BISMARCK - Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has activated the Hay Hotline for Rancher Relief as neighboring states are experiencing drought and wildfires.

"Major wildfires have burned more than 800,000 acres in Nebraska alone, impacting significant amounts of hayland, along with pasture and rangeland," said Agricultural Commissioner Doug Goehring. "Ranchers in the affected areas have lost both pasture for grazing but also stored hay and need assistance. North Dakota producers who have hay for sale or donation, or those who can offer drylot cattle management or pasture, can call the hotline to be placed on the map," Goehring said.

There are two options for those wanting to help:

• The Hay Hotline for Rancher Relief may be reached at 701-328-5110, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers can also leave a message on evenings and weekends. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture will provide this information to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to list on their Hay and Forage Hotline.
• The Nebraska Department of Agriculture may be reached directly at 800-831-0550 or by filling out the form at https://bit.ly/ndadonationsupplies.

Those seeking hay may also use the self-service Hay Hotline for Rancher Relief map at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/hay-hotline-rancher-relief.