The Missouri Department of Agriculture is urging citizens to conserve water as drought conditions worsen across the state. Nearly all of Missouri is affected by the severe drought, posing significant challenges for farmers. Despite recent thunderstorms, hail, and high winds, the rainfall hasn't been sufficient to alleviate the drought's impact on agriculture.
Farmers are facing tough decisions, such as selling cattle early due to the lack of feed. With grasslands depleted, some farmers are forced to pay exorbitant prices for hay, impacting both livestock and beef prices.
To support farmers, the state government has announced emergency plans, allowing farmers to collect water and harvest hay from designated state parks. However, caution is advised against purchasing hay from out-of-state sources to avoid potential scams and the introduction of harmful pests.
The dire situation may lead to crop harvesting starting earlier than usual, impacting yields. The Missouri Department of Agriculture offers mental health resources for farmers through the AgriStress hotline.
The Drought Assessment Committee continues to monitor the situation, and the state urges citizens to submit information about local drought conditions to create accurate maps and facilitate collaboration with federal partners.
Missouri's water conservation efforts remain critical to tackle the severe drought crisis and support its agricultural community during this challenging time.
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Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Weather