed gap by planting annual forages from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, the USDA Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) Annual Forage insurance program provides the option of taking coverage for a lack of precipitation.

North American Manure Expo 2026 at Wayne, NE Showcases Equipment Demonstrations from Pit/Lagoon to Field

The North American Manure Expo July 28-30 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wayne, NE continues to distinguish itself as one of the few events dedicated entirely to manure management, covering every step from the barn to field application. In addition to the trade show, tours, and educational sessions, a hallmark of this expo is its emphasis on live equipment demonstrations, giving producers and custom applicators the opportunity to evaluate machinery performance under real-world conditions before making purchasing decisions.

Inside classrooms, Nebraska students learn the importance of groundwater with Know Your Well Program

High school students get hands-on experience

What is the North American Manure Expo & Why Should I Attend?

What is the North American Manure Expo & Why Should I Attend?

The 2026 North American Manure Expo that is being planned for Wayne, NE on July 28 through 30 is a trade show and extension program all rolled into one. It includes tours the first day and two days of trade show that also includes live demonstrations and education sessions featuring the latest science and technology related to manure handling and application. Early bird pricing ends June 30, so get your tickets now!
Nebraska Extension Issues an Important Reminder for Statewide Private Well Drinking Water Testing

Nebraska Extension Issues an Important Reminder for Statewide Private Well Drinking Water Testing

Nebraska Extension is urging residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water to take immediate action to test their drinking water and treat any identified risks. Annual testing and recommended treatment is the only reliable way to ensure water safety and protect household health.

Well & Septic Owner’s Checklist

Well & Septic Owner’s Checklist

Well & Septic Owner’s Checklist

💧Inspect your wellhead and area around it in the spring and fall. Perform maintenance as necessary: 

Irrigating Annual Forages in a Dry Year: Establishing Stands and Maximizing Yield with Limited Water

Irrigating Annual Forages in a Dry Year: Establishing Stands and Maximizing Yield with Limited Water

Annual forages can help fill forage gaps in dry years, but irrigation timing matters — especially during stand establishment and early vegetative growth. Learn how to make limited water go further this season.
Managing Corn Irrigation in South-Central Nebraska: Insights for 2026 Under Drought Conditions

Managing Corn Irrigation in South-Central Nebraska: Insights for 2026 Under Drought Conditions

With water supplies under pressure in parts of Nebraska, a south-central Nebraska study found several irrigation scheduling tools delivered similar corn yields while recommending different amounts of water.