Rain Brings Relief, but Nebraska’s Drought Story Is Far From Over
Nebraska is finally beginning to receive some long-awaited moisture, providing some relief to dry pastures and fields. While this is good news, these rains do not necessarily signal the end of the state’s drought. Recent updates show that drought conditions remain severe across much of the state. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows that over 90 percent of the state is in drought, with increasing portions of Nebraska in severe, extreme, and exceptional drought. The worst conditions continue in the Panhandle and southwestern Nebraska, where exceptional drought (D4) now covers at least part of 17 counties. The latest map also reflects continued expansion of both Extreme Drought (D3) and D4 in west central Nebraska and the Panhandle. Conditions in the Panhandle are among the most severe seen in early May since official drought monitoring began in 1999 and may represent some of the most severe conditions in decades.
The impacts extend into Nebraska’s livestock industry. Vegetation stress remains widespread across western Nebraska, particularly in major cattle-producing areas. More than 60% of the U.S. cattle country is currently experiencing drought conditions, with much of that area in severe drought or worse. Without continued rainfall, pasture and forage production may remain below normal, creating pressure on feed supplies, grazing capacity, herd management decisions, and long-term recovery.
Many ask what it takes to officially end drought conditions. The answer is more complex than a single rain event. Drought officially ends only after sustained precipitation that improves soil moisture and water resources. It is estimated that we will need to see a pattern of above normal precipitation for the next 6-12 months to completely eliminate the drought.
Drought conditions also increase wildfire risk and strain rural emergency response systems. Nebraska has already experienced record wildfire activity, surpassing the previous record set in 2012, with more than 981,502 acres burned by early May. Large areas of grazing land were affected, adding strain to producers already dealing with drought and pasture shortages. One of the most encouraging things I have seen resulting from all of this is the outpouring of generosity, with donations coming in from across the Midwest. A reminder of what this country was built on: independence, hard work, problem solving and neighbors helping neighbors. We too often look to the government to solve every problem when many times the help we need is also the help we can give.
These conditions also remind us of the importance of supporting rural fire and emergency response capacity. With resources depleted, please consider reaching out to your local fire departments and emergency responders and ask specifically what they may need. A bit of encouraging news, FEMA recently announced $648 million in nationwide funding opportunities through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) programs. These grants support equipment, staffing, recruitment, firefighter safety, and prevention efforts. Applications are open from May 19 through June 22. For more information, visit https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters.
While recent rains have brought much-needed relief and a glimmer of hope for greener grass, Nebraska’s drought story is still unfolding. Only one thing is certain: it will rain again and the drought will come to an end. In the meantime, stay positive, be as willing to accept help as you are to give it and stay connected.
Respectfully,
Senator Tanya Storer
