The Circle in the Barley
Nebraska Stories
Air Date: 01/15/2026
In the summer of 1996, a bizarre crop formation appeared in a ripe barley field near the town of Butte. It captured the attention of locals and investigators alike. A perfect circle. No footprints. No clear cause. Now, three decades later, those who remember the event revisit a mystery that remains unsolved. Was it natural? Man-made? Or, otherworldly?
An overhead view of the 1996 crop circle near Butte.
A bird's eye view of the crop circle in Kelly Reiser's barley field.
Kelly Reiser sits for his interview.
Former Boyd County Sheriff Duane Pavel reviews photos taken of the crop circle in 1996.
Producer
Kelly Rush