FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Mild conditions in December enabled North Dakota ranchers to graze livestock on corn stalks, helping preserve hay and forage supplies, the Agriculture Department said Wednesday in its monthly crop and weather report.
However, more snow was needed to provide protection for alfalfa and winter wheat, officials said. Statewide average snow cover was 5.4 inches, thanks mostly to a snowstorm late in the month.
As of Dec. 31, snow cover protection for alfalfa was rated 41 percent poor, 33 percent adequate and 26 percent excellent, the report said.
Cattle conditions were rated 80 percent good to excellent. Seventy-three percent of the sheep herd was in those two categories.
Hay and forage supplies were rated 77 percent adequate or surplus.
