Gov. Mike Parson declared a drought alert Wednesday in Missouri, the first step in directing state agencies to work together to provide as many resources and assistance to Missouri farmers and ranchers.
Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates all or parts of 60 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe or extreme drought conditions.
"With the summer months fast approaching, we want to be proactive to help mitigate the impacts of drought conditions we are experiencing," Parson said in a news release about his executive order declaring the drought alert. "Missouri farmers and ranchers often bear the brunt of the consequences of drought, and we are already starting to see early effects on crops and livestock.
"While we cannot control the weather, we are committed to doing everything we can to alleviate the strain drought causes for our agricultural families and protect our food supply chains."
The executive order directs Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to activate Missouri's Drought Assessment Committee and requests that all Missouri and federal agencies participate as needed. The committee's first meeting will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 7.
Missouri agencies participating on the committee will include the departments of conservation, agriculture, transportation, natural resources, economic development, health and senior services, and public safety.
By June 9, the committee will make preliminary recommendations, which in the past have included a hay lottery program, opening public waters for livestock and easing hay hauling restrictions.
According to the news release, Missourians can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).
It also notes a variety of resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought.
The executive order will expire Dec. 1 unless otherwise extended.