FARGO (AP) -- The heavy snow cover in North Dakota is causing concern for farmers and ranchers.
The Agriculture Department says in its latest crop, livestock and weather report that that average snow depth statewide at the end of last month was 24.3 inches, compared with 13.3 inches at the same time last year. The northeast part of the state has the most, at 33 inches.
Only 56 percent of county and secondary roads are open, with 33 percent rated difficult and 11 percent being closed. Road conditions are 53 percent drifted, 29 percent icy and only 18 percent dry.
The report says producers also are worried about the possibility of spring flooding.
Snow cover protection is rated 70 percent excellent for alfalfa and 67 percent for winter wheat.
