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.)

Welcome rains fell in parts of the Plains

Oklahoma State University Extension specialist Scott Frazier and a team of water research experts conduct a well efficiency test in the field of a producer who graduated from the Master Irrigator program. Participants who complete the Extension program receive complimentary well testing for their irrigation systems. The program is funded by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. (Photo provided by Sumit Sharma, OSU Agriculture)

OSU Agriculture offers research, education to extend life of Ogallala Aquifer

To meet growing water needs, some Western states have adopted water banking and leasing. Water banking systems allow for stored water to be reallocated, and ownership transferred. (Photo: Bureau of Land Management/Public Domain)

Session at annual Western conference to discuss water banking and leasing

  • By Drew Viguet │ National Agricultural Law Center
An irrigation photo powered by propane. (Photo couttesy of Propane Education & Research Council.)

PERC highlights propane’s role on farms

Aaron Young, survey geologist with the Conservation and Survey Division, Nebraska Geological Survey at the School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, performs maintenance on water wells. (IANR Conservation and Survey Division)

Groundwater report shows continued decline in eastern Nebraska

Irrigated soybeans in Keith County, Nebraska are watered by the Ogallala Aquifer. The vast underground reservoir reaches as far south as Texas, where it has declined as much as 36% since the 1950s. In Nebraska, the Ogallala has decreased by just 0.34% on average, according to analysis of U.S. Geological Survey reports, although the state’s southwest counties are showing a much greater decline. (Photo courtesy of Bill Spiegel.)

A lifeline of the High Plains—irrigation in focus

Pivot irrigator from Pexel, credit Refik Ekenal.

Center pivot irrigation insurance premiums rising 

Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon at Glenwood Canyons Resort, Colorado, USA. (iStock │ #1213547321 - SergeYatunin)

Fate of the Colorado River on agenda at Western conference