FIGURE 2-8 Irrigation water from groundwater and surface water in Nebraska (black dots are irrigation wells). Source: Winter et al. 1998.

or forage) in the state are here (Figure 2-9). Several of the most important hay-producing counties in Nebraska also are in the central Platte area. Further to the west, wheat is important.

Corn, in particular, is irrigated (Figure 2-10), although irrigation of the other crops, including sorghum and soybean, also is substantial. According to the Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service (2004), in 2002 Nebraska farm-

FIGURE 2-9 Distribution of Nebraska corn harvest of 1996 (a typical year), showing acres harvested for grain, 1996, and importance of agriculture and corn production along Platte River. Source: Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service 2002.