South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard has activated the Drought Task Force to monitor the expanding areas of drought in the state. South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Jodie Anderson says conditions are deteriorating due to heat, winds and lack of moisture. She says as a result, some cattle producers have been forced to cull their herds.

She says pastures are in tough shape and forage supplies are tight due to both the drought and the snow this past winter.

Anderson says her group is working with the Drought Task Force and any producer needing help can contact the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association office.

She encourages producers to report conditions so they can monitor the drought and that can be done via a link on the Cattlemen’s website or Facebook page.