Historic North Dakota Snow, Rain Storms Create New Challenges for Farmers and Ranchers

Many would think back-to-back blizzards and torrential rains in drought-stricken North Dakota would come as a positive sign. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, however, reports that’s not exactly the case, with many areas becoming drier and the already-wet areas socked with more moisture. Snowfall totals during the unusual April 12-14 storm reached over 2.5 feet in some areas, with 60 mph winds in others.

The storms have also caused challenging and heartbreaking conditions for ranchers in the middle of calving season, causing stress and vulnerability to illness to cows and calves. Livestock losses are not known at this point until snow starts to melt in impacted areas of the state.

Read more on the historic April storms.