6 percent of state rated in exceptional drought.
Brief storms have done little to forestall drought conditions as excessive heat and persistent below-normal precipitation continue, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly report.
The Weather Underground recorded a trace amount of rain on Monday, .08 inch of rain Tuesday and .34 inch of rain Wednesday in Bismarck.
Chances for thunderstorms continue today and tonight with a quiet weekend anticipated by the National Weather Service in Bismarck.
Forty percent of the state’s spring wheat crop is in poor to very poor condition.
"Livestock producers facing forage shortages may be able to feed their cows canola, provided they take certain precautions," says Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension Service livestock environmental stewardship specialist.
The Extension Service also warns of a future seed shortage as a result of the drought.
"I’m encouraging growers to be aware of profit potential of carryover seed stocks.
Meanwhile, at the federal level, Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, was working today to garner more financial support in 2018 to aide farmers and ranchers whose operations are suffering from drought.
“This (proposed) legislation makes additional support available to areas struggling with drought, including funding to help move hay and livestock," he said of money earmarked for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish Program.