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Irrigated Land Vegetables

Prepared by Dr. Alexander D. Pavlista, Extension Specialist in Potato, Department of Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Panhandle Research and Extension Center © 2000. The following is a list of vegetable and vegetable-use fruit crops grown in Nebraska under sprinkler and furrow irrigation. The major vegetables grown are dry edible bean and potato.

Existing Crops (> 10,000 acres)		Crop Information Links
Dry Edible Bean	Dry bean is the major vegetable grown in Nebraska. It is grown under center-pivot (60%) and furrow (40%) irrigation. The Nebraska Panhandle and the South-West corner are the major production areas. Great Northern, Pinto and Light Red Kidney are the principle types produced. Nebraska ranks third in US production.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Potato	As the second major vegetable crop in Nebraska, potato is grown almost exclusively under center-pivot irrigation. Production areas are the Panhandle (seed and chip), South-West (fresh market), South-Central (chip) and North-Central (fresh market and some fry). Nebraska ranks 10^th in fall/summer production and has experienced substantial growth during the past decade.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Popcorn	Popcorn is grown mostly under center-pivot irrigation as a rotation crop in the East. Some acreage is for seed but much is processed, pre-popped and seasoned. Yields are among the highest in the nation.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Alternate Crops (100 - 10,000 acres)
Sweet Corn	Sweet corn is the major vegetable directly marketed to consumers by growers. Outlets are farmer's markets and road-side stands. It is grown across the State using furrow or garden irrigation. Highest yields recorded in the Panhandle.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Onion	Onion has been grown for major markets at various times. Yields have been highest in the Panhandle but percent premiums have been best in the East. Overall yields in Nebraska exceed national average. Marketing and transportation are key problems.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Cucumber	Cucumber is grown for pickle processing as well as fresh market in the North-East.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Melons	Muskmelon (cantaloupe) and watermelon are grown for the fresh market and primarily in the East. They are usually sold along road-side stands and farmer's markets.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Pumpkin	Small acreage of pumpkin are grown around State near population centers and sold fresh to markets for Halloween.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Asparagus	Grown for the fresh market, asparagus is produced mostly along the Missouri River.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Sweet Potato	Grown for the fresh market, sweet potato is produced mostly along the Missouri River.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Experimental Crops (< 100 acres)
Carrot	Carrot is grown for both processing and fresh market in the Panhandle. Yield and quality has exceeded national averages.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Tomato	Tomato is grown only for fresh market mostly along the Platte and North Platte Rivers (Panhandle and South). Direct-seeded tomato has out yielded transplants.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Pea	Pea has the greatest potential based on yield in the Panhandle and South-West. Early planting would be needed to avoid July heat.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Lima Bean	Yield trials on lima bean show highest yields in East and Center of State.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Broccoli	Grown for frozen processing.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Cauliflower	Grown for frozen processing.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Pepper	Grown for frozen processing.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Lettuce	Grown for local fresh markets.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Cabbage	Grown for local fresh markets.	Nebraska	NewCROP
Spinach	Grown for local fresh markets.	Nebraska	NewCROP

This list of vegetable and vegetable-use fruit crops was prepared by Dr. Alexander D. Pavlista, Extension Specialist in Potato, Department of Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Panhandle Research and Extension Center © 2000. Questions related to these plants should be addressed to Dr. Pavlista at apavlista1@unl.edu.