Nebraska farmers contend with abnormal harvest

Kristen Sindelar
Nov 13, 2026
2 hrs ago

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Harvest 2026 in Nebraska is anything but normal. Weather events have significantly influenced every part of the growing season, resulting in subpar yields at best and zero in worst-case scenarios. Even during harvest season, farmers are getting no respite.

Harvest 1.jpg — Farmers have faced many challenges this growing season, like these Nebraskan producers Todd Fick, left, Bob Bartek, Bruce Woita, Nick Bartek and Rich Bartek.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Harvest 2.jpg — Two irrigation bridges used to span this waterway before torrential rainfall in September flooded ditches, roads and fields. The flat grass shows how wide the water was running.
Submitted photo

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Harvest 4.jpeg — The Norfolk Crush plant (in the background) is processing soybeans at full capacity after harvest delays in September due to overcast, damp weather.
Submitted photo

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Harvest 3.jpg — Bob Bartek surveys debris that prevented him from harvesting part of a cornfield south of Ithaca, Neb.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.