Nebraska farmers continue to battle drought, plan for the worst

CEDAR BLUFFS, Neb. -- Farmers in Nebraska are dealing with higher expenses and lower profits due to continuing drought conditions.

Several farmers have had to start irrigation wells due to the lack of spring rains.

"The water usage of the plants is so little, as long as we’ve got them in the moisture where we’ve planted, we’re okay for a little bit," said Cedar Bluffs farmer Tim Shanahan. "Where we’ve got irrigation, we’re going to start running and keep on running and keep running until it rains probably."

Shanahan said he and several other farmers in the area are among those who have had to turn on their irrigation motors to water their crops.

"If we don’t get the rains where we don’t have irrigation, that will definitely be a problem," Shanahan said.

All 93 of Nebraska's counties are currently experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with all but two experiencing at least some level of drought.

Eighteen counties, including Saunders County where Cedar Bluffs is located, are currently in exceptional drought, the highest level of dryness possible in the U.S. Drought Monitor's measurements. 

“It’s variable," Shanahan said. "It depends on where you’re at in the county. You know, there hasn’t been any general rain, so where we’re at right now is pretty dry.

All 18 of the counties experiencing exceptional drought are located in the eastern third of Nebraska. Shanahan says he is unsure of what the future holds for him and Nebraska farmers.

"Depends on what article you read," Shanahan said. "Some say we’re going to work our way out of the drought, and some aren’t so promising about it."