WATFORD CITY, ND — Farmers and ranchers in Western North Dakota are seeing heavy losses as wildfires continue to burn.
Firefighters are continuing efforts aimed at stopping the blazes, as they have ripped through over 110,000 acres as of Thursday evening according to North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. The impact of the fires on the ranching industry in Western North Dakota is enormous.
The last several days have been devastating in the western part of the state.” said ND Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson. “Not only do we have livestock losses, but we have burned fences, farmsteads, homes, even the loss of human life.”
Although the current loss totals are still being calculated, ranchers are attempting to locate animals to ensure they are not trapped by the flames. Those who do survive can later die due to smoke inhalation, illnesses caused by smoke, or lose hooves to burns. Others who are able to be sold can face debilitating injuries which directly hurt their market viability. A total head-count of the number of lost cattle is yet to be done.
Ellingson says the wildfires come at a difficult time for the meat markets, not only in North Dakota but across the nation. Due to low supply in the U.S., the fires hurt a population of cattle which were record setting in previous years. Now there will be reductions or even eliminations of whole herds, along with extensive property damage ranchers will need to take into account
The Stockmen’s Association has started a benefit fund for ranchers. You can find more information about wildfire disaster resources by clicking here.
