Too Little, Too Late: Recent Rainfall Does Little to Alleviate Drought Damage

By Gordon HopkinsWhile recent rainfall was welcomed by residents of southeast Nebraska, especially ag producers, most of the state remains in drought conditions and damage has already been significant.According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's (UNL) Drought Monitor, which is updated weekly, much of Jefferson and Gage Counties remain in “extreme drought” conditions.UNL's drought summary, published July 4, noted, “Heavy rains fell this week across parts of the Midwest, Ohio River Valley and Northeast, which led to widespread improvements from southeast Nebraska to central Illinois, southern Indiana, and central and eastern Kentucky.”However, this week's USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) report released on July 3, more than 50 percent of Nebraska's corn, soybeans and winter wheat crop is rated at fair to very poor.It is not just crops being impacted. Cattle prices are rising, per a recent report by the Nebraska Farm Bureau, “The reason for climbing cattle prices? Fewer cattle and a steady demand for beef. Nebraska’s cow herd has been shrinking, off almost 11 percent since the most recent peak in 2019. As of January 1, the herd numbered 1.703 million head, the smallest herd since 1963. And Nebraska is not alone. Most major cattle states have seen their cow herds dwindle. Drought, reduced feedstuff supplies, and increased costs forced many cow/calf producers to liquidate a portion of their herds. A smaller herd means fewer calves, leading to higher prices.”In a recent editorial, Mark McHargue, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, wrote, “As Nebraska’s drought tightened its grip on the northeast and eastern part of the state, we send up prayers for rain. Cattle producers are looking for grass and crop producers need more soil moisture to get their crop started. We have seen some timely rains, but some have come on fast and hard. We need slow and gentle.”

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