North Dakota
Spring planting season underway for western North Dakota farmers
FAIRVIEW, Mont. (KUMV) – The spring planting season is underway for many producers, including Adam Cayko, who farms a few miles east of Fairview.
“Everything is good so far. A healthy family, we’re able to keep planting, and keep farming. That’s all I can ask for,” said Cayko.
The former sugar beet farmer has had to try new crops following the closure of the Sidney Sugars plant last year. He’s planting corn, spring wheat and soybeans again, as well as adding canola for the first time.
“I know a few other guys that have some irrigated fields who had [canola] last year. They were happy with it, and they were going to be planting more acres of it this year, so I think that’s one of the things that made us jump to this. It’s also a crop we can combine early on,” said Cayko.
The biggest change Cayko says, is dealing with market prices instead of the contracted prices that came with beet growing.
“It’s up to you when you want to sell them, so that’s going to be the biggest learning curve going forward, but we got one year under our belt, and it went pretty well. We’re hoping to gain on that knowledge and keep moving forward,” said Cayko.
As is the case in western North Dakota and eastern Montana, moisture has been pretty hit or miss so far this year. Cayko says once these seeds are in the ground, he’s hoping to see some precipitation.
Cayko says he’s hoping to finish planting ahead of some expected rain showers this week.
Copyright 2024 KFYR. All rights reserved.
North Dakota
Bobcat implements fuel cells across two North Dakota production facilities
(WDAY Radio) — Bobcat is using innovative clean energy technology to help power both of its North Dakota plants.
Fuel cells convert natural gas into electricity and heat. The cells were produced by HyAxiom, and have supplied facilities across the country with similar energy options. While the plants don’t run entirely on the fuel cells, each one puts out around 460 kilowatt-hours of power, which makes a big difference and allow for the plants to largely supply for their own energy needs.
“We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions with the installation of these new stationary fuel cells,” said Mike Ballweber, president, Doosan Bobcat North America, in a statement to WDAY Radio. “This is just one example of our commitment to advancing our facilities today for a better tomorrow.”
The Bismarck plant has three cells, while the Gwinner plant has eleven.
North Dakota
Obituary for Leo Wolf at Feist Funeral Home
North Dakota
Smoke from Canadian wildfires affects air quality in North Dakota and neighboring states
DICKINSON — Wildfires in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, have intensified, leading to significant smoke drifting into North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and parts of Wisconsin, impacting air quality. Drought, strong winds, and warmer conditions have exacerbated these fires, creating a complex challenge for environmental and health agencies.
The most recent data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center Inc. counts a total of 130 active fires. 38 labeled “Out of Control,” and the majority a total of 81 labeled “Under Control.”
Meteorologist Michael Hollan from the Bismarck National Weather Service detailed how smoke from these northern fires is transported into the region by the jet stream, affecting both higher altitudes and ground levels depending on wind patterns.
Predicting the exact movement and density of smoke is challenging due to the dynamic nature of the fires and varying atmospheric conditions. “Forecasting the persistence of smoke is complex more than a day or two in advance,” Hollan noted, underscoring the unpredictable behavior of wildfires and their impact on air quality.
Local residents are advised to stay informed through the
North Dakota Department of Health and the Fire and Smoke Map
provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These resources offer updates on air quality, which is crucial for individuals with respiratory conditions or heart diseases, as PM2.5—fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke—can deeply penetrate lung tissue and exacerbate health issues.
Given the observed increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires due to climate change, such smoky conditions could become a more common occurrence. “There has been an overall increasing trend in the wildfire season, both the severity of it and the duration of it over the past few years,” stated Hollan.
He also suggested that this could be something people in the region might need to become more accustomed to, with potentially more smoky days than in the past.
For daily updates on smoke and air quality, North Dakotans should consult the North Dakota Department of Health’s website and the EPA’s Fire and Smoke Map, ensuring they have the latest information to make informed decisions about their health and safety during these recurring environmental events.
Manny is a journalist with a diverse background in communications. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, he earned his degree in the DFW area before venturing to New York City. There he worked as an ethnic media reporter, covering local issues and immigration news. A long history of dedication to sensitive reporting, Manny’s journalistic journey has led him to Dickinson where he takes on the role of a hard news reporter.
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