North Dakota hay hotline activated for rancher relief

By Scout Nelson

In response to the difficult conditions faced by ranchers in North Dakota, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated the Hay Hotline to provide relief. Several counties in the state experienced severe drought, and some areas were devastated by wildfires, affecting many livestock operations.

“The Department’s Hay Hotline is an additional resource producers impacted by recent wildfires may use,” said Goehring.

The program helps ranchers in need of hay by connecting them with those who have available supplies. Ranchers can call the special hotline to get placed on the resource map and access support.

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association has also been actively helping ranchers impacted by the wildfires. "Many livestock are missing, either because they became disoriented in the smoke and fire and scattered, or because cattle got mixed together in the scurry of evacuating them to keep them out of harm’s way," they said. The association encourages anyone who finds or loses livestock to contact them for assistance.

State Veterinarian Ethan Andress emphasized the importance of working closely with veterinarians if livestock were near wildfires.

“Cattle impacted by wildfire and smoke are at increased risk of complications such as pneumonia,” said Andress. He also advised that ranchers handle livestock with care to reduce stress.

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is also offering support. “Local County offices of USDA Farm Service Agency stand ready to assist producers impacted by wildfires,” said FSA State Director Marcy Svenningsen.

For those seeking help or looking to donate, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and ND IBAND are currently accepting donations to support affected ranchers.

Photo Credit:north-dakota-stockmens-association