Ranchers in the Dakotas have been facing varying levels of drought over the last few years.
While the two states saw light precipitation this past week, both areas are still primarily filled with abnormal and moderate drought levels.
The U.S. Drought Monitor estimates 28,000 people in South Dakota are in a drought and 71,000 in North Dakota.
To avoid a lack of forage, wildfires, and even reduce livestock performances, Extensions in the Dakotas have created online planning tools. The Rangeland Analysis Platform highlights pastures on a satellite map to help you calculate end-of-season forage estimates. The South Dakota Mesonet compares the current year’s precipitation to a 30-year average and allows you access to past climate and soil moisture records.
The North Dakota State University Extension publications can help you work through conditions by suggesting alternative feedstuffs and managing ranch stress.
