PIERRE, S.D. (AP) State Agriculture Secretary Larry Gabriel says the state's Drought Task Force is preparing for another dry year just in case.

The U-S Drought Monitor shows most of the state in dry conditions, with the most severe conditions in the western half of the state.

Gabriel says the problem for a lot of ranchers is watering their cattle because stock dams and shallow wells are drying up.

Gabriel says the drought will end it's just a question of when.

(From Jeri Thomas, KGFX) (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-02-07 1121CST | save this article / add to your favorites list