The Elk Fire is burning 75,000 acres in Sheridan, Wyoming; farmers step in to help

Nearly 75,000 acres of land are up in flames across Wyoming. The Elk Fire has been burning since late September, and ag officials there say they need as much help as possible.

The ag community is coming together to help get cattle out of the affected areas, with lines of trucks on the road. Thousands of acres have burned since the fire began last month. Officials say nearly 700 firefighters are on the scene, and right now, they are focused on getting ahead of the fire.

Other states are stepping in to help. North Dakota’s Ag Commissioner has opened a “hay hotline.” Ranchers displaced by fire can call to request hay drops for hungry livestock.

If you were affected or know someone who was, you can call the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association at 701-223-2522 or CLICK HERE.

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“It is no secret that livestock grazing is a means of reducing those fine fuels on the ground.”
“The clean-up process is going to be a very, very long time. It’s not going to take months; it’s going to take probably years, if not longer than that.”
“The other fruits and veggie guys, they’re just kind of a wait-and-see type of position.”
“We find lots of public support when there is a natural disaster, but maybe a little bit less when people think prices are too low.”

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