State to give farmers access to emergency hay, water
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Governor Mike Parson announced a plan Tuesday to provide farmers with emergency hay and water as drought conditions continue in Missouri.
The governor declared a "drought alert" last month for 60 counties including more than a dozen in Mid-Missouri.
According to a news release, farmers will be able to collect water using boat ramps at 25 state parks. Boat ramps will also be accessible at 36 conservation areas.
“As drought conditions continue to deteriorate across Missouri, we want to do all we can to help our family farms mitigate the devastating effects of severe drought,” Parson said. “With the current water deficit, we know it will take a lot of rain for our state and its agricultural community to recover from the drought. While our prayers for rain continue, state government will do its part to assist wherever and whenever it can.”
The Missouri Department of Transportation is offering over-width hauling permits at no cost to help farmers transport hay. People interested in one of these permits can request one through MoDOT's website. The permits cover movement within Missouri only and are required for each truck.
State leaders also said that farmers will have access to 700 acres that are available for haying at 17 state parks. Farmers who want to get hay from these parks can contact the park superintendent to view the site. The state would then issue that person a license to cut the hay for free. Haying will be allowed on or after June 25 and must be removed by Sept. 25.
The latest drought monitor was released Thursday. The data showed that, as of last week, extreme drought continued to grow in Mid-Missouri, as most of the area is behind on seasonal rainfall. Statewide, drought grew by 7%. The state was at 0% drought this time last year.
