Pierre, SD (June 7, 2006) – South Dakota cattlemen know, and the U.S. Drought Monitor has confirmed, that part of north-central South Dakota is currently experiencing severe drought, a D2 designation on the U.S. Drought Monitor’s drought scale. The U.S. Drought Monitor ranks droughts in severity from D0, abnormally dry, to D4, exceptional drought. In addition to those South Dakota counties considered to be in severe drought, a broad strip of the state’s mid region is classified as being either abnormally dry or in moderate drought.
“Many South Dakota cattlemen are suffering a drought right now,” said Mike Stahly, South Dakota Cattlemen’s President. “Along with our day to day chores, we have to worry if our cattle will have enough feed and water to make it through the upcoming hot summer months.”
The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is listening to producer concerns regarding the dry conditions and is actively working to address these concerns with our Congressional delegation. SDCA Vice President Neal Ruhd is in WashingtonD.C. this week visiting with Senators Johnson and Thune and Representative Herseth about issues important to cattlemen, including drought relief for affected areas. Cattlemen are also encouraged to contact our Senators and Representative directly to share your concerns and suggestions regarding drought relief.
SDCA also reminds cattlemen that the South Dakota Department of Ag offers a complimentary Feed Finder Service. The Feed Finder Service is available for those looking for feed and those with feed available. Interested individuals can access the Feed Finder hotline at 605-773-5436 or 1-800-228-5254 contact your local county extension agent or the SDCA office at 605.945.2333 for additional information or visit their website at http://feedfinder.sdstate.edu:8080/
The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is working to advance the interests of South Dakota’s Cattlemen through the representation and promotion of the beef industry.