Nebraska Farmers Face Drought, Wildfires, and Water Shortages
Farmers and ranchers across Nebraska and the Plains are grappling with severe drought conditions, record-breaking wildfires, and limited water availability for irrigation. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of May 28, 2026, two-thirds of Nebraska is experiencing extreme drought (D3), with parts of the southern Panhandle and southwest Nebraska in exceptional drought (D4). The Sandhills region, heavily impacted by wildfires, shows limited grass regrowth, resembling a desert landscape in many areas. Additionally, reduced snowpack in the mountains has led to lower runoff projections for the Missouri River system, further straining water resources. The North Platte River basin, which supports irrigation in the region, is also facing diminished water flow due to insufficient snowpack. Wildfires have burned nearly 1 million acres in Nebraska since March, with the largest, the Morrill Fire, consuming over 642,000 acres. 
