Western Drought
About half of South Dakota, two-thirds of North Dakota and a quarter of Montana are in moderate drought or worse, according to U.S. Drought Monitor data as of June 20. In addition to the drought, wildfires are breaking out in the region. These three states are among the top 16 cattle producers and ranchers are in desperate need of hay. Ag Community Relief along with several other groups are arranging a large scale Hay/donation convoy to Fargo, ND on August 17th. This convoy is being organized to bring hay to the drought areas of North and South Dakota as well as the wildfire victims of Montana. We will have trucks leaving from all areas of Michigan. If you would like to Donate or volunteer please contact Theresa at 517-668-2676 or you can email us at Agcommunityrelief@gmail.com. More details will be available soon. Special edition shirts are now available in our online store to help raise funds for the western drought victims. Shirts may also be ordered via this form.
Travel Waivers for Trucks Hauling Hay
North Dakota - Waiver Declaration, Waiver Details
South Dakota - Waiver Declaration, Waiver Details
Nebraska - Waiver Declaration, Waiver Details
Minnesota - Waiver Declaration and Details
Wisconsin - Waiver Declaration and Details
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration - Declaration
If you would like to donate money to the ranchers affected by the wildfires in Montana you can:
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Send donations to Stockman Bank, c/o Lodgepole Complex Fire Relief Fund, PO Box 80850, Billings, MT 59108 (Stockman Bank will be matching donations up to $10,000)
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Send checks to the Garfield County Fire Foundation c/o Garfield County Bank PO Box 6, Jordan, MT 59337 (406-557-2201)
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Send checks to to Circle c/o Redwater Valley Bank, PO Box 60, Circle, MT 59215 (406-485-4782)
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Cash and credit card donations for fuel are accepted at Farmers Union Oil / Cenex in Jordan at 406-557-2215
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Cash and credit card donations are accepted at the Sand Springs Store 3198 Highway 200W (Sandy Gibson - 406-557-6144)
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Cash and credit card donations for fuel are accepted in Winnett at B&D Gas Station (406-429-5291)
For more information on the drought, check out the resources below:
Drought Hotline Website - includes hay sellers, pasture for rent, hay haulers and the drought monitor
North Dakota Hay Exchange Website