Agricultural Economics, Department of
Center for Agricultural Profitability
Irrigation Water Availability and Risk Management Considerations for 2026 Crops
Date of this Version
2-13-2026
Document Type
Article
Citation
Walters, C., Groskopf, J., Stone, G., Qiao, X., “Low Snowpack Raises Irrigation and Crop Insurance Considerations for 2026.” CAP Series 26-0201, Center for Agricultural Profitability, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Feb. 13, 2026.
Abstract
Below-average snowpack in the headwaters of the North Platte River Basin is raising concerns about irrigation water availability for the 2026 crop year. Reservoir levels at Pathfinder and Seminoe in Wyoming remain well below capacity, and while final allocation decisions have not been announced, limited snowpack may affect surface water irrigated acres in western Nebraska.
This article outlines key crop insurance considerations for producers facing potential irrigation reductions. It explains how Prevented Planting provisions apply when official water allocations are announced before the insurance period and highlights steps producers can take before the March 15 sales closing date to maintain planting flexibility, review dryland coverage, and align insurance guarantees with cost of production.