The 2017 Northern Plains drought sparked wildfires, destroyed livestock, and reduced agricultural production. Neither the drought’s swift onset nor its severity were forecasted. In May 2017, the region was mostly drought-free, and at least average summer precipitation was forecasted. By July 2017, North Dakota, South Dakota, eastern Montana, and the Canadian prairies were experiencing severe to

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Agricultural producers are encouraged to share drought impact information through the Drought Impact Reporter, part of the National Drought Mitigation Center. The Reporter allows producers to report local drought impacts and conditions. The tool was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric