By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
The Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center releases the estimated crop water use for Nebraska Panhandle crops weekly. Nebraska Extension Educator Gary stone has an update for this week.
"They will be needing more water, the corn is starting to tassel and will start to set on ears and so we need that water for grain fill," Stone said. "The same with sugar beats, they're starting to put on more roots, so they're going to need more water, just like dry beans."
Stone says this year’s temperamental weather has put alfalfa at various cuttings and water use has been all over the place. He says one grower he spoke to from just south of Torrington was just getting off their first cutting, when normally growers are on their 2nd cutting.
The estimated crop water use is based on data gathered and calculations made by Nebraska Extension personnel.