North Dakota Approves $2 Million Drought Water Aid

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota is expanding drought assistance for livestock producers as extremely dry conditions continue across the state.

Governor Kelly Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring joined the State Water Commission in activating a livestock water supply assistance program.

The program provides $2 million in cost share funding for producers who need to improve water supplies for their animals. The support is intended to address immediate drought problems while helping ranchers prepare for future dry conditions.

“This July ranked as one of the hottest and driest on record in North Dakota, putting enormous strain on livestock producers who are just trying to keep their herds watered and fed and their operations afloat,” Armstrong said. “Today’s action supports producers who want to invest in water projects that will help them through the current drought and make their operations more resilient against future droughts. Our agencies will continue to explore every option for relief as drought conditions persist.”

North Dakota experienced its sixth-warmest July on record, with an average high temperature of 86.9 degrees. July also ranked as the 12th-driest on record, with average rainfall of only 1.25 inches. Many areas received less than one inch.

“The drought has dried up livestock dams that producers usually depend on for grazing, and water quality has been a serious concern,” Goehring said. “The actions taken today will provide more permanent solutions and mitigate drought impacts for livestock producers in the future.”

Eligible projects include new wells, rural water connections, pipeline extensions, pasture taps, and related work. Producers can receive up to 65% of eligible costs, with a maximum of $10,000 per project. Each producer can receive support for up to three projects.

The program is available in counties with severe drought conditions and qualifying nearby counties and tribal nations. Producers can contact the Department of Water Resources for eligibility and application information.

The state has also activated a hay hotline to help producers find additional feed supplies. Federal programs, including emergency haying and grazing, water conservation assistance and livestock disaster support, are also available.

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