LINCOLN- Worsening drought takes a toll on some but farm income in Nebraska is ticking up and as harvest wraps up many farmers will see strong yields. “Plant in dust and the bins will bust” is a saying you’ll hear in corn country but the truth is more nuanced. Harvest has officially reached the end throughout the corn belt according to the USDA which reports yields in Nebraska are up.

After a year when wildfires and drought devastated many it's quite a turnaround and Sherry Vinton, Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture says modern genetics and precision technology deserve credit. “Our crops are actually a pretty good average yield for corn and soybeans. When you think this drought is severe as it was in the 1930s and we're still bringing in above average crop in yield, that's amazing,” she said.

Overall, total corn production in the Cornhusker State isn't a record but isn't far off. Economists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln say farm income is ticking up, however they're quick to point out the cost of raising a crop is also up. Fertilizer and fuel came down from the previous year but remain significant expenses. and several other categories rose including taxes, labor, and rent.

For the full article click HERE