North Dakota is going through one of its worst droughts in history and agriculture groups are stepping up with drought assistance. The North Dakota Stockmens Association, along with their Foundation, have established the Hope for the Heartland Drought Relief Fund. Stockmens Executive Director Julie Ellingson says they’ve received financial gifts their putting into a fund that producers can apply for.

She says applications for drought relief are due by the end of this year and assistance will be sent out in early 2018.

North Dakota Corn Growers Association President Carson Klosterman says they’re helping out by asking their members to provide free or low cost corn stalk bales or corn grazing to livestock producers.

He says earlier producers had to cut their wheat for hay and the need for feed is still growing. Klosterman says corn growers are in a position to help.

Anyone wanting to help with drought relief efforts can contact the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, Corn Growers or North Dakota State University. Details are on their websites.