By Scout Nelson
Drought conditions are increasing across western Nebraska as the 2026 growing season approaches. Low winter snowfall and pressure on groundwater supplies are raising concerns about water availability. At the same time, rising input costs and lower crop prices are forcing changes in farming strategies.
Corn and soybean remain the main crops in Nebraska, but both require high water use and irrigation. A large share of irrigation water comes from the Ogallala aquifer, which is under pressure due to heavy use and slow recharge. In dry years, this creates a high risk for crop production.
Weather patterns also vary across the state. Western Nebraska receives less rainfall and faces more dry conditions than eastern regions. This makes it important to consider crops that can perform well with limited water.
Millet and field pea are two alternative crops that can help reduce risk. Millet is a drought-tolerant crop that uses water efficiently. It has a short growing season and can grow well with limited moisture. It also helps improve soil health, reduce weeds, and break pest cycles.
Field pea is another useful crop with low water needs. It fixes nitrogen naturally in the soil, which reduces the need for fertilizer. It also supports soil health and works well in crop rotation systems. In addition, field pea has value in both animal feed and food markets.
Both crops require fewer inputs such as fertilizer and herbicides. This helps reduce production costs, which is important when prices for inputs are rising. Fertilizer costs have increased sharply, adding more pressure on profit margins.
In both western and eastern Nebraska, these crops can be used to replace a portion of corn and soybean acreage. Even shifting 10 to 25 percent of land can help manage risk, reduce water use, and improve farm efficiency.
Overall, millet and field pea provide flexible options for dealing with drought and rising costs. By diversifying cropping systems, producers can improve resilience and maintain productivity in challenging conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ben-goode
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Weather