Drought has been and continues to be top of mind for the North Dakota livestock industry this year. From January-to-July, more than 148,000 cows have been moved in the state. This is an 18 percent increase compared to 2020 and a nearly 24 percent increase in inspections at auction markets. “Despite the record drought they’re facing, this is a group of very resilient and perseverant people,” said North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has he addressing the 92nd Annual North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Convention. Governor Burgum also stressed the importance of value-added agriculture. “It’s absolutely critical. There are new soybean processing plants coming online in the state because there is a big market for that oil and green diesel in our state. Sadly, right now, because we don’t have enough hog, poultry and other livestock consumers of soybean meal, that meal will probably leave the state on a railcar.” Burgum has shares more in this interview.
