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Burgum, state officials hear concerns from drought-stricken ranchers
By Sue Sitter - | Jun 26, 2021
Sue Sitter/PCT
Gov. Doug Burgum, right, presents drought statistics to a group of area ranchers and farmers at Rugby’s Coffee Cottage as State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, center, and Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann of the North Dakota National Guard look on.
Ranchers and farmers struggling with exceptional drought conditions filled a banquet room at Rugby’s Coffee Cottage June 17, sharing their stories with Gov. Doug Burgum and North Dakota water and ag officials.
The standing-room-only crowd spilled out into the hallway and parking lot of the restaurant as they listened to information on state programs that might help solve at least some of their problems. Most in the crowd said they owned livestock, while a few said they farmed in the area.
With 80% of the state in severe drought conditions and 16.9% of the state in extreme drought conditions, farmers in North Dakota are worried about their livelihoods. Lower snowfall and
Extended drought in North Dakota could threaten farmers this season
Dylan Sherman
BISMARCK Lower snowfall and rain this year has brought about drought conditions in North Dakota, which could be an issue for farmers in the spring.
North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said there are varying degrees of drought throughout the state.
“Central-west toward the northern part of the state is probably the most severe,” he said.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Index, 84.5% of North Dakota is dealing with a severe drought, up from 80.1% a week ago. Severe drought includes poor crop conditions, low soil moisture and low hay yields.