BISMARCK – The Hay Hotline for Rancher Relief is not active, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced Monday.

“Several counties across the state were dry this year. Additionally, some areas have been impacted by wildfires,” Goehring said in a news release. “The department’s Hay Hotline is an additional resource producers impacted by recent wildfires may use. Producers and those in North Dakota who have hay can call the department’s special program number to talk to one of my staff and get placed on the map.”

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, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association said in the release. Ranchers who are missing livestock or have discovered animals that do not belong to them should contact the Stockmen’s Association.

“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.”

Local county offices of USDA Farm Service Agency also are assisting producers impacted by wildfires. North Dakota State University Extension is coordinating with state and federal partners to assess agricultural losses caused by the wildfires. Producers are asked to reach out to their local NDSU Extension offices if impacted.

North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and ND IBAND also are accepting donations.