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Red Flag Warnings highlight dry conditions across western Nebraska, WCB

Some farmers in the Western Corn Belt say drought conditions are intensifying ahead of the 2026 planting season. 

“A lot of the cover crops that we seeded last fall didn’t even come up.” 

Central Nebraska producer Clay Govier says the soil profile has been depleted and precipitation is desperately needed. “We didn’t catch any meaningful snow this winter, and it seems like winter is already passed us. We’re waiting for spring showers. I don’t know if we’ve caught anything substantial since early November.” 

Western Nebraska farmer Roric Paulman of Sutherland serves on a local fire board and says low-humidity and high winds have everyone on high alert for wildfires. “We’ve had some moisture off and on, but there is a lot of fuel out there after last fall (due) to moisture and late season growth.” 

Govier says there have been some wildfires in his area. “There are lot of guys that want to do tree piles and prescribed burns, but I think it’s awful risky at the moment.” 

The National Weather Service has posted Red Flag Warnings for western Nebraska. NWS says any fires that develop will likely spread quickly. 

Kansas farmer Shale Porter says his area is in good shape right now, but, “The further south and west you go it’s definitely drier. They’ve missed out on rains that we’ve gotten in the north-central part of the state. They’re definitely concerned moving forward as they get close to their planting season.”

Forecasts from the NWS show that dry conditions will continue over the next few weeks for the region.