“In this season of giving, it’s appropriate to recognize all those who have given generously to help the ranchers in McKenzie County.” That’s how I began a commentary written 25 years ago on Dec. 8, 1999. On Nov. 1 of that year, range fires fanned by a 75-mile-per-hour wind burned over 80,000 acres of land in that county. Hay, many miles of fence and some buildings were also destroyed.
“Eerily similar” is how one rancher compared that fire to the one this year, although the fires this year, in early October, were worse. In both instances, a wet spring had resulted in abundant grass. But a dry fall meant there was plenty of fodder for the flames. An estimated 120,000 acres burned this year, with wind clocked at nearly 80 miles per hour. The area east of Watford City that burned in 1999 burned again this year. But this year, a handful of fires broke out on one day in the northwestern part of the state. Ranchers lost cattle, fall grazing, winter hay supplies, fences and outbuildings. Two people died.
After the 1999 fire, relief efforts began almost immediately. Thousands of bales of hay were donated, along with fencing materials and money. Ranchers who lost pastures, but had hay, offered it to those who had none. A cattle industry spokesman said those on the receiving end were overwhelmed by the support, adding, “That’s typical of farmers and ranchers, banding together when times are tough.”
And so, it was again this year. Stockmen’s groups have coordinated the donations of several hundred thousand dollars, many thousands of bales of hay, along with fencing materials. Many other organizations and individuals have donated as well. One of those helping coordinate the effort said, “We believe in neighbor helping neighbor.” It is the season of giving again. And time to recognize that generosity again.
As I looked for that commentary from 1999, I found the one from a week later. On Dec. 15, I wrote about “a long overdue upturn in the cattle market.’’ People were wondering if it would last. It’s interesting how history sometimes repeats itself.
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Al Gustin is a retired farm broadcaster, active rancher and a member of Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative.
