Oil Field Impacts On Cattle Part Of MonDak Ag Days Presentation

Until very recently, we’ve considered the MonDak a pastoral area, with agriculture playing the major role in the economics of the region. That has all changed in the blink of an eye, as oil continues to make larger and larger inroads in this formerly rural culture. With two very different industries, oil and agriculture, both using the land, problems can arise. Oil and agriculture don’t always cohabitate peacefully; misunderstandings arise, spills and accidents may happen that contaminate water or grazing land, and other incidents can occur that have landowners and oil companies at odds with each other.

To address the impacts of oil production on pasture land and to inform landowners of their rights as well as discuss the rules and regulations already in effect, the Ag Days committee has invited Dr. Michelle Mostrom, NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab veterinary toxicologist, and Dr. Jon Ayers, NDSU veterinary pathologist, to discuss oilfield issues and livestock. Mostrom and Ayers will speak at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Richland County Fair Event Center.

“People are concerned about potential accidents, the impact of different contaminants, water contamination, and accidental releases and spills that affect water and grazing land,” Mostrom remarks. “These can be serious concerns, and depending where an incident happens, it can be a problem. The seriousness depends on the attitude of a particular oil company and its cooperation with ranchers and farmers. Spills in waterways are serious issues for multiple people, not just ranchers.”

She adds, “My focus at this presentation will be on agriculture and the cattle issues that occur with oilfield activity. I will give observations on my experiences in Alberta and in North Dakota. Dr. Ayers will discuss dust issues and associated pathology in domestic animals.”

Mostrom has seen serious problems, including spills and blowouts, and understands what can occur as a result. She has experience working in both Alberta, Canada, and in North Dakota, and says the two places are poles apart in how they tackle problems. “In Alberta, the province owns the mineral rights and makes the rules and regulations, so there is no individual input,” she remarks. “In North Dakota, individuals can have mineral rights, there are regulations in place, and individuals do have a say. Oil is well regulated in North Dakota, while in Alberta it is regulated to some extent. A cooperative attitude is everything, and a little cooperation goes a long way.”

She continues, ‘The biggest issues are accidents and spills. Individuals need to know the rules and regulations and they need to stand up for themselves. If legislation is in place, the process works well. North Dakota is very good about follow up and in its efforts to help ranchers. Ranchers know the legislation and they know what has to be done. People need to have knowledge of the rules to prepare themselves and to know what may happen.”

Everyone wants to minimize impacts on the environment and on the farms, but that desire sometimes becomes lost during boom times. “When we have an industry exploding so rapidly, along with the movement of the product increasing, people do get impacted,” Mostrom notes. “There is a definite change in culture with people moving in. We’ve lost our pastoral background and we may never get it back. Those with mineral rights may be compensated, but those without mineral rights lose.”

Mostrom and Ayers will give a pertinent, interesting talk regarding oilfield issues on cattle. This will be a presentation well worth attending.