Fire and drought reduce 2025 forage

By Scout Nelson

In 2024, North Dakota experienced severe wildfires that burned over 110,000 acres, including the Ray/Tioga wildfires, which affected nearly 89,000 acres of rangeland, cropland, and hay land. These fires are the most significant since 1999 when a Halloween fire burned over 70,000 acres.

This year's wildfires combined with an ongoing severe drought will greatly impact the region’s forage production in 2025. Experts predict a 30-40% reduction in forage production, with an additional loss of 10-20% if the drought persists. In 1999, forage production dropped 39% the following year. Forage decline could reach 40-60% in 2025 if conditions don’t improve.

Impacts of the fire on the plant community vary. While warm-season grasses tend to recover and produce more biomass, cool-season grasses suffer and lose vigour. Some flowering plants may increase, while others may not.

Certain woody species will be affected; trees like conifers, cedar, and pines are unlikely to survive fire. However, deciduous trees like green ash, box elder, and American elm can sprout new growth from their roots.

Ranchers in the region are advised to defer grazing until mid to late summer to allow plant recovery. Reduced forage production may require lower stocking rates and careful management.

The wildfires are expected to benefit native plants and reduce invasive grasses temporarily. Fire could improve soil diversity, increasing resilience against future droughts and fires. Ranchers should avoid reseeding and focus on adaptive grazing practices.

While these wildfires negatively impact forage production in the short term, careful management will support long-term plant health and rangeland recovery.

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