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Nebraska farmer says rising irrigation costs are cutting into margins

An eastern Nebraska farmer says irrigation costs are out of control.

“We’ve got diesel, we’ve got propane and we’ve got electric. The reality is there is not a cheap way to irrigate anymore.”

Matt Bailey says he started watering crops earlier than normal, which have pushed costs higher. “I just spent $5,000 on an electric motor. Farm diesel is still hovering around $4. Propane isn’t terrible, but it’s not the most efficient way to do it.”

He tells Brownfield the expenses are negatively impacting his bottom line. “Without any help from Mother Nature, and even with corn (prices) better than it was a couple of weeks ago, we’re still in the red.”

And, Bailey says, he’s increasing water rates this week to say ahead of the extreme heat will also cost more.