DROUGHT

As of early November 2022, over 92% of North Dakota is in a moderate to severe drought compared to 65% in 2020.

Cow-calf producers had plenty of time to bring cattle from summer pastures, to shelter around farmsteads and to fenced corn stubble fields for late grazing prior to winter. Northeast South Dakota farmer Wally Knock said he has plenty of feed despite a dry late summer.

WDAY Chief Meteorologist John Wheeler said that had such conditions existed in June and July "it would have been tragic" for crops in the region. But coming at this point in the fall, negative impacts have been greatly reduced, said Wheeler, who added that one thing gardeners may want to do is provide young trees with a hardy watering before things freeze up.

"Growing Together" columnist Don Kinzler spends time with North Dakota’s Cass County Soil Conservation District, which is tasked with planting tree windbreaks and establishing conservation measures throughout the county.

North Dakota has finally left severe drought status due to the spring storm events. However, parts of South Dakota are still in extreme drought status and are in need of moisture.

"Fielding Questions" columnist Don Kinzler also answers questions about spraying newly seeded grass and dealing with quackgrass in raspberries.

Quaal Dairy in Otter Tail County sold off most of its herd in April. Vernon Quaal says the 2021 drought drastically cut into its feed supply and the rising prices for feed made maintaining the 300 cow herd unstainable. Quaal says many dairies are suffering. But he is determined to build back up, with a crop of bred heifers ready to calve in September.

"Growing Together" columnist Don Kinzler says the generous spring moisture has helped, but some lawn damage from 2021 could still be present as the summer begins.

A series of storms brought around 4 feet of snow to some parts of the region. While the storm and its aftermath continue to stress ranchers and cattle, there is optimism that it spells the beginning of the end of a dry cycle.