BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum and state Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring will continue their series of drought meetings next week with town hall events in Stanley and Beach, where state agencies will provide informational resources for farmers, ranchers and other North Dakotans impacted by extreme drought conditions.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor reported 82 percent of the state in some level of drought, including 43 percent in extreme or exceptional drought across much of western North Dakota. Recent widespread rainfall has benefited row crops and pastures, but drought effects are still being felt. As of Sunday, over half of the state’s topsoil moisture supplies were rated short or very short, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The first 30 minutes of each meeting next week will provide opportunities to speak with agency officials and pick up fliers, brochures and other information about assistance programs. The formal part of the meeting will begin around 5:30 p.m., with the governor and agriculture commissioner addressing those in attendance and taking questions.
Both meetings are open to the public and the press. Meeting times and locations are as follows:
Stanley
Time: 5-8 p.m. CDT Monday, Aug. 21
Location: Mountrail County South Complex, 8103 61st St. N.W.
Beach
Time: 5-8 p.m. MDT Thursday, Aug. 24
Location: Beach Community Center, 153 Main St.
For more information on drought and wildfires, visit www.ndresponse.gov.