By Scout Nelson
Nebraska's agricultural landscape has experienced a notable shift in the past year, with significant improvements in drought conditions offering a ray of hope to crop and livestock producers. This change is especially evident when comparing the current drought maps from the UNL Drought Mitigation Center to those from the previous year.
In 2022, Nebraska faced a daunting scenario with the entire state under some form of drought, 85% of which was classified as severe, extreme, or exceptional. Fast forward to the present, and the picture is vastly different – only 40% of the state is now affected by drought, and the severity has reduced to 20%.
Despite these improvements, challenges persist in parts of the state. Soil moisture levels, for instance, still reflect the effects of the drought. This year began with soil moisture conditions worse than both the 2012 extreme drought and the 2010-2022 averages. Consistent rainfall brought some relief, and by the end of October, the percentage of soil with short or very short moisture levels had decreased significantly, though it remained above average.
Pasture conditions have also seen a remarkable recovery this year. From nearly 70% of pastures rated in poor or very poor condition at the year's start, the number dropped below 20% by October's end. This improvement is particularly pronounced in regions like the Panhandle and Sandhills, thanks to the easing of drought conditions.
While 2023 marked an overall improvement, it wasn't uniform across Nebraska. East-central Nebraska saw conditions worsen, and the northeast, despite some relief, continues to struggle with drought. The National Weather Service predicts a warmer and wetter winter for Nebraska but expects drought conditions to persist in the southeast at least until February.
This fluctuating scenario underscores the resilience of Nebraska's farmers and the continual need to adapt to changing weather patterns. As they navigate these varying conditions, the hope for more consistent rainfall remains, echoing the sentiment of the song "Dry River" by Dave Alvin: a longing for the day when the dry spell breaks for good.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: Nebraska, Weather