As we write this, it's raining outside. Looking at the weather forecast, it might be doing the same while you read this.
But don't let that fool you. A day or two of rain isn't enough to reverse a growing drought problem in parts of Missouri and a handful of other states. It's a problem that has developed over months.
The latest drought summary by the U.S. Drought Monitor says: "In the central U.S., moderate precipitation fell in parts of the High Plains while lighter rains provided little to no relief in parts of Kansas. The drought-stricken areas of Oklahoma and Texas saw little to no precipitation and triple digit temperatures, exacerbating drought conditions."
That's why we're pleased to see Gov. Mike Parson and others are taking action before the situation gets worse.
Parson signed an executive order Wednesday that declared a drought alert for 47 counties experiencing severe or extreme drought.
If you look at the U.S. Drought Monitor (droughtmonitor.unl.edi) map, you can see northern Missouri is even worse than we are in Mid-Missouri.
Recently, Parson directed the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to activate the Drought Assessment Committee and the associated drought-impact teams.
In June, the department's Soil and Water Districts Commission granted a statewide variance that allows grazing on land that normally would not have livestock on it, in an effort to help farmers deal with the drought.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is assisting Missouri livestock producers affected by drought. The state has $2 million available to help farmers plant cover crops to address inadequate feed, forage and other natural resource concerns.
Farmers and ranchers in counties affected by drought can apply for assistance at local NRCS offices until Aug. 31. The U.S. Drought Monitor Report will be used to determine eligibility. Applications for assistance in counties with the more severe drought conditions will be given priority.
More than anyone else, the drought is hurting Missouri farmers. We're glad to see Parson and other officials aren't waiting until it gets worse to address the situation.
News Tribune