http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

North Dakota’s hay season is nearly done, according to a North Dakota State University Extension rangeland specialist. Hay production ranged from 50% of normal yield in the better parts of the state to no hay in the north central part of the state. He stated that on average, hay production was about one-third of normal production. AgWeek (Fargo, N.D.), July 1, 2021 Most North Dakota livestock producers were short on forage. Tame grass pastures or hay land should expect half or less of normal production, while areas of exceptional drought may see production of 25% at best. The limited forage production will shorten the grazing season, ending it in the summer rather than in the fall. “Unfortunately, the window for forage production is closing,” said a North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. “In North Dakota, our grasslands are dominated by cool-season grasses. As a result, about 80% of forage growth occurs due to precipitation occurring between April 1 and June 30.” NewsDakota (Valley City, N.D.), June 15, 2021 North Dakota forage production is expected to be down 20% to 25% with normal spring precipitation, according to North Dakota State University Extension’s range specialist, as May and June rain is crucial for grass growth, particularly after a dry fall. If precipitation is below normal, forage losses may range from 35% to 55%. Williston Herald (N.D.), March 23, 2021 Drought stress in fall 2020 killed North Dakota’s cool season grass tillers, slowing plant development in spring 2021. As a result, ranchers should expect a delay in grass development in spring 2021, according to an Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. If pastures are not allowed to recover, forage production may be down at least 20% to 25% in 2021. Early grazing will reduce pasture production even further. Sidney Herald (Mont.), March 18, 2021