By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has activated the Hay Hotline for Rancher Relief to support neighboring states experiencing drought and wildfires.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said, “Major wildfires have burned more than 800,000 acres in Nebraska alone, impacting significant amounts of hayland, along with pasture and rangeland. Ranchers in the affected areas have lost both pasture for grazing but also stored hay and need assistance. North Dakota producers who have hay for sale or donation, or those who can offer drylot cattle management or pasture, can call the hotline to be placed on the map.”
The hotline provides two ways for producers and donors to connect:
- The North Dakota Hay Hotline can be reached at 701-328-5110 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and messages can be left during evenings or weekends. NDDA will share this information with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to update their Hay and Forage Hotline.
- The Nebraska Department of Agriculture can be reached directly at 800-831-0550, or donors can submit information through an online form at https://bit.ly/ndadonationsupplies.
Those seeking hay and resources can also access the self-service Hay Hotline map at www.ndda.nd.gov/hay-hotline-rancher-relief.
The hotline ensures that ranchers facing critical feed shortages have access to necessary resources. It encourages North Dakota producers with surplus hay, pasture, or drylot capacity to help affected neighbors, creating a coordinated support network across state lines. By connecting donors with ranchers in need, the Hay Hotline strengthens resilience in the livestock industry during extreme weather and fire events.
The program highlights North Dakota’s leadership in agricultural support and the importance of collaboration among states, ensuring ranchers can maintain their herds and sustain their operations through challenging conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Hay & Forage, Weather