Heat wave prompts Stutsman County ranchers to watch livestock water, shade

An extreme heat warning covered Stutsman County and Jamestown as temperatures climbed into the mid-90s, with the National Weather Service forecasting heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees. Jamestown reached 95 degrees Monday, July 13, and 96 degrees Tuesday, July 14, putting extra pressure on livestock water, shade and daily handling schedules.

Alicia Harstad, North Dakota State University extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Barnes County, warned ranchers to watch water sources closely and make sure animals have shade when possible. High temperatures can trigger heat stress in livestock the same way they do in people, and animals may begin panting when they struggle to regulate body temperature. NDSU’s heat-event guidance recommends limiting necessary livestock handling to early morning hours.

Stutsman County agriculture remains a major part of the local economy. USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture county profile shows 926,595 acres of cropland and 195,390 acres of pastureland. The same profile shows 87% of agricultural sales came from crops and 13% from livestock, poultry and products.

Harstad also warned that ranchers need to think beyond how much water is available and pay attention to water quality. In drier areas, nitrate and sulfate levels can rise, and blue-green algae can become a concern. Water samples can be sent to a veterinary diagnostic lab when producers suspect a problem with a less-rainy water supply. Water is an important but often overlooked nutrient, and clean, good-quality water can improve intake and production.

The National Weather Service in Bismarck included Jamestown and nearby south-central North Dakota communities in the warning, with afternoon heat index values as high as 100. Forecast discussion indicated the hottest conditions would continue across southern North Dakota through Thursday, with overnight lows only around 65 to 70.