Parson announces programs to help farmers

Directors of multiple state agencies and representatives of farming associations met with Gov. Mike Parson, second from right, Monday in his Capitol office to deliver an update on drought conditions and the ways state agencies are offering assistance. Sara Pauley of Missouri Department of Conservation, speaking, stated the MDC is opening up access to water for farmers to be able to haul for their use. Seated second from left is Carol Comer, director of Department of Natural Resources and at right is Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn.
Directors of multiple state agencies and representatives of farming associations met with Gov. Mike Parson, second from right, Monday in his Capitol office to deliver an update on drought conditions and the ways state agencies are offering assistance. Sara Pauley of Missouri Department of Conservation, speaking, stated the MDC is opening up access to water for farmers to be able to haul for their use. Seated second from left is Carol Comer, director of Department of Natural Resources and at right is Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn.

Gov. Mike Parson on Monday announced a pair of programs his administration hopes will help farmers stave off the worst effects of this summer's drought.

A lottery will be used to disburse hay from approximately 900 acres of state land to farmers throughout the state. The plan will also allow livestock farmers to pump up to 5,000 gallons of water per day from 28 conservation areas and five state parks.

Parson made the announcement at a news conference Monday with representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Department of Conservation.

Scattered rain showers Sunday blanketed portions of Mid-Missouri with up to 2 inches of rain, according to National Weather Service data. Parson said the showers helped but did little to alleviate the drought.

"It's been a blessing for some parts of our state," Parson said. "However, drought conditions are still very serious."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture showed Thursday that parts of northern Moniteau, Cole and western Callaway counties are experiencing extreme drought conditions. Severe drought conditions also now cover almost all of Cole County and much of Callaway County. Drought conditions appear to be worst in northwestern Missouri, northeastern Missouri and southwestern Missouri, according to the USDA drought monitor.

Parson said all options are on the table to combat the drought. The two moves made Monday were designed to help livestock farmers throughout the state.

"Our farmers need our support," Parson said. "I want them to know that their state government will continue to be on the front line with them."

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn said conditions are so bad in some parts of the state that farmers are hauling hay in from other states. In normal years, farmers do not need to refill farm ponds in August because they get replenished by winter snow, Chinn said. However, this year, many areas around Jefferson City have received 2-4 inches less precipitation than normal, according to NWS data.

"We already were behind on the rainfall because we didn't have a lot of snow through the winter," Chinn said.

Missouri Cattlemen's Association President Mike Deering said the access to hay helps, but access to water is a bigger problem for cattle farmers.

"When you're getting short on hay, there are some things you can do to get creative," Deering said. "There is no alternative to water, so you have to have access to water for your livestock."

Livestock farmers around Mid-Missouri can pump water from Binder Lake in Jefferson City, Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area in Fulton and Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area in Chamois. To make arrangements, farmers can call 573-751-4115, extension 3209.

The hay lottery opened Monday and runs through Saturday. Haying will be done at 15 locations in Missouri, including Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in Columbia and Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton.

Farmers can find more information about the water pumping program and the hay lottery at dnr.mo.gov/droughtresources.htm.

Parson and the DNR have already created a drought assessment committee to assess the impacts of this year's drought. The DNR also granted a statewide variance that allowed grazing on land normally unavailable for grazing. The state has $2 million available to help farmers plant cover crops, address inadequate feed and forage and to address other natural resource questions relating to the drought.

Farmers must have their own equipment to pump water. Deering hopes local fire departments will help farmers haul water.

During another crippling drought in 2012, the state issued emergency grants to help farmers drill wells, run water pipes and install water pumps. Parson said no similar programs are being planned right now. Still, the state may look at other programs to help row crop farmers and livestock farmers if the drought worsens, Parson said.

"We're looking at everything," Parson said. "This is a long way from being over."

Deering liked the steps taken by Parson but said many more small steps will need to be taken to help farmers.

"There is nothing that came out of today or nothing that government can do to totally solve the problem," Deering said. "But this administration is taking steps to mitigate this in the best way they can."