(Watford City, ND) — Officials say agricultural-related losses from the North Dakota wildfires are “significant.” At a Monday news conference, North Dakota Agricultural Commissioner Doug Goehring said there are some people who have lost almost everything and many that have lost a lot, and they cannot be forgotten.
“There’s some people that lost almost everything, and many that lost a lot, so let’s not forget about them,” Goehring said. “Right now, we are asking for those that have a need to give us a call.”
Goehring announced that the Department of Agriculture has activated its Hay Hotline at (701) 328-5110 to provide relief to ranchers. The fires have scorched thousands of acres of cropland and killed or injured livestock. Pastures, stored feed, fencing and outbuildings have also been destroyed.
Julie Ellingson, Executive Vice President for the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, talked with us on Monday and stressed that it may be awhile before the full losses and impacts are fully known.
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If you are missing livestock in the aftermath of these disasters, please contact the NDSA at (701) 223-2522 or by emailing cward@ndstockmen.org or jellingson@ndstockmen.org to file a missing livestock report.
“People and livestock can be greatly impacted by wildfire,” said State Veterinarian Ethan Andress. “Producers are reminded to work closely with their veterinarian if livestock were near wildfire. Cattle impacted by wildfire and smoke are at increased risk of complications such as pneumonia. Moving and handling livestock should be done with caution and patience to minimize stress on these animals,” Andress said.
FSA State Director Marcy Svenningsen says, “Local County offices of USDA Farm Service Agency stand ready to assist producers impacted by wildfires. Please reach out to your county office for assistance.”
NDSU Extension is coordinating with state and federal partners to assess agricultural losses caused by the wildfires. Please reach out to your local NDSU Extension office if you were impacted.
Governor Doug Burgum is ordering North Dakota National Guard troops and airmen to help fight the wildfires burning in the western part of the state. It’s estimated that the wildfires have burned around 50-thousand acres.
You can also find a list of resources available online at https://www.ndstockmen.org/foundation/wildfiredisasterresources