Comments on Nebraska opinions
David Barfield was very patient and politely responded to all questions. However, over half of the questions asked of Barfield were more statements than questions. Many were attempts to shift the blame to Kansas and in effect say, Kansas can’t complain about the low river because Kansas is just as guilty as Nebraska in drying up streams. There were many variations on this idea but many of the people in the audience were in denial that Kansas is in a position to force a shut down of Nebraska’s irrigation wells.
Barfield responded politely by pointing out that the US Supreme Court sided with Kansas and that it would be unwise for Nebraska to think Kansas won’t pursue all options available to obtain its water.
The meeting was useful if for no other reason than to make it clear to the farmers in southwest Nebraska that Kansas expects further reductions in allocations and the retirement of more acres and that it is not wise to ignore this demand.