LINCOLN- Once the envy of the nation for its 81 weather monitoring stations across the state, the Nebraska Mesonet program's funding has slowly dwindled over the years, forcing the system to close nearly 20 stations. However, a recent series of meetings involving agriculture groups, meteorologists, and university researchers has those involved with the weather monitoring system optimistic, and even prompted a new $2 million a year funding model.

"People really want the data, there's a ton of interest in it," said Ruben Behnke, who was hired to be the director of Nebraska Mesonet in July, "I'm trying to continue that momentum." Ken Herz, former president of the Nebraska Cattlemen and an advocate for the system, said that interest in the Mesonet system will skyrocket once Nebraskans realize its benefits. That sentiment was echoed by State Sen. Myron Dorn, who sought to fund the system and increase interest in it with an annual $550,000 during the 2023 legislative session.

However, Dorn, a farmer and member of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee, didn't push for passage of the funding bill this past year, and is instead opting for a legislative study that would help to better develop a long-term plan to consistently fund the weather network. "We too often in Nebraska allocate money and say 'Go out there and plan something,'" said Dorn, "We need to plan for the long term. Behnke said his main goal is to construct 200 stations across the state, located no more than 15 miles from a Mesonet site, an endeavor that will take time and a sizable increase in funding.

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