Nearly two weeks prior to the first day of winter, we have seen snow, ice and freezing conditions across the Third District. While precipitation is needed to relieve Nebraska’s fourth-driest year on record, and snowfall may have many dreaming of a white Christmas, colder-than-average temperatures are expected to accompany historically high energy costs this winter.

Energy is an outsized operational expense for agriculture producers. Elevated input costs are taking a toll on farmers and ranchers working hard to feed and fuel the world. Diesel prices are about $1.20 higher per gallon in Neb...