Moisture critical for poor wheat stands in Nebraska panhandle

Kristen Sindelar
Apr 11, 2025
Apr 11, 2025

Wheat crop in panhandle 1.jpg — Patchy winter wheat stands are prevalent across the panhandle of Nebraska following extremely dry conditions and sustained wind events.
Submitted photo by Tyson Narjes

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Across the Breadbasket of America, winter wheat is breaking dormancy, and for many wheat producers in the panhandle of Nebraska, the spring thaw is proving their worst fears.

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Wheat crop in panhandle 2.jpg — Dormant sprouted winter wheat seeds germinated in early March at the farm of Chris Cullan near Hemingford, Neb.
Submitted photo by Chris Cullan

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Wheat crop in panhandle 3.jpg — A comparison of a wheat field near Sidney, Neb., shows minimal growth from Feb. 28 (photo 3) to March 28 (photo 4) on the farm of Tyson Narjes.
Submitted photo by Tyson Narjes

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Wheat crop in panhandle 4.jpg — A comparison of a wheat field near Sidney, Neb., shows minimal growth from Feb. 28 (photo 3) to March 28 (photo 4) on the farm of Tyson Narjes.
Submitted photo by Tyson Narjes

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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.