Latest News From Water Management

Irrigation transformed this region known by early explorers as the Great American Desert into an oasis of sorts. In an area of limited rainfall and surface water availability, the Ogallala allowed farmers to grow corn, which attracted cattle feedlots, then meatpacking plants, ethanol plants and dairies. Now the nation's largest freshwater aquifer is starting to run dry.

After last summer's record drought, farmers and ranchers are preparing for the possibility of another dry year.

Nebraska researchers’ new design may prove popular in smaller feedlots.