PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- What little rain has fallen in 2021 has done little to mitigate drought conditions after producers had to deal with back-to-back years of excessive moisture.  Will Mortenson works cattle in northwest Stanley County where severe drought is noted on the U-S Drought Monitor.  Mortenson says concern with the drought for their operation comes if the drought extends into next year.

Mortenson says northern Stanley County is some of the worst conditions in South Dakota.

Mortenson says trying to keep herds together is one of the biggest challenges for cattle producers he’s talked with.

A band of D-3 Extreme drought is cutting through central South Dakota just south of the area Mortenson works cattle from the Philip area to north central South Dakota between the Missouri River and Aberdeen.