Governor Issues Executive Order To Deal With Southern Missouri Drought

Missouri Governor Mike Parson has issued an Executive Order 22-04 which directs the activation of the Drought Assessment Committee and drought impact teams to examine how the affected communities, particularly in southern Missouri, may receive assistance in dealing with drought which is categorized as severe in 53 counties in Missouri.

Drought has not yet impacted any of our region due to timely rains, but the action directs the departments of Natural Resources and Conservation to allow farmers to obtain access at state parks and conservation areas in affected regions. The Department of Natural Resources will also assess state parks which may be accessible for haying. The Missouri Department of Transportation will offer special over-width hauling permits.

Governor Parson expects the drought situation to have impacts for several months.

 

Dru Buntin with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources says the DNR website will be the primary website to obtain information regarding drought assistance and drought conditions.

 

Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn says this drought has differences in its impacts in relation to the 2018 drought.

 

The Soil and Water Conservation Commission will hold a special session Monday to consider assistance and variances that can be provided to help Missouri’s agriculture producers.