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Missouri drought committee extends alert

While the drought is improving in portions of Missouri, state leaders and experts continue to monitor the situation. Nate Goodrich with the Missouri Natural Resources Conservation Service says pastures are in dire need.

“I was talking with a producer in southwest Missouri and it’s not a matter of when the grass will come back, because it’s not. The heat came along with the drought and killed the cool-season grass.”

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is concerned about feeding livestock this winter. Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Jeremy Mosley says 57 Missouri counties are eligible for the Livestock Forage Program.

“Today, we’ve put out more than $83 million dollars across the state, that’s 67% of applications complete. We’ve paid more than 11,700 applications.”

The Missouri Drought Assessment Committee will recommend Governor Parson extend a drought alert for 53 Missouri counties through spring. The committee will continue the conversation on ways to support those affected by drought.