Water

The High Plains Aquifer provides 30 percent of the water used in the nation’s irrigated agriculture. The aquifer runs under South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. (Photo courtesy of K-State Research and Extension.)
Alfalfa, Central Region, Colorado, Corn, Forage Crops, Grain Sorghum, Kansas, Nebraska, Regional Roundup, Soybeans, Water, Western Region

Republican River Compact Administration meets Aug. 27

Republican River Compact Administration commissioners meet Aug. 27 in McCook, Nebraska, to discuss water issues and compliance. Read More

The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. (Map courtesy of NDMC.)
Arkansas, Beef, Canola, Colorado, Corn, Cotton, Cow Calf, Dairy, Drought, Drought Monitor, Dry Beans, Equine, Dairy, Sheep and Goats, Farmland, Feeder, Forage Crops, Grain Sorghum, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ranchland, Seedstock, South Dakota, Soybeans, Stocker, Sunflowers, Swine, Texas, Water, Weather, Wheat, Wyoming

Beneficial rain fell on the Northern Plains

A drop of water drips from a leaky faucet. (Adobe Stock-#705247039 │ andrei310)
Health & Wellness, Water

Water conservation efforts may also boost mental health

Agricultural irrigation system watering soy bean field in summer. (Adobe Stock │ #523881875 - Solid photos)

Microbial water testing for South Dakota producers

  • By Londa Nwadike │ South Dakota State University Extension
The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. (Map courtesy of NDMC.)

Heat continues to be the story for much of the Plains

Bailey Tangen, UMN Extension water resources and soil health educator (University of Minnesota Extension)

Managing the invisible infrastructure behind Minnesota’s water

Dripping outside tap in summer showing a conceptual water ban or shortage 3d render (Photo: iStock - studio-fi)

Balancing economics with resources is theme of 2026 Eastern SD Water Conference

Mike Hamilton, extension irrigation instructor, is working to increase the adoption of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, in pursuit of more efficient irrigation and cost savings for farmers. (UADA photo)

Drone + software adds up to significant irrigation savings

  • By Mary Hightower │ University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Pivit, circle irrigation in an agriculture field along highway 138 near Orvid, Nebraska. (Adobe Stock-#604130167 │ Bob)

Twenty-five years of U.S. irrigation data shows shifting trends at the county-level

Herd of cows standing in pond, cooling down. (iStock-#1312534386 │ imamember)

K-State watershed specialists, livestock experts emphasize importance of water sources

Beef cattle in South Dakota beat the summer sun next to a man made pool while taking break from grazing in the pasture. (iStock-#2251402213 │ RyanJLane)

Livestock water testing

  • By Robin Salverson │ South Dakota State University Extension