By Scout Nelson
Spring weather conditions are creating challenges for ranchers across North Dakota during the 2026 grazing season. Cooler temperatures and limited rainfall are slowing forage growth and raising concerns about possible feed shortages for livestock operations. Dry conditions across many parts of the state are encouraging producers to carefully review grazing plans, feed inventories, and drought management strategies.
North Dakota State University Extension specialists highlighted that only 2% of the state is currently classified in drought conditions, while 9% is considered abnormally dry based on the U.S. Drought Monitor map released-on May 14. However, the entire state has received below-average precipitation during the last 60 days. Many areas received 50% or less of normal rainfall, while parts of McKenzie and Mountrail counties received less than 10% of normal precipitation levels.
“Unfortunately, we are now halfway through the period for optimal forage production,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension environmental stewardship specialist and disaster education coordinator. North Dakota grasslands are mainly made up of cool season grasses, and nearly 80% of forage growth depends on precipitation received between April 1 and June 30. Rainfall received during July and August contributes only 20% or less of total forage production potential.
Extension specialists explain that precipitation records can help ranchers estimate future forage production levels. For example, if rainfall between April and June reaches only 20% of normal levels, forage production may be reduced by about 80%.
“By comparing the current year’s precipitation for this time period with the median precipitation for the last 30 years at a specific location, ranchers can calculate the probability of receiving adequate precipitation for forage growth,” says Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist.
Grassy Butte normally receives 7.52 inches of precipitation between April and June but had received only 0.35 inches as of May 15. The area still needs 7.17 inches to achieve normal forage production. Historical records show the area received that amount only 4 times during the last 30 years, creating only a 13% chance of normal forage growth during 2026.
Ranchers are encouraged to evaluate alternative feed options, purchase hay supplies if necessary, monitor water quality, reduce stocking rates, prevent overgrazing, and consider annual forages if late season precipitation improves conditions. Specialists warn that delaying management decisions may increase financial risks and reduce available drought management options.
For more information about grazing management, visit ndsu.ag/grazing-26.
For more information about dry conditions, visit ndsu.ag/drought-26.
Photo Credit: library-igor-stevanovic
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Weather