In response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state, Missouri Governor Mike Parson this week announced the availability and process for Missouri family farms to obtain emergency hay and water.
Boat ramps at 25 Missouri state parks will be open for farmers to collect water with almost 700 acres available for haying at 17 state parks. In addition, boat ramps at 36 Missouri Department of Conservation areas are also now open for water collection. Meanwhile, the Missouri Department of Transportation is offering special overwidth hauling permits at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay.
“As drought conditions continue to deteriorate across Missouri, we want to do all we can to help our family farms mitigate the devastating effects of severe drought,” Governor Parson said. “With the current water deficit, we know it will take a lot of rain for our state and its agricultural community to recover from the drought.” For more information including mapping, see the Missouri Department of Natural Resources drought webpage.