Drought affects popular fall crops in Mid Missouri

By Blake Jackson

Mid-Missouri farmers are facing challenges due to drought conditions, which are now affecting popular fall crops such as pumpkins and apples.

Jay Fischer, co-owner of Fischer Farms, said the drought has delayed the growth of his pumpkins and many of them are still green. He is hoping that his pumpkins will turn their vibrant orange color in the coming weeks for their pumpkin patch events.

The drought is also leading to smaller crop sizes, according to local farmers. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Drought Assessment Committee met Wednesday to discuss the ongoing challenges.

The committee discussed how critical the next month is for soil moisture conditions and the fall planting season.

Chris Klenken, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Impact Team, said, "Some of our apples and grape producers in the state have had a pretty tough year, and kind of the second year drought, and this has been an on-going issue."

Governor Parson issued an executive order in May to declare a drought in Missouri. The order activated the drought assessment committee. Representatives of the state's Department of Natural Resources are requesting an extension to the order and expect the dry conditions to affect farmers into next spring.

The drought is having a significant impact on Mid-Missouri farmers and their crops. It is important to support local farmers during this difficult time.

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