July 2025 • Nebraskaland 35
would allow rain to penetrate more deeply. Plowed land
would soak up rain like a sponge. The broken sod would
slowly evaporate moisture, which would create more rain. In
the words of another writer, "rainfall follows the plow."
Railroads and town boosters had a strong incentive
to promote Nebraska's land and climate, and they were
enthusiastic for this new, scientifi c-sounding explanation.
The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad even paid a
stenographer to record Professor Aughey's speeches, printing
them as pamphlets to be distributed as far away as Europe.
"Using all the farm for crops — plowing corn in door yard." Custer County, 1888. Photo by Solomon D. Butcher. NSHS RG2608-0-2023S
the Plow
