BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Drought conditions are getting worse in western North Dakota.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map released Thursday shows much of northwestern North Dakota, or about 17% of the state, is in extreme drought, the Bismarck Tribune reported. It’s the first time this year any part of the state has been classified in that category.
The rest of the western two-thirds of the state is in severe drought. The eastern third is in moderate drought.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a partnership of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The National Weather Service predicts the state will see little to no precipitation over the next week or so. A storm system is developing in the Plains but looks as if it will track south and east of the state.
North Dakota State University Extension livestock specialists said ranchers should expect a delay in grass development this spring and as much as a 25% drop in forage production this year.
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson said the mild winter and little snow has helped ranchers save feed but they’re taking stock of their feed and cattle inventory as the grazing season approaches.
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