Nebraska ranchers confront climate risks in cattle country

Cattle ranching in Nebraska's southwestern corner faces mounting pressures from drought and climate volatility, raising questions about the long-term viability of beef production in the Great Plains.

First covered Aug 9, 2026 · 2:00 AM PT · 1 article

Nebraska ranchers confront climate risks in cattle country — Image via insideclimatenews.org

Coverage

48d Inside Climate News A Very American Invention, Pushed to an Extreme — HAIGLER, Neb.—The far southwestern corner of this state unfurls in a rolling sea of dusky-green prairie where cattle have outnumbered people for generations.

Primary sources

drinkingwater.ne.gov Chem/Rad Samples

ecmp.nebraska.gov Aq3Ttu2Xrywvjqkdkgoouyebuupuad%C3%81Desbilww3Qwqtlcc2Tmnarritipicrsnbcdkejxuodh1Fnk%C3%89Odwu4Syu%3D (ecmp.nebraska.gov)

epa.gov Us Ghg Inventory 2024 Main Text 04 18 2024 (epa.gov)

More coverage from around the web

nebraskapublicmedia.org Ranchers concerned about pastures after Nebraska’s warmest winter since Dust Bowl | Nebraska Public Media

flatwaterfreepress.org Massive wildfires dealt another blow to Nebraska ranchers. Climate change may make them more common. - Flatwater Free Press

nebraskapublicmedia.org Drought conditions still increasing in Nebraska, despite recent snowfall | Nebraska Public Media

grist.org In Nebraska, wildfires are turning cattle ranching into a tricky business | Grist

investigatemidwest.org Droughts, complicated by climate change, result in US beef herd hitting historic low - Investigate Midwest

Appeared in: 2026-08-10 (#15)

← Back to the brief