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.)

Extensive rainfall helps reduced drought’s footprint

A sharp contrast in the air masses causes severe weather—thunderstorms and tornadoes. The contrast can be in temperature or in the amount of moisture, particularly if there is a dry line of air behind the storm system, said K-State climatologist Mary Knapp. (Courtesy photo taken near Manhattan, Kansas, by Dan Donnert.)

Recovery resources available for those affected by northwest Kansas tornadoes 

The center pivot irrigation system at the Oklahoma State University McCaull Research and Demonstration Farm will be one of the topics discussed at this year’s Panhandle Crops & Forages Field Day in Eva. The Aug. 31 event kicks off the fall field day events with topics like sorghum varieties, nitrogen management, soil moisture monitoring and managing spider mites in corn. (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agriculture.)

Crop progress reports for the week ending May 25, 2025

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.)

Widespread rain welcomed news on the Plains

Agricultural irrigation system watering corn field. (Adobe Stock │ #85544358 - Solid photos)

K-State study: Slowing down pivots can improve water efficiency and yields

  • By Kelsey Stremel │ K-State Research and Extension news

Drought likely to persist this summer, despite short term improvements in the region 

An irrigation pivot watering a field of turnips. (Photo: iStock - Songbird839)

Missouri to ban water exports

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