Hay Hotline Activated Amid Dry Conditions Across North Dakota

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota has activated its Hay Hotline to help livestock producers manage forage needs as dry conditions affect parts of the state. Areas experiencing abnormally dry conditions and moderate to severe drought may face challenges finding enough hay and pasture for livestock.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is encouraging producers to use the Hay Hotline when they need hay or have hay, pasture, or hayland available.

“Ranchers who need hay, or those with hay to sell or with pasture or hayland to rent may use our online form and map, or give us a call,” Goehring said. “Your name and information will be added to the Hay Hotline map for other producers to find nearby forage resources.”

The program provides a way for producers to connect with nearby forage resources. Producers looking for available hay, pasture, or hayland can check the self-service Hay Hotline map. Those with resources to offer can submit their information through the online Hay Hotline form.

A dedicated Hay Hotline phone number is also available at 701-328-5110 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This service can provide another option for producers who need help finding forage during dry conditions.

Producers are also encouraged to report the effects of drought in their local areas. They can submit a Condition Monitoring Observer Report, known as CMOR, to the National Drought Mitigation Center. Reports can also be sent to local North Dakota State University Extension offices for submission.

“Submitting a report helps provide a better understanding of local drought impacts that may not be apparent in broader-scale climate data,” Goehring said. “The reports are used in developing the U.S. Drought Monitor map, which triggers federal and state drought assistance and response efforts.”

NDSU Extension recommends that producers submit reports once a week during the growing season. Regular reports help show changes in wet, dry, and normal conditions over time.

CMOR reports appear on a public map, but contact information is not shown without permission.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham