Posted 03/22/2021

North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Member Update: March 22, 2021

Stockmen’s Association and Foundation team up to support Lemmon fire victims

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) and North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) teamed up this month to support cattle-ranching neighbors in the Lemmon, S.D., area who were devastated by a wild fire in late January. The NDSA and NDSF donated $10,000 to the Windy Fire Relief effort to help the fire victims with their hay needs. 

“It’s been a challenging year for those in the beef industry,” said NDSA President Jeff Schafer, who ranches and feeds cattle with his family near New Rockford. “The destructive January blaze literally and figuratively added fuel to the fire for our neighbors to the south. These families continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.” 

The Lemmon Chamber of Commerce is administering the Windy Fire Relief program. Monetary donations can be written to Lemmon Area Charitable and Economic Development (LACED) with “Windy Fire Relief” written in the memo. The gifts can be sent to Dacotah Bank, 321 Main Ave., Lemmon, SD 57638. Dan O. Anderson is heading up the hay task force. If you wish to donate hay, contact him at dans@sdplains.com.

HAULS Act addresses hours-of-service concerns

The NDSA has endorsed the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act of 2021. Introduced by Sen. Fischer (R-NE), Sen. Tester (D-MT), Sen. Wicker (R-MS) and Sen. Smith (D-MN), the bipartisan bill would deliver much-needed flexibility for livestock haulers.

“Cattle producers are committed to keeping grocery stores stocked with beef. Livestock haulers are a critical component of the beef supply chain, and flexibility in livestock hauling regulations remains vital,” said NDSA President Jeff Schafer. “Our organization strongly supports this effort to provide livestock haulers with the flexibility they need to maintain the highest level of safety on the roads, transport livestock humanely and ensure beef remains available to consumers.”

Current hours-of-service (HOS) rules allow for 11 hours of drive time and 14 hours of on-duty time and then require 10 consecutive hours of rest. When transporting livestock, there is a real need for further flexibility beyond the current HOS. Unlike drivers moving consumer goods, livestock haulers cannot simply idle or unload their trucks when drive time hours run out without jeopardizing animal health and welfare, Schafer explained. This legislation is the latest of many steps the NDSA has taken to win greater flexibility for livestock haulers and producers. 

Cattle: The ultimate upcyclers

Every day, cattle graze and unknowingly turn natural resources like solar energy and pastureland into high-quality proteins and other invaluable products. They’re upcyclers that take otherwise useless materials, add nutritional and environmental value and transform them into something more. Check out (and share) this graphic with your friends and family to spread the amazing story of cattle, the ultimate upcyclers: Cattle Upcyclers

Mental health resources available

Help is available if you or someone you know is in need of emotional support as a result of farm and ranch stress. You are not alone, and help is as easy as dialing 211. The FirstLink Helpline provides confidential listening and support on a variety of topics, including financial assistance and mental health support. For help or to connect to available resources, dial the 24-hour helpline at 211 or (701) 235-7335 (SEEK). The 24-Hour Suicide Lifeline is (800) 273-8255 (TALK). Find FirstLink online here.