Steve Sibray, hydrogeologist, Conservation and Survey Division. Under drought conditions, large reductions in rainfall lead to measurable increases in the amount of water pumped from aquifers. The resulting water shortages increase the potential for conflicts between domestic and agricultural water use and between groundwater and surface water users. What different kinds of groundwater resources are available and how sensitive are these aquifers to drought? How reliable is your aquifer?

Chuck Hibberd, director, Panhandle Research and Extension Center. How will farmers and ranchers deal with extended drought? Will urban residents and city government respond? How will changes in the ag economy affect retail and agribusiness?

Manage Stress - Physically, Mentally and Financially
The stress of dealing with difficult situations can take a toll on the physical, emotional and financial well-being of you and your family. Coping strategies to help manage stress from the drought and other difficult situations will be shared. Presenters: Linda Boeckner, Kathy Bosch, Cathy Johnston, University of Nebraska.

Retail Business Expectations and Strategies
How has the 2002 drought impacted retail business? How will extended drought impact consumer spending? Will the drought impact consumer debt in the ag sector? Panel members: Gary Person, City of Sidney; Karen Anderson, Scottsbluff-Gering Chamber of Commerce; Paul Burgener, University of NE; Don Roth, Platte Valley Companies.

Agricultural Service Industry Strategies
The past year has been challenging for the agricultural service sector. Will 2003 present even greater challenges? If the drought persists, it likely will. The panel will discuss alternative strategies to deal effectively with an extended drought. Panel members: Dan Carter, Farm Credit Services of America; Bill Siegel, Jirdon Ag; Owen Palm, 21st Century Equipment; Dillon Feuz, University of NE.

Urban Water Use
Community leaders focus on potential water shortages and the resultant impact on urban residents. Information will be shared concerning the long-term implications of well drilling moratoriums on municipal water supplies in western Nebraska. Discussion will target water quality and quantity for high priority domestic uses (drinking, cooking, bathing) along with compatible alternatives to high water use landscapes (irrigated lawns, golf courses) in an effort to make our towns more “water-wise”. Panel members: Gary Person, City of Sidney; Gary Gerhard, City of Torrington; Pat Heath, City of Gering, Ron Cacek, North Platte NRD.

Land Use and Quality of Life Downwind and Downstream
Panel members focus on the “why-to-do” aspects of how proactively managing farmland, woodland, wetland, or rangeland to improve quality of life at home, downwind and downstream. The geographic scale of our home environment goes well beyond property lines, especially during drought. Learn how time-tested land management practices improve your quality of life. Panel members: Brad McKinney, US Fish and Wildlife; Doak Nickerson, district and University of NE extension forester; Pat Reece, rangeland ecologist, University of NE.