BISMARK, NORTH DAKOTA (RFD News) — A North Dakota program designed to connect producers with hay and forage resources is opening earlier than usual this year, as ranchers across the region deal with the aftermath of devastating wildfires.
State officials say the effort includes coordination with Nebraska to help supply feed to producers who have been impacted.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says the early opening reflects the severity of current conditions.
“We generally don’t open it this early,” Goehring said. “We’ve certainly had drought before in the spring in our neck of the woods. By May, you can tell if you aren’t going to have pasture and you’re short on feed and reserves, and you start to take some action.”
He added that this year’s situation is especially difficult due to wildfire damage in neighboring Nebraska.
“But this year, what a sad situation down in Nebraska with so many acres that have been impacted, so many livestock producers that have been hurt,” he said.
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue says the need for hay and relocation resources is urgent.
“The bottom line is we’ve got almost 50,000 cows that we’re going to have to find hay for, new homes for, and that has not been remedied,” McHargue said. “We may have the fires out, but now we have to deal with how do we move forward, and those are difficult conversations.”
The program is expected to provide critical support as ranchers work to recover in the weeks ahead.
