Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring announced on Mar. 23 that the North Dakota Department of Agriculture has activated the Hay Hotline for Rancher Relief to help neighboring states facing drought and wildfires.
The initiative comes as Nebraska reports more than 800,000 acres burned in major wildfires, which have destroyed hayland, pasture, rangeland, and stored hay. This situation has left many ranchers without grazing land or feed for their livestock. “Major wildfires have burned more than 800,000 acres in Nebraska alone, impacting significant amounts of hayland, along with pasture and rangeland,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “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,” Goehring said.
Those wishing to assist can contact the Hay Hotline at 701-328-5110 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with voicemail available after hours. The department will share this information with Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture so it may be listed on their own Hay and Forage Hotline. Alternatively, people may reach out directly to Nebraska’s hotline at 800-831-0550 or submit information online at https://bit.ly/ndadonationsupplies.
Individuals seeking hay can use a self-service map provided by North Dakota at www.ndda.nd.gov/hay-hotline-rancher-relief.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture supports residents by promoting and regulating agriculture across the state according to its official website. The department operates divisions such as animal health and food safety while working within state government structures to benefit agricultural practices.
By activating this resource-sharing program during regional crises like wildfire emergencies, officials hope to foster collaboration among producers while safeguarding essential resources.
