Uncertainty over water availability this summer has a western Nebraska farmer considering prevent plant insurance.

Andy Groskopf says the ongoing drought and limited runoff from snowpack Wyoming have producers in the North Platte River Basin concerned there may not be enough water to raise a crop. “We’ve sat down and ran the numbers and the high costs of everything, we’re kind of leaning towards preventive planting is the way to go, but you’re not going to make a lot of money.”  

 He tells Brownfield most crops in the region rely on surface water delivered through canals. “There will be some water delivery, I guess. Nobody really knows days at this point. We do know that the first part of July we’ll have water come down the canal and we’ll use it until it’s gone and then it is what it is.”

USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce says prevent plant is an option to help protect producers in similar situations. “By looking at weather forecast, water availability and soon into the growing season, that crop is going to suffer to the point where yield is going to be nonexistent, that might be a consideration.”

Fordyce says growers should work with their crop insurance agent to understand the options available for their operation.

Source - https://www.brownfieldagnews.com