News

MO drought conditions much better

Missouri’s Drought Assessment Committee is recommending Governor Parson end the drought executive order on March 1.

National Weather Service Senior Service Hydrologist Mark Fuchs says much needed rains have improved the dry conditions.

“When you look at the last 14 days, most of Missouri got more than 150% of their normal rainfall.”

If the governor accepts the recommendation the committee will no longer meet, but drought assistance programs will continue. However, some Missouri producers are still waiting for drought assistance.

Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Jeremy Mosley says Missouri has special permission to continue the Livestock Forage Program past its January deadline.

“In most areas, we’re looking at 30 to 50 producers that we’re still working with to begin to finish up. I think in the next month, we’ll wrap up the program.”

More than $143 million has already been paid out to Missouri livestock producers through LFP, but Mosley expects more than $165 million to be paid to Missouri producers through the program. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows 14% of Missouri is still experiencing dry conditions.