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Water rights hot topic in Missouri

The president of the Missouri Soybean Association says protecting water rights is at the top of the group’s legislative priorities.

Renee Fordyce, who farms near Bethany, says proactive legislation has been introduced to safeguard the state’s water resources.

“Missouri is a riparian state, which means anyone can come take our water.”  She says, “We’re good neighbors.  We like to share, but we kind of like to know where the water is going.  So, we just want to put forward some legislation that that says if you want our water, let’s apply for a permit and then you can have it.”

Jacob Knaebel, associate director of policy with the Missouri Corn Growers Association, tells Brownfield their group is also pushing the legislation.

“We don’t want to be like the West, where they have to prior allocate their water rights in the state and tell farmers exactly how much water they can use to irrigate and whatnot.”  He says, “It would simply stipulate that Missouri water resources are for Missourians first before they can be exported out of the state.”

Fordyce says a commission, which would include farmers, would be formed to assist the Department of Natural Resources with the permit review process.

Brownfield’s Cyndi Young spoke with Fordyce at the recent Missouri Soybean Association Annual Meeting.

AUDIO: Renee Fordyce – MSA