Ag and the High Plains Aquifer: Managing Water Use in Midwest Agriculture

Ag and the High Plains Aquifer: Managing Water Use in Midwest Agriculture

From On Life and Land by John Deere

May 5, 2026 · 34 min · Season 3 · Episode 7

About this episode

This episode discusses the management of water use in Midwest agriculture, focusing on the High Plains Aquifer and its sustainability challenges.

The High Plains Aquifer plays a critical role in supporting U.S. agriculture—but how is it changing over time? In this episode, we speak with Dr. James Butler , senior hydrologist at the University of Kansas, to examine current trends in aquifer levels, the factors influencing water use, and what the data tells us about long-term sustainability. 💧 In this episode, we explore: Key drivers behind High Plains Aquifer depletion The relationship between irrigation practices and groundwater levels Regional differences in water availability across the Midwest Ongoing research and strategies to improve water efficiency What sustainable water management could look like moving forward This episode offers a data-driven look at groundwater management, agricultural sustainability, and resource planning —valuable for producers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of food systems.

People in this episode

Host: John Deere

Guest: Dr. James Butler

Topics covered

  • water management
  • agriculture
  • sustainability
  • groundwater
  • irrigation practices
  • resource planning

Keywords

  • High Plains Aquifer
  • water use
  • agriculture
  • sustainability
  • groundwater levels
  • irrigation
  • water efficiency
  • Midwest agriculture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Kansas

Places: High Plains Aquifer, Midwest, U.S.

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