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State okays options for livestock producers in drought

Missouri Governor Mike Parson says the state’s farmers and ranchers will now have access to water and hay in state parks and special hay hauling permits as the drought continues.

Producers must contact the Department of Conservation’s area managers before collecting water from state parks during operational hours and the water is not available for resale. Seventeen state parks can be hayed with a special permit.

To obtain special hay hauling permits, producers should contact the Missouri Department of Transportation.

In the last week, the U.S. Drought Monitor says nearly 87% of Missouri is experiencing dry conditions with about 8% in extreme drought.

Dru Buntin, the director of Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources, told Brownfield at last week’s Drought Assessment Committee meeting more could be done if conditions worsen.

“The ag impact team will meet and look to see if there are additional recommendations of things we should be doing focused on the ag sector.”

Check out more drought assistance details here.