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

Why measuring nitrate matters to water quality

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.)

Dry pattern lingers across High Plains

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.)

Dry period was story of the High Plains week

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.)

Much of country felt impact of winter storm

Texas cotton producers face early drought concerns and shifting market conditions heading into the 2026 planting season. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Texas drought, shifting markets shape 2026 crop outlook

Irrigation supplies along the U.S.-Mexico border are tightening as regional watersheds that replenish critical reservoirs have not received rainfall. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife)

Drought conditions intensify across Texas

Soil water retention product designed for pivot systems

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.)

High Plains headed for cold stretch