BISMARCK, N.D. (ND Stockman’s Association) – As North Dakota ranchers dig out after a historic October blizzard ravaged the state, dumping well over two feet of snow in some areas over the past weekend, it’s likely they could discover some livestock wandered with the storm.

They might find that some of their animals are missing or that someone else’s animals are mixed in with theirs.

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) is committed to helping reunite missing animals with their owners. In addition to its regular “missing livestock report,” the NDSA will also be compiling a “found livestock report” to help match up owners and their animals. The reports will be posted on the NDSA’s website, www.ndstockmen.org, and Facebook page.

To report lost or found animals, producers can call (701) 223-2522, e-mail jellingson@ndstockmen.org or bnorthrop@ndstockmen.org or post the information on the NDSA’s Facebook page. The more information producers can provide, the better, said Julie Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president. “Information such as the number, sex, age, color and breed type of animals, brands and/or other identifying marks, where the animals were seen or last seen and the owner’s or reporter’s name and phone number will be very helpful.”

The NDSA’s brand inspection team will also assist in helping identify animals.

“This has been a devastating storm for so many farm and ranch families across the state,” Ellingson said. “We continue to pray for our producers and will do all we can to help bring any missing livestock home.”

The NDSA is a 90-year-old cattle producers’ trade organization that works to unite, protect, promote, educate and serve North Dakota’s beef industry.