September 14, 2000

The University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES) has developed a Drought Information Web site to alert Wyoming residents to current drought conditions in Wyoming. The site contains up-to-date and accurate information and can be viewed at http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWCES/Drought.asp.

Recently, Governor Geringer declared Wyoming a disaster area due to the summer drought and wildfires sweeping through the state. Wyoming producers have suffered economically as their crops are decreasing in both quality and quantity due to drought conditions. Livestock and this year’s forage supply have been lost due to drought or the associated wildfires.

"There are many Wyoming residents who are facing survival as agricultural producers," said Don Christianson of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. "They have suffered with extremely low prices for both livestock and crops. Many operators work on the brink of economic survival, and the drought could push these producers beyond the point of continuing to survive as a farm or ranch operation."

"There always will be uncertainty regarding rainfall and the associated variability of market prices," said Tom Thurow, head of the College of Agriculture Department of Renewable Resources. "Drought response, therefore, must focus on things the manager can do to reduce risk associated with drought. The UW CES Web site provides practical information to help people cope with drought."

For example, articles such as Drought Associated Livestock Diseases, written by UW CES Veterinarian Lynn Woodard, deal with recognizing and treating specific drought-induced diseases, including cow asthma and bovine respiratory disease. Other publication links detail livestock operations during a drought. Topics such as Cattle Management During Drought, Emergency Rations for Wintering Beef Cows and Beef Cattle Feed Management During a Drought are featured.

The site also contains information on how to request county disaster designation and the list of members on the Wyoming Drought Management Task Force.

Only nine counties have submitted damage assessment reports so far to the State Farm Service Agency. Producers interested in submitting a damage assessment request should contact their local Farm Service Agency. People without Internet access should call their county Wyoming Emergency Management Agency, Farm Service Agency or local UW Extension Office for information.