Drought Impact on Crop Water Needs

By Scout Nelson

Crop water requirements are an important concern for the 2026 growing season, especially with drought conditions and uncertain irrigation supplies in the North Platte River valley. Producers are working to understand how much water different crops need to grow successfully under these challenging conditions.

Water use varies depending on several factors, including soil moisture, rainfall, temperature, wind speed, elevation, and crop growth stage. Each crop has specific periods when water is most important for proper development and yield.

Crops grown for grain require the most water during pollination and grain filling stages. During this time, plants need enough moisture to support proper seed development. Dry beans also need consistent water throughout the growing season. Their shallow root systems make them more dependent on regular moisture from early flowering to pod filling.

Sugar beets have different water needs. They require more water during early growth stages when plants are small and roots are developing. As the roots grow larger and deeper, the crop can tolerate some stress, but proper water management is still necessary for good yield.

Farmers can use tools to track crop water use and improve irrigation decisions. Crop growth stage charts based on evapotranspiration readings are available through CropWatch’s GDD ET page. These charts help estimate how much water crops are used at different stages. Field-specific evapotranspiration data for crops such as sugar beets, corn, and dry beans can also be accessed through the ACREE mobile app, which helps schedule irrigation without requiring soil moisture sensors.

For producers growing forage crops for grazing or harvest, there are additional risks to consider. Crops such as corn, sorghum, millet, and small grains can accumulate nitrates. Warm-season crops may also develop prussic acid, which can be harmful to livestock. These risks increase during stress conditions like drought, frost, or high fertilizer use. Testing forage crops before feeding is recommended to ensure livestock safety.

For more information, producers can contact local extension experts for guidance and updates contact Gary Stone, 308-632-1230, Xin Qiao, 308-632-1246, or Brock Ortner, 308-327-2312.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-zhuda