Parson declares ‘drought alert’ for state

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday signed an executive order creating a "drought alert" in the state, according to a news release.

The alert activates the state's drought plan, which is a first step in marshaling resources for drought response. The order directs a drought committee to meet starting next Wednesday.

"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 the news release. "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."

The committee is scheduled to make recommendations to Parson by June 9. That could include a hay lottery, opening public waters for livestock and easing hay-hauling restrictions, according to Parson's office.

Part of all of 60 Missouri counties are experiencing some level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The monitor, updated last Thursday, shows patches of extreme drought in Mid-Missouri in Boone, Moniteau, Morgan and Cooper counties.

A new monitor will be released Thursday morning.

Drought resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought.