MISSOURI, USA — Family farms across Missouri aching from worsening drought conditions will soon get help from the state in the form of emergency hay and water access.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced three ways local farmers can utilize the resources Tuesday:
- 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.
- Boat ramps at 36 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) areas are also now open for water collection.
- The Missouri Department of Transporation (MoDOT) is offering special overwidth hauling permits at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay.
Water can be accessed during normal operation hours from state parks and Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) boat launches. It is available for livestock needs only, not for resale.
“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,” 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. While our prayers for rain continue, the state government will do its part to assist wherever and whenever it can.”
The Missouri governor previously issued an executive order declaring a drought alert for 60 state counties on May 31.
Those looking to obtain hay should call the local park superintendent. According to the press release, the first person who wants the hay will be issued a license to cut the hay at no cost.
Hay can help farmers provide feed for livestock if drought conditions led to limited grazing options for animals.
For more agricultural resource information, click here.
As a precaution, MDC also warns Missourians about the risk of wildfires that drought conditions may cause.