cattle

PSC Chairperson Is Running For Re-Election

Randy Christmann owns a Cattle Ranch Near Hazen, North Dakota

BISMARCK, ND — Randy Christmann is running for re-election to the North Dakota Public Service Commission. He has served as a PSC Commissioner since 2012 and is currently its chairperson. Christmann said that during his time as commissioner, North Dakotans have enjoyed some of the lowest utility rates in the nation. Prior to the PSC, Christmann served in the North…

Application Deadline for Hay Lottery Approaching

The hay will be distributed through a lottery drawing early next month

  NORTH DAKOTA — Time is running out for drought-impacted ranchers in the Northern Plains to apply for a hay lottery. The application deadline for ranchers in the Dakotas and Montana is Thursday. North Dakota’s Agriculture Department, NDSU and the Michigan-based nonprofit Ag Community Relief earlier this month announced the program to accept hay donations at a site near the…

Dakota Farmers Slammed by Worsening Drought Conditions

Experts told us some producers will feel the effects of this dry season for many years

LEONARD, ND — Farmers and ranchers in North Dakota are concerned about extreme drought conditions creeping into the eastern side of the state. Some Ag experts said we haven’t had drought conditions this bad since 2006. Last year’s harvest held an abundant yield for many North Dakota farmers. But with drought conditions and little rain, the same can’t be said…

It’s Opening Day at the Red River Valley Fair!

The drought is causing harsh living and working conditions in the western part of the state. KVRR'S Jackie Kelly contributed to this report.

WEST FARGO, ND — The Red River Valley Fair is an exciting summer activity in the metro that brings people from all over the state. But, the livestock exhibits and different animal shows did not have as large of a turn out this year. The Red River Valley Fair is back in West Fargo for the season, but the hot…

Drought Causing Increase in Livestock Killing Bacteria

Six livestock deaths caused by the algae are reported in North Dakota so far this year

FARGO, ND — The drought conditions are escalating algae which can kill livestock in five minutes if ingested. For rancher Roddy Grefsrud, it’s been a forgiving season in Hawley, Minnesota. “We got an inch and a half of rain Wednesday night,” said Grefsrud “We hope the pasture will come back a little bit. But otherwise, it hasn’t been bad.” But the…

Drought Conditions Hitting Farmers and Ranchers Hard Across the Region

A farm in Leonard is suffering from drought conditions

LEONARD, ND — Due to severe drought conditions in portions of the state, North Dakota lawmakers announced farmers and ranchers will receive emergency grazing acres. Drought conditions are affecting nearly a third of North Dakota. That’s a concern for Leonard farmer, Mark Nesemeier. “We have some subtle moisture, but we do have some late planted crops that had trouble coming up…

Horses and Cattle Returned to Gladstone Rancher Accused of Neglect

Last month, a veterinarian found some of Gary Dassinger's animals to be in poor shape

GLADSTONE, ND — Seventy horses and 20 head of cattle have been returned to a Gladstone, North Dakota rancher accused of abusing and neglecting them. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office began to seize the animals last week on a judge’s order. But another judge reversed the order. Last month, a veterinarian found some of Gary Dassinger’s animals to be in…

How Ranchers Keep Livestock Warm in Winter Storms

Ranchers say livestock deaths are "minimal" so far this winter season

Despite recent winter storms, North Dakota Ag officials say most of the state’s livestock made it through. Cattle specialist Carl Dahlen says most cows are not taken inside during harsh winter storms. He says this can be dangerous to the animals. The excessive body heat and moisture could cause the spread of pneumonia or other sicknesses. Ranchers use tree lines, walls…