CARRINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Livestock and cattle producers continue to battle drought conditions in North Dakota.

The Foster County Soil Conservation District has been encouraging those affected by the drought conditions to start thinking ahead to next year.

Dionn Schaff is the District Manager for the Foster County District.

Recovery periods in a normal year typically range between 30 to 45 days, but in this abnormal year, it’ll take some time for plants to recover.

Schaff says it’s important to start planning for next year by taking precautions this year where possible this fall. She offered some options for area producers.

Schaff says they encourage anyone to contact the NRCS office with questions or discuss grazing options with your herd.

She also discussed some of the upcoming application deadlines including the NRCS EQIP program due September 24th. Two deadlines are coming up for state tree planting programs including the North Dakota Conservation Districts Tree Planting initiative through the Outdoor Heritage Fund due August 23rd and the North Dakota Forest Service windbreak renovations program due by August 31st.

For more information, contact the Foster County Soil Conservation District at (701) 652-2551 extension 3.

Listen to a full interview with Dionn Schaff below: